- Docente: Ilaria Chiocchio
- Credits: 6
- SSD: BIO/15
- Language: Italian
- Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
- Campus: Bologna
- Corso: Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Plant and Agricultural Biotechnology (cod. 6787)
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from Sep 15, 2025 to Dec 01, 2025
Learning outcomes
At the end of the course, the student knows the theoretical and practical aspects related to the specialized metabolism of plants of nutritional, medicinal, and cosmetic interest. This will be coupled with an understanding of the main techniques for the qualitative/quantitative analysis of relevant metabolites, as well as the novel techniques for plants metabolomic analysis.
Course contents
The course consists of 50 hours of lectures, 6 hours of practical laboratory and 4 hours of computer laboratory. The topics covered are as follows:
- Plant's specilized metabolites and biosynthetic pathways
- Biological role and Applications of Specialized Metabolites for Humans
- Techniques employed fot the obtainment and analysis of specialized metaboliyes
- Metabolomics: General Aspects
- Experimental Design for Metabolomic Analysis of Plants
- Key Analytical Techniques for Metabolomic Analysis of Plants
- Major Applications of Metabolomics in Plant Science
- Hands-on: Laboratory experience (extraction of plant material and Thin Layer Chromatography)
- Hands-on: Computer Session for Data Processing of a Case Study
Prerequisites: basic knowledge of inorganic and organic chemistry.
Readings/Bibliography
Dewick “Chimica, biosintesi e bioattività delle sostanze naturali” Ed. Piccin.
Scientific papers and reviews (provided by the professor).
Teaching methods
Lectures and dialogues supported by PowerPoint and video presentations.
Practical laboratory and computer-based exercises.
Assessment methods
The assessment of learning takes place via an oral interview (duration approx. 20-30 min). In order to pass the examination, it is necessary to demonstrate at least a basic knowledge of the core topics of the course. The student's critical ability with respect to case studies from the literature will also be assessed.
Teaching tools
Power point slides, video, and scientific papers.
Office hours
See the website of Ilaria Chiocchio
SDGs
This teaching activity contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda.