30511 - Biotechnologies for Crop Production

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student will acquire a proper scientific knowledge in relation to the actual problems ofagricultureand the role of biotechnology for improving the product quality and minimizing the environmental impact of agricultural practices. In particular, the student will be able to: -distinguish between genetic transformations for input traits and those for output traits; -understand the potential contribution of biotech sector for conventional and innovative (bio-energy, functional food, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical compounds); -understand the role of different biotech approaches in preserving and utilizing the vegetal biodiversity.

Course contents

The main topics of the course include:

-The role of agriculture in developed and developing countries;

-The controversial economy of primary products;

-Input and output traits in GM crops;

-The actual worldwide commercialization of GM crops;

-Main examples of other agricultural biotech applications;

-Agricultural biotech for preserving biodiversity;

-The controversy of GM safety issue.

Readings/Bibliography

-Photocopies of the lesson slides;

- Lesson notes.

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons will be given. However, discussion with students will be stimulated to assess the cquired knowledge.

Assessment methods

Assessment will be made by written tests with 11 questions. Test will be two-hours long and the maximum score for each question will be 3. Only for foreign student the examination will be oral.

Teaching tools

PC and video-projector.

Office hours

See the website of Giovanni Dinelli