D0202 - BIOTECNOLOGIE APPLICATE ALLA RIPRODUZIONE E TECNICHE DI CLONAZIONE

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student will be familiar with in vitro embryo production techniques and the methods for the preservation of gametes and embryos, and will be able to critically analyze their impact on human and animal health.

Course contents

Prerequisites

Students are required to possess an adequate command of written and spoken English in order to understand lecture slides, scientific papers, textbook chapters, and instructional videos used during the course (Teaching Regulations: Art. 4 – Attendance and Prerequisites).

Course Contents

The course is organized as follows:

• Overview of national and international regulations concerning animal reproduction (1 hour)

• Fertilization and embryonic development in mammals (1 hour)

• Semen evaluation and assessment (2 hours)

• Semen preservation and storage techniques (2 hours)

• Collection, classification, handling, and preservation of female gametes (2 hours)

• In vitro embryo production (3 hours)

• Morphological evaluation, cryopreservation, and embryo transfer (3 hours)

• Principles and techniques of animal cloning (2 hours)

Readings/Bibliography

Teaching Materials and Recommended Reading

The teaching materials required for examination preparation consist of the lecture slides and course notes prepared by the instructor. These materials are made available to students through the University e-learning platform:

https://virtuale.unibo.it/

Students wishing to further explore the topics covered in the course may consult the following recommended textbooks:

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

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

3. Rocco, L. (2021). Biologia e Tecniche della Riproduzione. Edi-Ermes, Milan, Italy. ISBN: 978-88-7051-747-7.

4. Gordon, I. (2003). Laboratory Production of Cattle Embryos (2nd ed.). Biotechnology in Agriculture Series No. 27. CABI Publishing. ISBN: 0851996663.

5. McKinnon, A.O. & Voss, J.L. (1997). Equine Reproduction. Lea & Febiger, Philadelphia, USA.

Teaching methods

The course consists of face-to-face lectures during which the theoretical principles of assisted reproduction in veterinary medicine and the related technologies applied to the main livestock and companion animal species will be presented and discussed.

To support learning and facilitate the understanding of practical procedures, the instructor will make use of educational videos illustrating the main reproductive biotechnologies and laboratory techniques covered during the course.

Assessment methods

Assessment for the Integrated Course Applied Biotechnologies for Reproduction, Regenerative and Translational Medicine consists of a written examination conducted in person through the University online examination platform (Esami Online – EOL).

The examination includes a total of 24 questions, structured as follows:

• 5 multiple-choice questions for each module of the integrated course, for a total of 20 multiple-choice questions (1 point for each correct answer);

• 1 open-ended question for each module of the integrated course, for a total of 4 open-ended questions (graded from 0 to 2.5 points each).

Unanswered questions receive a score of zero.

Students have 30 minutes to complete the examination.

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

With regard to the learning assessment, the use of AI is prohibited. Any use of AI constitutes a breach of academic integrity.

The examination is passed with a minimum final grade of 18/30.

A failing performance does not result in a numerical grade but is recorded as either withdrawn or failed in the electronic examination record on AlmaEsami and therefore does not affect the student's academic transcript.

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

Students may reject the final grade once by notifying the coordinating instructor via e-mail within five working days from the publication of the results.

The coordinating instructor responsible for the official registration of grades for this Integrated Course is Prof. Eleonora Iacono.

Students may register for examination sessions through the AlmaEsami platform (https://almaesami.unibo.it/ ). Examination sessions are scheduled within the periods established by the academic calendar. Additional examination sessions are reserved for students who are beyond the normal duration of their degree programme.

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (DSA)

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

Teaching tools

Teaching activities will make use of a personal computer and multimedia projector, educational videos, scientific publications from peer-reviewed journals, specialized websites, and interactive learning platforms such as Kahoot and Wooclap to enhance student engagement and participation.

Should students encounter difficulties in understanding course topics, the instructor is available for individual meetings and clarification sessions by prior appointment via e-mail.

Office hours

See the website of Eleonora Iacono