B8803 - BIOTECNOLOGIE APPLICATE ALLA RIPRODUZIONE

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, the student has knowledge of developmental biology, genomics, and epigenomics of gametes and embryos under physiological and pathological conditions; is able to apply techniques for the manipulation and preservation of gametes and embryos, assisted reproduction techniques, and embryo sexing techniques; is familiar with sperm sexing techniques; is able to work in a team and operate in an assisted reproduction laboratory; and is able to understand the impact of the acquired techniques on animal health and welfare.

Course contents

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

Upon completion of the integrated course, students will have acquired knowledge of reproductive physiology, reproductive biotechnologies, and the main animal cloning techniques. Students will be able to apply embryo production techniques and methods for gamete and embryo preservation, as well as critically evaluate their impact on both human and animal health.

COURSE-SPECIFIC PREREQUISITES

To facilitate understanding of the course contents, students are expected to have previously acquired knowledge of the normal morphology and physiology of the male and female reproductive systems, as well as the basic principles of embryology.

Students are also required to have a good command of written and spoken English in order to understand lecture slides, read excerpts from scientific publications, textbooks and manuals, and follow educational videos (Teaching Regulations: Art. 4 – Attendance and Prerequisites – http://www.vet.unibo.it/NR/rdonlyres/08E3C369-31C6-48AB-B63B-E5D3F367C01A/253007/RegolamentodidatticoCdS8618.pdf ).

COURSE CONTENTSLectures

• Laboratory organization, equipment required for assisted reproduction, and quality control (1 hour)

• National and international regulations governing animal reproduction (1 hour)

• Epigenetic mechanisms of embryonic development. Effects of in vitro procedures on embryonic epigenetic regulation (2 hours)

• Semen collection techniques (1 hour)

• Semen evaluation (3 hours)

• Semen sexing (1 hour)

• Semen preservation (2 hours)

• Collection and classification of female gametes (2 hours)

• Preservation of female gametes (2 hours)

• In vitro oocyte maturation (2 hours)

• In vitro fertilization (1 hour)

• Assisted fertilization techniques (2 hours)

• In vitro embryo culture (2 hours)

• Morphological evaluation, sexing, cryopreservation, and embryo transfer (2 hours)

Practical Sessions / Laboratory Activities

• Collection and in vitro maturation of bovine oocytes (4 hours)

• Assessment of oocyte maturation, semen preparation, and in vitro fertilization (4 hours)

• Preparation of embryo culture dishes (2 hours)

• Embryo culture (zygote culture) (2 hours)

• Cryopreservation of oocytes and embryos (4 hours)

• Collection and maturation of equine oocytes (4 hours)

• Fixation and staining of oocytes on microscope slides (4 hours)

• Isolation of epididymal spermatozoa and assessment of sperm viability (4 hours)

• Educational visit to the National Institute for Artificial Insemination (4 hours)

Readings/Bibliography

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

The instructor will also upload scientific articles and review papers relevant to the course topics. Students are strongly encouraged to read these materials, as they provide valuable support for understanding the subject and preparing for the examination.

Recommended Reading

• Hafez, B., & Hafez, E.S.E. Reproduction in Farm Animals, 7th Edition. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2008. ISBN: 0-683-30577-8.

• Gordon, I. Reproductive Technologies in Farm Animals. CABI Publishing, CAB International, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, UK, 2004. ISBN: 0-85199-862.

• Rocco, L. Biologia e tecniche della riproduzione. Edi-Ermes, Milan, 2021. ISBN: 978-88-7051-747-7.

• Gordon, I. Laboratory Production of Cattle Embryos, 2nd Edition. Biotechnology in Agriculture Series, No. 27. CAB International, 2003. ISBN: 0851996663.

• McKinnon, A.O., & Voss, J.L. Equine Reproduction. Lea & Febiger, Philadelphia, 1997.

Teaching methods

The course consists of lectures and practical laboratory sessions.

During the lectures, students will be introduced to and discuss the theoretical principles of assisted reproduction and related reproductive technologies.

During the practical laboratory sessions, students will apply the knowledge acquired during the lectures by performing laboratory procedures, within the limits of the available equipment and facilities.

Given the nature of the teaching activities and methods adopted, attendance requires successful completion of Modules 1 and 2 of the University e-learning training programme, as well as Module 3 on health and safety in study environments. Information regarding the schedule and enrolment procedures for Module 3 is available in the dedicated section of the Degree Programme website.

Attendance at laboratory sessions requires students to wear a laboratory coat and appropriate closed-toe footwear. Personal protective equipment (PPE) required for the specific laboratory activities, such as disposable latex gloves, will be provided.

The practical component of the course also includes an educational visit to the National Institute for Artificial Insemination (INFA). Appropriate clothing and suitable footwear are mandatory for access to the Institute.

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

Teaching will be supported by PowerPoint presentations, videos, scientific publications from peer-reviewed journals, and specialized websites. Interactive teaching tools, such as clickers or online applications, will also be used to promote active student participation.

Practical sessions will make use of specialized laboratory equipment for the collection, evaluation, and manipulation of gametes and embryos, as well as for cell culture techniques.

Students experiencing difficulties in understanding the course material are encouraged to contact the instructor by email (eleonora.iacono2@unibo.it) to arrange an individual meeting. When appropriate, additional learning resources and supporting materials will be provided.

Office hours

See the website of Eleonora Iacono