Student Group Details

Laboratori virtuali di istopatologia - Gruppo B

MS2959

Course
Laboratori virtuali di istopatologia - Gruppo B
Code
MS2959
Academic Year
2026/2027
Curriculum Year
2025/2026
Degree Programme
BIOTECHNOLOGY
Curriculum
A001 - GENERICO
Course coordinator
ALESSANDRA FERRARESI
Lecturers
ALESSANDRA FERRARESI
Credits
2
Lecture Hours
0
Scientific Disciplinary Sector (SSD)
MED/04 - General Pathology
Course Type
Single-subject learning activity
Course Delivery
OBB - Obbligatoria
Year
2
Teaching period
Primo Semestre
Campus
NOVARA
Teaching language
Italian
Course Contents
1) Experimental models and culture methods for adherent, suspension, and 3D cells (spheroids, organoids, organ-on-chip, multi-organ-on-chip); integration with microfluidic systems.
2) Methods for assessing cell death (necrosis, apoptosis, and autophagic cell death).
3) Analysis/description of histopathology slides: cell death and degeneration (necrosis); inflammation (granulomas), infarction, steatosis, amyloidosis, atherosclerosis, benign vs. malignant tumors (dysplasia and anaplasia).
4) Integration of AI-assisted digital pathology and multi-omics approaches to understand disease mechanisms.
5) Protein analysis methods: Western blotting, immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy, multiplex immunohistochemistry, and interactome analysis techniques.
6) Epigenetic markers (miRNAs, lncRNAs, circulating cfDNA/RNA) in biological fluids and methods for their detection (e.g., liquid biopsy) to track diseases.
7) Flow cytometry: cell cycle analysis, surface antigen expression (e.g., stemness and tumor markers), and immunophenotyping.
8) cDNA and siRNA transfection techniques in eukaryotic cells.
9) Bioinformatics software for analyzing clinical data from public databases (TCGA) and generating Kaplan-Meier survival curves.
Reference Texts
Powerpoint presentations uploaded on DIR
“Molecular Pathology” WJ Coleman and GJ Tsongalis. Academic Press (Elsevier) ISBN 978-0-12-374419-7
Learning Outcomes
The course will allow the student to learn how to use the lab tools and the basic cellular and molecular techniques used in the biomedical research field.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of Cell Biology, Molecular Biology and General Pathology.
Teaching Methods
Lessons are enriched by theoretical exercises (visual experiments): use of peer-reviewed scientific video journals (JoVE) and use of the "Kahoot" learning platform—a fast and fun tool for ongoingassessment of learning progress.
Additional Information
Students can contact the Professor by email to schedule appointments or meet in person during classes.
Assessment Methods
Learning progress will be assessed interactively throughout the course by asking specific questions on topics covered in previous lessons. Discussion will help identify any gaps that need to be addressed to ensure an optimal level of preparation for the exam. Assessment will consist of a written test featuring multiple-choice questions, integrated with the General Pathology test. The exam will focus on the methodological and technological principles of the laboratory techniques learned during the course, with reference to the molecular basis of the disease associated with each diagnostic technique. Sufficiency will be achieved by demonstrating an understanding of how laboratory instruments operate and how the main study techniques are performed; excellence is achieved by demonstrating in-depth knowledge of all methodologies and techniques in the syllabus, as well as critical ability in interpreting results and proposing additional, complementary analyses.
Detailed Syllabus

1) Experimental models and cultivation methods for adherent, suspension, and 3D cells (spheroids, organoids, organ-on-chip, multi-organ-on-chip); integration with microfluidic systems.

2) Methods for distinguishing and assessing cell death (necrosis, apoptosis, and autophagic cell death).

3) Analysis/description of histopathology slides: cell death and degeneration (necrosis); inflammation (granulomas), infarction, steatosis, amyloidosis, atherosclerosis, benign vs. malignant tumors (dysplasia and anaplasia).

4) Integration of AI-assisted digital pathology and multi-omics approaches to understand disease mechanisms.

5) Protein analysis methods: Western blotting, immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy, multiplex immunohistochemistry, and interactome analysis techniques.

6) Epigenetic disease markers (miRNAs, lncRNAs, circulating cfDNA/RNA) in biological fluids and methods for their detection (e.g., liquid biopsy).

7) Flow cytometry: cell cycle analysis, surface antigen expression (e.g., stemness and tumor markers), and immunophenotyping.

8) cDNA and siRNA transfection techniques in eukaryotic cells.

9) Bioinformatics software for analyzing clinical data from public databases (TCGA) and generating Kaplan-Meier survival curves.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Knowledge of the main techniques of cellular and molecular biology for the study of diseases, with a focus on the detectable alterations in cells, tissues and at the body level. In particular, the student has to demonstrate knowledge of the concepts and applications of the main study methodologies in cellular and molecular pathology, by using the appropriate scientific language. It is required the knowledge about the use of the laboratory tools necessary for carrying out lab experiments. The student should show critical ability in the interpretation of the results of the analysis and in the evaluation of the experimental data. The evaluation of excellence takes into account the ability to acquire, deepen and update independently, by reading texts and scientific papers.

Last update:16-09-2026 00:13:03