05546 - Agricultural Genetics

Learning outcomes

This course gives the basis of Mendelian genetics, quantitative genetics, population genetics, and of the main biotechnological applications. The course gives also some example of plant breeding, to understand the economic importance of genetics and the relevance of the management genetic resources in sustainable agriculture.

Course contents

PREREQUISITES

Basic knowledge of chemistry, biology, mathematics and statistics is useful for following the course successfully. This knowledge is normally acquired in upper secondary school and in the basic courses taught during the first semester of the first year, with which this course is coordinated.

CONTENTS

The course includes 36 hours of lectures and 24 hours of practical classes and applied activities. After an introduction to the learning objectives, teaching materials and examination procedures, the course covers the following topics:

1. Molecular basis of genetic information: hereditary material, DNA composition and replication, RNA, gene expression, transcription, genetic code, translation and the main levels of regulation. DNA analysis: electrophoresis, restriction and ligation, PCR.
2. Inheritance of traits: sexual reproduction, genetic aspects of mitosis and meiosis, meiotic recombination, Mendel’s experiments, dominance, segregation and independent assortment. Integration with the Biology course: reproduction, mitosis and meiosis; integration with the Statistics course: probability and the chi-square test.
3. The dynamic genome and mutations: gene, chromosome and genome mutations, polyploidy and the evolution of plant genomes. Elements of genetic engineering and assisted evolution techniques, including gene editing.
4. Inheritance of quantitative traits: Johannsen’s experiments, genotypic and environmental effects, agronomic and economic importance of quantitative traits, components of the mean and variance, inbreeding and heterosis. Integration with the Statistics course: mean and variance.
5. Population genetics: Hardy–Weinberg law, mutation, migration, selection, non-random mating, population size, genetic drift, genetic erosion, conservation of intraspecific genetic biodiversity and evolution.
6. Evolution, plant breeding and enhancement of biodiversity: introductory elements of domestication and the history of plant breeding, general principles of breeding programme management, genetics in seed production and seed trade.

Practical activities (24 hours):
a) demonstrations of simple DNA analyses;
b) examination of data collected by students or simulated by the lecturer, and simple statistical analyses;
c) group activities on how to retrieve and assess information in genetics, critical analysis guided by the lecturer and carried out by the students, preparation of reports and presentation of short seminars.

Knowledge and skills acquired through the practical activities: familiarity with the results of diagnostic analyses used for forensic or commercial purposes; application of the scientific method in genetics through statistical testing of data; ability to acquire new information independently, critically assess it and verify sources, including sources in English; experience of teamwork and public presentation of technical material.

Readings/Bibliography

Preparation for the examination requires the study of one of the following textbooks, supplemented by the materials made available on Virtuale:

F. Lorenzetti et al., Genetica agraria. Genetica e biotecnologie applicate all’agricoltura, Patron, Bologna, 6th ed., 2025.

M. Busconi et al., Genetica agraria, EdiSES, Naples, 2016.

G. Barcaccia, M. Falcinelli, Genetica e genomica, Vol. I, Genetica vegetale, Liguori, Naples, 2005; G. Barcaccia, M. Falcinelli, Genetica e genomica, Vol. II, Miglioramento genetico, Liguori, Naples, 2005.

The materials available on Virtuale include lecture outlines, datasets for practical activities, sample exercises, materials for group work, bibliographic references and supporting materials for seminar preparation. These materials support study but do not replace the textbooks listed for examination preparation.

For the seminar activity, bibliographic sources are agreed with the lecturer and uploaded to the group workspace on Virtuale. Sources may include textbooks, scientific articles and other verifiable sources, in accordance with the seminar guidance document.

Teaching methods

The course includes 36 hours of lectures and 24 hours of practical classes, applied activities and voluntary seminars.

Lectures introduce the fundamental concepts of agricultural genetics. Practical classes include the analysis of simple laboratory results, use of experimental or simulated data, genetic interpretation exercises, discussion of case studies and group activities. These activities are intended to develop analytical skills and encourage the critical use of technical and scientific sources.

The voluntary seminar consists of an in-depth study of a topic in agricultural genetics using bibliographic sources agreed with the lecturer, followed by the preparation of a short abstract and an oral presentation. Operational instructions are available on Virtuale.

Students with officially recognised status or work–study/life–study needs may agree with the lecturer on alternative arrangements for completing the voluntary seminar, while maintaining the same objectives and assessment criteria.

Given the type of activities and teaching methods adopted, attendance at any activities carried out in laboratories, teaching/demonstration fields or other places involving specific risks requires completion of Modules 1 and 2 in e-learning mode [https://www.unibo.it/it/servizi-e-opportunita/salute-e-assistenza/salute-e-sicurezza/sicurezza-e-salute-nei-luoghi-di-studio-e-tirocinio ] and participation in Module 3 on specific health and safety training in study environments. Information on dates and attendance procedures is available in the relevant section of the Degree Programme website (“Study” — “Compulsory health and safety training”).

 

Assessment methods

The examination may be taken in English upon request.

Assessment is based on a 60-minute written examination held in person. The examination assesses knowledge of the course topics, correct use of technical terminology and the ability to apply knowledge in molecular, Mendelian, quantitative and population-genetics contexts.

The written examination consists of 30 closed-ended questions and 3 open-ended questions. The closed-ended questions are multiple-choice, with four options and only one correct answer, and are worth 0.5 points each, for a maximum of 15 points. The open-ended questions are assessed for correctness, completeness and ability to connect different topics, and are worth up to 5 points each, for a maximum of 15 points. The maximum score for the written examination is therefore 30/30, and the examination is passed with a score of at least 18/30.

The use of books, notes, electronic devices or generative artificial intelligence tools is not permitted during the written examination.

There are no intermediate assessments contributing to the final grade. Self-assessment quizzes are available on Virtuale.

Participation in supplementary learning activities may contribute up to 3 additional points, provided that the written examination has been passed with a score of at least 18/30. The seminar is assessed on the basis of the bibliography, abstract, organisation of the presentation and critical evaluation.

For group activities, assessment takes account of each student’s identifiable individual contribution. Further details are available on Virtuale.

A limited, declared and non-substitutive use of generative artificial intelligence is permitted for seminar activities and individual study. AI may not be used to replace the reading of sources, generate unverified content or complete substantial parts of the assignment.

The final grade is determined by the sum of the assessment scores, up to a maximum of 30/30. Honours may be awarded for an excellent performance showing full command of the subject, terminological accuracy and the ability to connect different course topics.

Students with specific learning disabilities or temporary or permanent disabilities are advised to contact the relevant University office well in advance (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en ). The office will propose any appropriate adjustments, which must in all cases be submitted to the lecturer for approval at least 15 days in advance. The lecturer will assess their suitability also in relation to the learning objectives of the course.

Teaching tools

Personal computer and video projector are used for classroom activities.

Teaching activities are supported by a personal computer, video projector, graphic materials, animations, videos, outlines, datasets, exercises and self-assessment quizzes for study support and examination preparation.

The Virtuale platform is used to provide teaching materials, datasets for practical activities, bibliographic references, seminar materials, group workspaces and lecturer–student communications. Materials uploaded to Virtuale support both individual study and practical activities.

The University Library System is a useful resource for finding textbooks, scientific articles and technical and scientific sources, particularly for seminar preparation.

Generative artificial intelligence tools may be used for individual study only as a non-substitutive support. Information obtained through AI must always be checked against the recommended textbooks, course materials or reliable scientific sources.

 

Office hours

See the website of Elisabetta Frascaroli