ANIMAL MODELS FOR BIOTECH RESEARCH
- Overview
- Assessment methods
- Learning objectives
- Contents
- Full programme
- Delivery method
- Teaching methods
- Contacts/Info
Although there are no prerequisites in order to successfully face the course, notions on animal biology are highly recommended
At the end of the course, a critical discussion will be held on a research project prepared by the student whose evaluation will be averaged with the outcome of the final exam. The final exam will consist of a written test (essay) and will be based on 3 open questions regarding different topics covered during the lessons and presented in the program.
The result of the exam will be out of thirty. The test is considered passed with a score of at least 18/30. The criteria used to verify the knowledge and skills acquired are: the degree of depth of the object of the application, the critical ability to connect and process the knowledge acquired, the clarity of the concepts presented and the properties of the terminology used. Full marks (greater than 28/30), and possibly honors, will be awarded to students who have intelligently presented the journal club's interventions, have actively participated in them and discussions during the course and have demonstrated proven practical skills directly during the hours of laboratory activities.
The teaching activity aims to provide the essential bases on Laboratory Animal Science and the problems related to animal experimentation as well as alternative ways to use experimental animals in biotechnological research. The main objective is to provide solid preparation for understanding the legislation that regulates animal experimentation in Italy, how an experimental protocol is conducted safeguarding the well-being of the experimental animal and the different experimental methodologies that can be used to improve global health needs, such as rapid and efficient diagnostic tools; new vaccines and drugs, efficient delivery methods, novel approaches to therapeutics and bioremediation. The basic notions on the morphological and functional organization, on the methods of development and breeding of model animal organisms used in biological experimentation will be also provided.
This knowledge completes the training of a graduate in Molecular and Industrial Biotechnologies with solid and up-to-date skills in the fundamental sectors of life sciences, also based on the use of animal models both in the basic research and in health fields.
Learning outcomes
At the end of the course the student:
1. knows problems related to animal experimentation as well as alternative ways to use experimental animals in biotechnological research;
2. is able to apply the 3R rules: (3Rs Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) with a focus on alternative methods;
3. knows the general foundations of the morphological organization, the vital, the reproductive functions, and the biological cycles of the animals mainly used in laboratory;
4. knows the invertebrate and vertebrate animals currently used as a model in experimentation, their main applications and the rules that constrain their use
5. is able to have independent judgment regarding the correct planning of experiments involving animals;
6. is able to find information on the web on experimental procedures and alternative/complementary methods;
7. is able to have communication skills with respect to current opinions relating to animal experimentation.
The course will be subdivided in two parts:
Lectures (4 CFU-32 hours) concerning the following topics:
1 CFU
1. Historical aspects of animal modelling
2. Ethical and regulatory considerations (restrictive laws regulating the number and type of animal species used for scientific purposes and the use of alternative models in biological research);
3. 3R rules: Replacement, Reduction, Refinement
1 CFU
4. Definition of animal models and their importance in biotechnological research (efficient diagnostic tools; new vaccines and drugs, efficient delivery methods, and novel approaches to therapeutics)
5. Animal species used in the experimentation
6. A practical understanding of the choice, care and use of animal models (the use of a model organism in biotechnological research depends on the biological, biotechnological, or biomedical problem of interest)
1 CFU
7. Description of some mammalian models in biotechnological research (rodents-rats, mice, guinea pigs, and hamsters are most used because their small size and because they can be bred readily in captivity)
8. Evaluation of practical applications in the scientific literature
1 CFU
9. Biology of the main species of complementary animal models
10. Alternative methods use of nonmammalian vertebrates and invertebrate (attention is addressed to the lower species that have brought significant hints of novelty in research relating to numerous molecules and drugs test involved in human diseases).
11. Evaluation of practical applications in the scientific literature
Practical activities (2 CFU)
The laboratory module will motivate students and improve their knowledge. The major microscopy techniques in biotechnological and biomedical sciences will be used to prepare and to analyze samples from molecules to cells and tissues.
Lectures (4 CFU-32 hours) concerning the following topics:
1. Historical aspects of animal modelling
2. Ethical and regulatory considerations (restrictive laws regulating the number and type of animal species used for scientific purposes and the use of alternative models in biological research);
3. 3R rules: Replacement, Reduction, Refinement
4. Definition of animal models and their importance in biotechnological research (efficient diagnostic tools; new vaccines and drugs, efficient delivery methods, and novel approaches to therapeutics)
5. Animal species used in the experimentation
6. A practical understanding of the choice, care and use of animal models (the use of a model organism in biotechnological research depends on the biological, biotechnological, or biomedical problem of interest)
7. Description of some mammalian models in biotechnological research (rodents-rats, mice, guinea pigs, and hamsters are most used because their small size and because they can be bred readily in captivity)
8. Evaluation of practical applications in the scientific literature
9. Biology of the main species of complementary animal models
10. Alternative methods use of nonmammalian vertebrates and invertebrate (attention is addressed to the lower species that have brought significant hints of novelty in research relating to numerous molecules and drugs test involved in human diseases).
11. Evaluation of practical applications in the scientific literature
Practical activities (2 CFU)
The major microscopy techniques (optical, electron and fluorescence microscopy) will be used to prepare and to analyze samples from molecules to cells and tissues.
The teaching activity includes lectures and laboratory experiences.
• Frontal lectures in the classroom will be carried out with the help of slides in power point presentations and videos.
• The practical activity in the laboratory will be presented both on the first day of the lessons and during the course, with many reminders during the lectures. The experiences are designed to acquire the basic microscopic techniques.
The teachers are available for meetings with students for further information or clarification of the topics covered, upon appointment via e-mail (annalisa.grimaldi@uninsubria.it; nicolo.baranzini@uninsubria.it).