85048 - Genetics and Sport

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, students will have gained an in-depth understanding of gene expression and its regulation, inheritance patterns, and genetic predisposition, with particular emphasis on the role of genes associated with athletic performance. They will also have explored recent advances in genomics and gene therapy, gaining insight into the development of gene doping and gene delivery approaches used to enhance athletic performance across different sports.

Course contents

Gene expression and regulation

Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance; genetic mutations

Genome variability (SNPs – Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms)

Genetic predisposition and sports performance

New frontiers in genomics and gene therapy

Gene doping

Readings/Bibliography

Recommended Biology and Genetics textbooks for the Applied Biology course (First Year, SAMS course).

Additional information on recommended textbooks and scientific articles will be provided at the beginning of the course.

Teaching methods

Lectures

 

Journal Club: critical reading of scientific articles (individually or in small groups), followed by an oral presentation and discussion with the instructor.

Assessment methods

Written examination: multiple-choice and open-ended questions.

Final assessment: the final grade will be based on the written examination and the Journal Club assignment, which consists of the presentation and discussion of a scientific article.

Teaching tools

The detailed course syllabus, recommended textbooks, and any additional learning materials will be made available on the Virtuale platform.

Office hours

See the website of Raffaella Casadei