B8804 - TECNICHE DI CLONAZIONE

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, the student is familiar with the applications, advantages, and limitations of the main cloning techniques; understands the cloning techniques used in the biomedical and livestock sectors; and is able to assess the impact of the acquired techniques on animal health and welfare for biomedical and livestock applications.

Course contents

This course is part of the Integrated Course “APPLIED REPRODUCTIVE BIOTECHNOLOGIES AND CLONING TECHNIQUES ”.

The course provides students with the theoretical background and practical applications of the main cloning techniques used in biomedical and animal production (livestock) fields.

Upon completion of the Integrated Course unit, the student will be able to:

• understand the biological principles of cellular and animal cloning;
• explain the methodologies used in the different cloning techniques;
• distinguish the advantages, limitations, and critical issues associated with the various experimental approaches;
• evaluate the applications of cloning in biomedical research, regenerative medicine, and animal production;
• analyze the ethical, legal, and animal welfare issues related to the use of cloning technologies.

SPECIFIC PREREQUISITES FOR THIS COURSE:

To better understand the topics covered in this course, students are advised to have already acquired knowledge in the following areas: genetic engineering and in vitro embryo production.

SPECIFIC COURSE CONTENTS:

The syllabus is structured as follows:

Lectures (18 hours)

• Introduction to cloning techniques: definitions, historical development, and major applications (2 h)
• Biological basis of cloning: totipotency, pluripotency, cell differentiation, nuclear reprogramming, and epigenetics (2 h)
• Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT): biological principles, experimental protocols, efficiency, and limitations (2 h)
• Embryo cloning: embryo splitting and its applications (2 h)
• Therapeutic cloning and stem cells: principles and prospects for regenerative medicine (2 h)
• Biomedical applications of cloning: animal models, production of recombinant proteins, and translational research (2 h)
• Livestock applications of cloning: genetic improvement, conservation of genetic resources, and animal production (2 h)
• Impact of cloning technologies on animal health and welfare (2 h)
• Ethical, legal, and future perspectives of cloning technologies (2 h)

At the end of the lecture sessions, students will participate in six additional hours of shared activities, during which they will investigate a topic assigned by the instructor through the analysis of recent scientific literature. The activity includes:

• assignment of the topic and development of a work plan (2 h);
• critical review of the scientific literature and preparation of a report (2 h);
• ·oral presentation and group discussion of the results (2 h).

This activity is designed to develop students' skills in critical analysis of scientific literature, teamwork, and scientific communication, and constitutes an integral part of the course assessment.

Readings/Bibliography

The teaching materials for this course are available on the Virtuale Learning Environment (https://virtuale.unibo.it/?lang=en ).

Reference textbook: Cibelli, J., Lanza, R., & Campbell, K. Principles of Cloning. Academic Press.

Updated reference literature for each topic will be made available on the Virtuale platform throughout the course.

Teaching methods

The course consists of lectures and group activities. Lectures will be delivered as face-to-face classroom sessions. Group activities will take place in the classroom and in the computer laboratory.

Assessment methods

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 onReproductive Physiology for Biotechnology;
• 17 questions onBiotechnologies Applied to Reproduction;
• 17 questions onCloning 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 least36/60correct answers overall, including:

• at least14/26inReproductive Physiology for Biotechnology;
• at least11/17inBiotechnologies Applied to Reproduction;
• at least11/17inCloning 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 onAlmaEsamiat least two hours before the start of the second assessment component. The written examination contributes60%to the final course grade.

• Part 2 – Practical laboratory examination

The second part consists of a practical laboratory examination for the moduleBiotechnologies 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 of18/30is required to pass the practical examination, which contributes30%to the final course grade.

• Part 3 – Group project

The third part consists of a group project for the moduleCloning 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 contributes10%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 of18/30is required to pass.

Failure does not result in a numerical grade but is recorded as eitherwithdrawnorfailedin 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 onAlmaEsami(https://almaesami.unibo.it/ ) within five working days after the examination date.

Students may refuse the final grade up totwo timesby 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 isProf. Eleonora Iacono.

Students may register for examination sessions throughAlmaEsami(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 least15 daysbefore 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, dedicated software, and interactive classroom quizzes.

In case of difficulty understanding the course content, the instructor is available for clarification meetings, which must be scheduled via email.

Office hours

See the website of Barbara Merlo