Ateneo - UPO

The hands-on course covers the study and application of molecular techniques for ecological analyses, such as differential transcriptomics and RNA/DNA sequencing.

An Introduction to Ecological Genomics
Second Edition
Nico M. van Straalen and Dick Roelofs. Oxford University Press. ISBN-13: 9780199594689

Provide a data base and critical tools to understand the complexity of existing ecosystems using unconventional approaches, mechanisms and consequences of major global and particular human-caused environmental alterations. Provide the practical tools of molecular ecology.

A good understanding of the basic fundamentals of cellular and molecular biology is required.

Frontal classs, active learning, workshop, creative writing, database analysis, scientific seminars,
laboratory experience

Two laboratory experiments are planned, using quantitative real time PCR for the differential study of metallothionein genes in response to environmental stimuli and RNA/DNA sequencing for the application of a molecular ecology technique

Testing in progress; discussion of the topics during the lessons; guided exercises; practical exercises. Report on practical experiences. Written and oral exam, final.
The exam is usually oral and consists of at least 3 questions covering the respective macro-topics.
The exam will have a positive result if the sum of 18/30 is reached or exceeded. To achieve sufficiency, the student must know at least the basics and show that he understands the nature of the analytical method. The formulation of the overall vote will take into account the use of appropriate scientific terminology and the ability to establish links between the topics. The honors will be awarded on the basis of an assessment of the accuracy, depth and ability to process the response.
The entire experimental workshop in the laboratory allows you to take the exam in the form of a presentation (once verified the knowledge of the theoretical topics addressed during the lessons in class).

Techniques and application of transcriptomics for the environment.
Techniques and application of nucleic acid sequencing for the environment.
Molecular ecology lab.
Hands-on workshop (active learning activities, literature search, creative writing, research and data analysis).

The expected learning outcomes are the student's knowledge of advanced concepts studied by ecology, in particular the database and critical tools to understand the complexity of existing ecosystems, the mechanisms and the consequences of the major environmental changes caused by man at a global and local level. Provide the most current theoretical and practical tools of ecotoxicology. The results will be measurable based on the levels of in-depth knowledge of the knowledge that will be transmitted and the levels of ability that will be provided to the students during the training course. These results will be captured, as the CdS has all the resources needed to reach them. These results will be realistic (but also relevant) in the sense that the learning outcomes to be defined are the 'key' ones.
The results will also be timed in the sense that their achievement is programmable in the timescale.