Ateneo - UPO

The course covers the study of molecular techniques for analyses applied to ecology, such as differential transcriptomics, proteomics, DNA and RNA sequencing, and metagenomics.

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

The lecturer encourages the reading of specialized texts, including:Assessments and Conservation of Biological Diversity from Coral Reefs to the Deep Sea
Uncovering Buried Treasures and the Value of the Benthos
1st Edition - November 30, 2023
Author: Jose Victor Lopez
Language: English
Paperback ISBN: 9780128241127

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.

Classroom lectures; reading and compilation of scientific articles on selected topics; expert seminars on specific topics; experimental laboratory. Worshop: Students -individually- construct a working hypothesis, perform targeted experiments, compare results with current literature to support their thesis.

Students with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (SAD) or Special Educational Needs (BES) can request specific services and tools dedicated to them by contacting the Staff Development and Coordination Careers and Student Services and consulting the dedicated page of the University website: https://uniupo.it/it/servizi/servizi-studenti- disabled-and-dsa. Female and male students with disabilities, DSA, BES, once they have made contact with the University Staff, can contact the teacher in charge of the teaching in relation to the declination of the examination modalities, regarding didactic aspects.

Tests during the itinere; discussion of topics during the lectures; guided exercises; practical exercises; report on practical experience. The oral exam consists of at least 3 questions on the respective macro topics. The written exam consists of a short (5-6 pages) scientific essay written according to the instructor's instructions and including the experimental part of the workshop (research lab). The exam is considered passed if the sum of 18/30 is reached or exceeded. To achieve a passing grade, the student must have at least a basic knowledge and understanding of the nature of the analytical method. The use of appropriate scientific terminology and the ability to make connections between topics will be considered in the formulation of the overall grade. Grades will be based on an evaluation of the accuracy, thoroughness, and ability to elaborate the answer. Since the entire experimental workshop will be conducted in the laboratory, the oral exam will be in the form of a presentation (after verification of knowledge of the theoretical topics covered in class lectures).

Techniques and applications of transcriptomics for the environment.Techniques and applications of nucleic acid sequencing for the environment.Molecular ecology laboratory.Hands-on workshop: active learning activities, literature search, creative writing, DNA barcoding, data analysis and visualization.Gender mainstreaming: A cross-sectional view of sex determination through the tree of life: a molecular approach.

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.