98251 - Synthetical Biology on Vegetal Organisms (6 CFU)

Academic Year 2022/2023

  • Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
  • Campus: Bologna
  • Corso: First cycle degree programme (L) in Biological Sciences (cod. 8012)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student has adequate knowledge of plant primary production addressed by synthetic biology- and biotechnology-based approaches. In particular, special attention will be dedicated to the future challenges facing our society that require more efficient production of plant biomass and high value-added molecules. Finally, the student is aware of the importance of plants in relation to the ongoing processes of anthropic development and modification.

Course contents

During the course, the lectures will address current issues on synthetic biology and biotechnology with particular attention to their applications in photosynthetic organisms. In particular, the course will focus on the conversion of sunlight into biomass, the improvement of the photosynthetic process, and the synthesis of high value-added molecules for the production of biofuels and for the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. Finally, the course will include seminars held by national and international researchers/professors and presentations by students on a subject under study based on recent scientific articles. At the end of each lecture or seminar there will be space for questions from students and a general discussion of the topic.

 

Practical activity

The course includes 1 CFU of practical activity (10 hours) in which preparatory activities will be carried out for the selection and study of scientific articles and seminar preparation.

Readings/Bibliography

The textbooks and bibliography (research/review articles) will be recommended during the course.

Teaching methods

Frontal teaching, seminars by national and international experts and preparation and exposition of presentations by students based on recent research articles.

Assessment methods

The exam includes an oral interview based on the student's scientific presentation and questions about the course content.

Teaching tools

The course will be held in Italian and English in classrooms with PC projection. All lessons and seminars will be carried out through power point presentations. The files of the power point presentations and the teaching materials supporting lectures and seminars (articles, reviews, bibliography and websites) will be made available to the students at the end of the course.

Office hours

See the website of Mirko Zaffagnini

SDGs

Good health and well-being Affordable and clean energy Oceans Life on land

This teaching activity contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda.