MOLECULAR PATHOLOGY AND ADVANCED DIAGNOSTICS LABORATORY

The aim of the course is to provide knowledge and application bases of the main laboratory diagnostic methods, with particular reference to molecular investigation methods. Furthermore, the course will provide in-depth knowledge of the molecular bases of pathologies, with particular reference to genetic and oncological pathologies.

The teaching activity will be frontal and integrated with some seminars and laboratory exercises. Further in-depth material will also be distributed (scientific articles on specific topics).

Knowledge of basic scientific subjects (general pathology, biology and molecular biology)

Mandatory

The course aims to deepen the molecular bases of pathologies with particular reference to genetic and oncological pathologies. The role of molecular alterations in the prognosis and response to treatment of pathologies will also be explored. Finally, the main molecular techniques applied to laboratory diagnostics will be discussed, such as basic and advanced molecular diagnostic methods, namely the principle and functioning of polymerase chain reaction (PCR), nested PCR, real-time PCR, droplet digital PCR, microarray platforms and old and new generation sequencing platforms. These topics will be discussed from a technical and applicative point of view.

The student's preparation will be assessed through an oral exam on the topics covered in class or during laboratory exercises.