B8802 - FISIOLOGIA DELLA RIPRODUZIONE PER LE BIOTECNOLOGIE

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, the student understands the physiology of gametes and animal reproduction; understands the fundamentals of the main reproductive biotechnologies; and is able to carry out basic manipulations of male and female gametes.

Course contents

This course is part of the Integrated Course "Applied Biotechnologies for Reproduction and Cloning Techniques."

COURSE-SPECIFIC CONTENTS

The course is organized as follows.

Lectures

• General endocrinology. Hormones: synthesis, secretion, metabolism, and mechanisms of action. Interactions between the nervous and endocrine systems. (2 hours)
• Basic anatomy of the male and female reproductive systems in domestic animal species. (0.5 hours)
• Puberty. Endocrine aspects and factors influencing the onset of puberty. (1 hour)
• Female reproductive physiology. Folliculogenesis and its hormonal regulation. Oocyte maturation. Endocrine control of ovulation. Formation and regression of the corpus luteum. The estrous cycle. Factors affecting reproductive cycles. (6 hours)
• Male reproductive physiology. Endocrine regulation of testicular function. Spermatogenesis. Epididymal sperm maturation. (2.5 hours)
• Copulation. Sperm transport through the female reproductive tract. Sperm capacitation (in vivo and in vitro). Sperm–oocyte interactions, fertilization, and pre-implantation embryo development. Maternal recognition of pregnancy. Pregnancy. Parturition. (4 hours)

Practical Classes/Laboratory Activities

• Functional analysis of the male and female reproductive tracts using organs collected at the slaughterhouse. (2 hours)
• Guided viewing and discussion of videos covering different veterinary species, focusing on estrous behaviour, parturition, and maternal behaviour. (2 hours)
• Collection of porcine cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs). In vitro maturation (IVM) of porcine oocytes. (4 hours)
• Preparation and microscopic evaluation of boar semen samples, including assessment of sperm viability, concentration, and motility. (4 hours)
• Guided viewing and discussion of videos on in vivo and in vitro fertilization (IVF). Mounting of oocytes on microscope slides. Simulation of IVM-IVF assessment using fixed samples under the microscope. (4 hours)

Readings/Bibliography

Course teaching materials are available on the University's Virtuale e-learning platform (https://virtuale.unibo.it/ ).

Recommended references:

• Sjaastad O.V., Sand O., Hove K. Physiology of Domestic Animals. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, Rozzano (Milan).
• Hafez B., Hafez H.S.E. Reproduction in Farm Animals. Wiley-Blackwell, Oxford, 2016.

Teaching methods

The course includes both theoretical lectures and practical/laboratory sessions.

Considering the types of activities and teaching methods adopted, attendance for this course requires the successful completion of Modules 1 and 2 via e-learning, and Module 3 on health and safety training in study environments. Information about the schedule and access to Module 3 is available in the dedicated section of the Degree Program website.

Participation in practical and laboratory sessions requires wearing a lab coat and appropriate footwear. Suitable personal protective equipment (PPE), such as disposable latex gloves, will be provided as needed.

Assessment methods

Assessment for the Integrated Course "Biotechnologies Applied to Reproduction and Cloning Techniques" consists of three components:

• Part 1 – Written examination

The first part consists of an 80-minute written test including 60 questions (multiple-choice and completion questions) covering the topics taught in all modules of the integrated course. The test is designed to assess the acquisition of the expected theoretical knowledge.

The questions are distributed as follows:

• 26 questions on Reproductive Physiology for Biotechnology;
• 17 questions on Biotechnologies Applied to Reproduction;
• 17 questions on Cloning Techniques.

Each correct answer is awarded 1 point, while incorrect or unanswered questions receive 0 points.

To pass the written examination, students must obtain at least 36/60 correct answers overall, including:

• at least 14/26 in Reproductive Physiology for Biotechnology;
• at least 11/17 in Biotechnologies Applied to Reproduction;
• at least 11/17 in Cloning Techniques.

During the written examination, the use of supporting materials or electronic devices (including calculators, tablets, smartwatches, and computers) is not permitted, except for any materials expressly authorized by the instructor.

The written examination results will be published on AlmaEsami at least two hours before the start of the second assessment component.

The written examination contributes 60% to the final course grade.

• Part 2 – Practical laboratory examination

The second part consists of a practical laboratory examination for the module Biotechnologies Applied to Reproduction, aimed at assessing the acquisition of practical laboratory skills.

Students are required to demonstrate their ability to correctly perform the laboratory procedures covered during the course, including semen quality assessment, manipulation of gametes and embryos, preparation of culture plates, and proper use of laboratory equipment.

The practical examination also includes theoretical questions designed to assess students' understanding of the scientific principles underlying the laboratory procedures and their ability to explain the rationale behind the techniques performed.

The result of the practical examination is communicated immediately after the assessment.

A minimum score of 18/30 is required to pass the practical examination, which contributes 30% to the final course grade.

• Part 3 – Group project

The third part consists of a group project for the module Cloning Techniques. The project is intended to develop students' critical thinking, teamwork, and scientific communication skills.

The topic and detailed instructions will be provided by the instructor.

Completion of the group project is mandatory for attending students. The project is assessed using a three-level scale (1 = satisfactory, 2 = good, 3 = excellent) and contributes 10% to the final course grade.

Non-attending students will instead be required to answer an additional question during the practical laboratory examination.

Artificial Intelligence

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools during any assessment is strictly prohibited. Any unauthorized use of AI constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

Final Grade

Students pass the examination only if all assessment components are successfully completed. The final grade is calculated as the weighted average of the results obtained in the three assessment components and is expressed on a 30-point scale. A minimum final grade of 18/30 is required to pass.

Failure does not result in a numerical grade but is recorded as either withdrawn or failed in the electronic examination record on AlmaEsami. Such outcomes do not affect the student's academic record.

The results of the individual assessment components and the final examination grade will be published on AlmaEsami(https://almaesami.unibo.it/ ) within five working days after the examination date.

Students may refuse the final grade up to two times by notifying the instructor responsible for recording the grade via email within five working days.

The instructor responsible for recording the final grade for this course is Prof. Eleonora Iacono.

Students may register for examination sessions through AlmaEsami (http://almaesami.unibo.it/ ). Examination sessions are scheduled within the assessment periods established in the University's academic calendar. Additional examination sessions are available for students who are beyond the standard duration of their degree programme.

Students with Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) or Temporary/Permanent Disabilities

Students with specific learning disorders (SLD) or temporary or permanent disabilities are encouraged to contact the University's dedicated support office well in advance (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it/per-studenti ). The office will propose any appropriate accommodations, which must be submitted to the course instructor at least 15 days before the examination for approval. The instructor will evaluate the requested accommodations in relation to the intended learning outcomes of the course.

Teaching tools

Lectures will be supported by PowerPoint presentations and  videos.

All teaching materials will be uploaded to the official University of Bologna (UNIBO) repository.

Practical sessions will make use of videos and PowerPoint presentations. Laboratory equipment (including microscopes, stereomicroscopes, and incubators) as well as biological materials (semen samples, ovaries, and organs collected from slaughterhouses) will also be used.

In case of difficulties in understanding the subject, the teacher is available to meet students for a clarification interview by appointment via e-mail.

Office hours

See the website of Marcella Spinaci