Learning objectives

The main objective of this course is to provide an adequate tool to deepen the knowledge referring to this novel frontier of science that aims at the interpretation of the role of nutrients in interacting with specific genes and ultimately affecting gene expression.
Upon completion of the course the student will the student will be able to understand and interpret the following specific topics:
- human eukaryotic cell complexity and basic knowledge on genetics, genomics and epigenomics;
- the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms among which in particular DNA methylation, post-transcriptional histone modifications by which nutrients affect genome structure and gene expression
- specific cell sites involved in the interactions between nutrients and genes for protein synthesis
- main molecular biology research methods to approach the study of genomics and epigenomics including those gene-specific and genome-wide approaches
- the role of nutrients in gene expression modulation through specific genetic and epigenetic mechanisms
- interrelationships between nutrients and gene during physiologic and pathologic processes
- genetic and epigenetic setting that influence physiologic processes and therefore influence the risk of disease development for the better understanding of adequate approaches to be possibly undertaken for the promotion of nutritional health as well as disease prevention through nutrition.

Examination methods: students will be given reading assignments on specific topics timely before the beginning of classes; evaluations or group presentation will be performed at midterm during the teaching course time, after informing the students, to ensure participation and verification of student learning also to permit timely instructor intervention.
Final exam will be performed by a written multiple-choice test and possibly oral examination.