Studying at the University of Verona
Here you can find information on the organisational aspects of the Programme, lecture timetables, learning activities and useful contact details for your time at the University, from enrolment to graduation.
Study Plan
This information is intended exclusively for students already enrolled in this course.If you are a new student interested in enrolling, you can find information about the course of study on the course page:
Laurea in Biotecnologie - Enrollment from 2025/2026The Study Plan includes all modules, teaching and learning activities that each student will need to undertake during their time at the University.
Please select your Study Plan based on your enrollment year.
1° Year
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2° Year activated in the A.Y. 2016/2017
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3° Year activated in the A.Y. 2017/2018
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One course to be chosen among the followingOne course to be chosen among the following| Modules | Credits | TAF | SSD |
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One course to be chosen among the followingOne course to be chosen among the followingLegend | Type of training activity (TTA)
TAF (Type of Educational Activity) All courses and activities are classified into different types of educational activities, indicated by a letter.
Basics of molecular virology and gene therapy (2017/2018)
Teaching code
4S003706
Teacher
Coordinator
Credits
6
Language
Italian
Scientific Disciplinary Sector (SSD)
BIO/11 - MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
Period
II sem. dal Mar 1, 2018 al Jun 15, 2018.
Learning outcomes
A: viruses as "enemies"
Provide the student with basic notions about 1) major bio-health viruses, 2) zoonoses and underlying mechanisms 3) emerging and re-emerging viral infections: molecular, biological and environmental causes, 5) arrested zoonoses (SARS and MERS), at risk (avian influenza) and non arrested (HIV / AIDS), 5) pandemic risk, 6) antiviral vaccinations, 7) other control and intervention measures
B: viruses like "tools"
Provide the student with information on: 1) Principles and limits of gene therapy, 2) Approaches and types of vectors, 3) Non-viral vectors, 4) Editing genes, 5) Major viral vectors, Advantages and disadvantages, 6) gene therapy clinical trials: disappointments and hopes, 7) current and future prospects
At the completion of the course students:
- will have a basic understanding of zoonoses and viruses
- will have acquired the knowledge necessary to understand how viruses can be engineered and used as therapeutic agents (vectors for gene therapy, oncolytic viruses).
Program
Molecular Virology:
• Arbovirus (West Nile, Chikungunya, Zyka)
• Paramyxovirus (Nipah and Hendra viruses)
• Monkeypox and smallpox
• Hantavirus
• Filovirus (Ebola, Marburg) and hemorrhagic fevers
• Coronavirus: SARS and MERS
• Influenza, origin of epidemics and pandemics
• Avian influenza and swine flu, determinants of pathogenicity
• HIV: Discovery, Origin, Epidemiology
• HIV: structure, infectious cycle, pathogenesis, natural resistance
• HIV: treatments and therapies (microbicides, vaccines, antivirals)
• AIDS: new therapeutic perspectives
• New vaccine approaches: biotechnology and virological applications, molecular approaches for the development of antiviral vaccines, adjuvants
Gene Therapy:
• Introduction to gene therapy
• Non viral vectors, siRNA and miRNA, peptide vectors
• Gene editing: ZFN, TALEN, Crispr / Cas9
• Viral vectors, generality
• Adenovirus (AV)
• Adeno-associated virus (AAV)
• Herpes and poxvirus vectors
• Retroviral and lentiviral vectors
• Clinical trials: hematologic, metabolic, neurodegenerative, neuromuscular and dystrophies, cystic fibrosis
• Antitumor Gene Therapy, Oncolytic Viruses
| Author | Title | Publishing house | Year | ISBN | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G. Maga | AIDS, la verità negata (Edizione 1) | Zanichelli | 2014 | 978-8-849-00480-9 | |
| G. Maga | Occhio ai virus (Edizione 1) | Zanichelli | 2016 | 978-88-08-17380-5 | |
| David Quammen | Spillover. L'evoluzione delle pandemie | Adelphi | 2014 | 978-8-845-92929-8 | |
| M. Giacca | Terapia genica (Edizione 1) | Springer Verlag | 2011 | 978-8-847-01988-1 | |
| D.Harper | Virus. Applicazioni biotecnologiche e strategie di controllo. (Edizione 1) | Zanichelli | 2013 | 978-8-808-17532-8 |
Examination Methods
The exam consists of an oral exam, during which the student will be presenting a seminar of about 15 minutes on a course-related topic (virus, gene therapy) or in-depth topics covered during the course. The presentation will be accompanied by specific questions to test the appropriate knowledge and preparation on the topics discussed iduring the course.
