EXPERIMENTAL MODELS IN BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH

Academic Year 2023/2024 - Teacher: PAOLO SORDINO

Expected Learning Outcomes

Basic knowledge of the history of experimental biology (model-wise). Capacity to select the experimental model(s) (in silico, in vitro, in vivo) suitable for addressing specific biological questions and scientific objectives. Pro and cons of each experimental model. Diversity, specificity and choice of the experimental methods. Ethics and regulatory constraints in in vivo model selection. Science communication: Dissemination, grant writing, data report, journal club etc. Biotechnological potential of scientific knowledge (spinoff, startup).

Course Structure

The lessons were all carried out through frontal teaching, including remote links with experts of specific experimental models.

Required Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of cellular and molecular biology, genetics, physiology, epigenetics, evolution. Knowledge of written and spoken English.

Attendance of Lessons

Although attendance was optional, the students assiduously followed the lessons in a timely manner.

Detailed Course Content

Concepts and contexts of an experimental model in scientific research. Importance of phylogenetic relationships among experimental animal models. Main plant/vegetal models. Validation of an experimental model. In silico, in vitro and in vivo models: cell lines, organisms, The evolution and the future of experimental modeling. Embryoid, organoids, organ-on-chip, use of 3D printers. Ethics in experimental modeling. Experimental modeling in gene expression/function, neurodegenerative pathologies, epigenetics, sex determination, ecotoxicology etc. Main national and international research institutes/open access online seminars/scheduled meetings, workshops and conferences.

Textbook Information

Apart from a main reference text (Model systems in biology, by Georg Striedter. The MIT Press) the male and female students were indicated and possibly sent various articles (e.g. reviews), textbooks and teaching material relating to specific aspects of the course.

Learning Assessment

Learning Assessment Procedures

During the lessons of the course, the male and female students were subjected to numerous assessment tests, both oral and written. As regards the former, they participated in debates relating to the identification of the aspects of applicative interest present in their master thesis research for the purpose of creating spinoffs and startups, and they interacted with experts invited remotely, to present their research during each lesson. With regard to the written tests, research projects and powerpoints of scientific articles were presented (journal club).

Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises

Main experimental models in a given disciplines (e.g. genetics, ecotoxicology) or to fill a specific knowledge gap; advantages and disadvantages of an experimental model; choice of models according to biological demand; ethical limits and regulation; how to create a new experimental model; role of environmental parameters in biological research.

VERSIONE IN ITALIANO

Corso di laurea magistrale in

Biologia Sperimentale e Applicata