Teaching code

4S008239

Teacher

Giovanna Felis

Coordinator

Giovanna Felis

Credits

6

Language

Italian

Scientific Disciplinary Sector (SSD)

AGR/16 - AGRICULTURAL MICROBIOLOGY

Period

Semester 2 dal Mar 6, 2023 al Jun 16, 2023.

Lessons timetable Moodle Seminars 0

Learning objectives

The course aims to deepen the basics, the study methodologies and the most recent advances in the use of microorganisms for food and human health. The knowledge about prebiotics and first-generation probiotics (identities, formulations, action mechanisms and associated health claims) will be deepened, and then the vision will be extended to the intestinal microbiota and its composition, in relation to the well-being of man: the intestinal microbiota constitutes both an important intervention target and a source of microorganisms with beneficial activities. Finally, the most recent developments in the field of new generation probiotics will be discussed. At the end of the course the student will be able to understand the relationship between food, microorganisms and health and will have the skills to play an active role in the technological transfer of scientific knowledge for the innovation of the health food / functional market.

Prerequisites and basic notions

Notions of basic microbiology (structure of microorganisms, taxonomic aspects) and bioinformatics (methods of sequence analysis of metagenomic DNA) are important. Anyway, the main concepts will be recalled during the course.

Program

The teaching program includes the discussion of the following topics:
1.Basic concepts: definitions, health claims, regulatory aspects.
2. First generation probiotics: definition and taxonomic classification, safety aspects, mechanisms of action, formulations, health claims.
3. Prebiotics: chemical compounds, mechanisms of action, health claim. Testing of prebiotics with in vitro models.
4. The human intestinal microbiota: methods for investigation, composition and physiological roles. The microbiota as an intervention target through the diet. The intestinal microbiota as a source of microorganisms with beneficial properties.
5. Next generation probiotics: beneficial effects and safety aspects.

Didactic methods

Lectures in the classroom and discussion of specific articles. Multimedia materials (videos) may be used, to be viewed before specific lessons in order to be able to discuss them in the classroom.

Learning assessment procedures

The exam consists in the discussion of a recently published scientific article that the student will choose in agreement with the teacher. The discussion will include the preparation of a presentation (eg powerpoint) of about 15 minutes and a subsequent discussion of the article and the course contents pertinent to it.

Evaluation criteria

Evaluation criteria are:
- degree of depth of the issue;
- completeness and understanding of the information reported;
- language skills;
- ability to make connections between different topics relevant to the chosen theme;
- reasoning abilities (e.g. hypotheses of setting up experiments / studies).

Criteria for the composition of the final grade

A score between 0 and 6 points is assigned to each of the evaluation criteria. The sum of the points for each item will constitute the final mark out of thirty.

Exam language

Italiano (anche inglese per eventuali studenti Erasmus)