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

The course aims to provide students with the theoretical and practical foundations of molecular ecology for the analysis of biodiversity, biotic interactions and anthropogenic impacts on ecosystems. Through lectures, seminars and an experimental workshop, the course develops advanced skills in the use of omic techniques (transcriptomics, metagenomics, DNA/RNA barcoding) and in the interpretation of molecular data from an ecological perspective. The course also aims to provide critical tools for the assessment of environmental changes and the mechanisms that govern them, integrating the experimental approach with the analysis of scientific literature.

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

Lectures; reading, analysis and guided discussion of scientific articles; seminars conducted by external experts; experimental molecular ecology laboratory; individual experimental design workshop with hypothesis formulation, experiment execution, data analysis and comparison with the literature.

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.

Ongoing tests; oral discussions during lessons; guided exercises; report on laboratory activities. The final exam consists of a written test (a 5–6 page scientific essay covering the experimental part of the workshop) and an oral test consisting of at least three questions on the main topics of the course. The assessment considers: accuracy of knowledge, ability to connect content, correct use of scientific terminology, critical analysis of data, and quality of oral and written communication. A pass is achieved with knowledge of the fundamental elements and understanding of the logic of analytical methods.

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.

Dublin Descriptor 1 — Knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, students will be familiar with the theoretical foundations and advanced developments of molecular ecology, with particular reference to omic techniques applied to the study of ecosystems (transcriptomics, metagenomics, DNA/RNA barcoding, proteomics). They will understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the responses of organisms and biological communities to anthropogenic pressures at global and local levels and will have a grasp of the theoretical elements of molecular ecotoxicology.

Dublin Descriptor 2 — Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
The student is able to apply the omic techniques illustrated during the course to analyse molecular data in the ecological field, navigate the main bioinformatic pipelines and critically interpret their output. He/she uses molecular ecology experimental protocols to formulate and test hypotheses, conduct experiments in the laboratory workshop, process the data obtained and compare them with the scientific literature.

Dublin Descriptor 3 — Independent judgement
The student integrates and critically evaluates experimental data and scientific information from the international literature, distinguishing between robust evidence and preliminary data. They are able to interpret the ecological and environmental implications of the results obtained by applying an independent and rigorous approach.

Dublin Descriptor 4 — Communication skills
The student communicates scientific results in written and oral form with linguistic accuracy, using the specific terminology of molecular and ecological biology. They present and discuss data, graphs and interpretations both during the workshop and in the written paper, demonstrating the ability to argue coherently and with support from sources.

Dublin Descriptor 5 — Learning skills
The student acquires the ability to keep up to date independently with developments in molecular ecology through consultation and critical analysis of scientific literature in English. They are able to learn new methods, integrate emerging omic skills and transfer them to the understanding of complex ecological issues.