Ateneo - UPO

The course will investigate state-of-the-art applications of the biotechnology field to medicine will a focus on drug development. This course will provide students with a background in modern biotechnology techniques for work in the biotechnology field or further graduate studies.

The course is based on primary scientific literature. Citations will be provided for key references. All other materials will be provided on instructor powerpoints.

This course will provide students with a background in modern biotechnology techniques for work in the biotechnology field (academics or industry) or further graduate studies.

A background knowledge of biochemistry, genetics, and immunology is helpful but not absolutely required.

Lectures and team-based learning exercises.

The major focus is biotechnicaacl applications in drug development, but students will also be exposed to phase I, II, and III clinical trials and the overall analysis drug efficacy in human populations.

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-students-physical-or-learning-disabilities
Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

The Molecular Therapy examination consists of a written test comprising 40 multiple-choice questions, of which 20 cover the Pharmacology module and 20 the Biotechnological Applications module. Students will have 60 minutes to complete the examination. Student achievement will be assessed using the Italian grading scale, ranging from 18 (minimum passing grade) to 30 cum laude (highest distinction). More specifically, a grade between 18 and 23 indicates that the student has achieved a sufficient, although limited, level of knowledge. A grade between 24 and 26 reflects satisfactory knowledge of the course content. Grades between 27 and 28 indicate that the student has acquired a good level of knowledge and a satisfactory ability to place the acquired information within the broader scientific context. Grades between 29 and 30 demonstrate an excellent level of knowledge and a good ability to contextualize the acquired information within the scientific framework. Finally, students awarded 30 cum laude will have demonstrated outstanding knowledge of the subject.

Biological macromolecules as drugs for cancer, inflammatory disorders, infectious disease, and other diseases. Biological macromolecules studied include monoclonal antibodies, engineered T cells, and immunomodulatory therapies.

Intended learning objectives include: discovery of novel biotechnology applications to human disease, compare and contract biologic therapies with classical therapies, investigate parameters of a well-controlled clinical trial, analysis data on short-term and long-term efficacy of biologic drugs.