Teaching code

4S011605

Credits

6

Coordinator

Not yet assigned

Language

English

Scientific Disciplinary Sector (SSD)

MED/09 - INTERNAL MEDICINE

Courses Single

Not Authorized

Moodle Seminars 0

To show the organization of the course that includes this module, follow this link:  Course organization

The teaching is organized as follows:

Program

Theoric part, frontal lessons:
- Introduction to the fundamental concepts of omics sciences and definition of their glossary and ways of interpreting data in the field of precision medicine with particular attention to proteomics, metabolomics and epigenomics
- Main concepts related to the meaning of the application of omics sciences (proteomics, metabolomics and epigenomics) in the clinical setting: definition, potential and limits of their diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic value
- Methodologies used for proteomics analysis (protein profiling methods and protocols), metabolomics (targeted, untargeted, semi-targeted approaches) and epigenomics (analysis of genomic and gene-specific DNA methylation, post-translational histone modifications, non-coding RNAs analysis) with reference to specific and common methods used for such approaches
- Analysis of extracellular vesicles: methods for the characterization and analysis of chemical/physical parameters, surface structures and molecular cargo (proteins, small molecules and nucleic acids)
- Use of omics sciences and "omics" markers in some pathologies of major epidemiological impact: a) oncology; b) non-oncological haematological diseases (anaemias and coagulation disorders with the specific example of the hormone hepcidin and markers of the coagulation pathway); c) cardiovascular diseases; d) autoimmune diseases.
- Integration between the various approaches and definition of multiomics, examples of multiomics approaches and markers used in the study of some complex and multifactorial diseases
- Introduction to "single cells" and "spatial" omics approaches through their challenges, limitations and methodologies used

Practical part (Laboratory):
- Visual lessons to learn the main methods used in proteomics, metabolomics and epigenomics
- Execution of experimental tests with application of protocols for the preparation of samples for omic analysis based on mass spectrometry techniques
- Comparative evaluation of the various instruments for mass spectrometry analysis
- Analysis of single and multiple markers with immunological approaches

The program will also address the integration of genomics and transcriptomics with other omics data, such as proteomics and metabolomics, enabling participants to understand the power of multi-omics approaches in uncovering complex biological processes and disease mechanisms. Case studies and real applications will also be discussed, illustrating how genomics and transcriptomics have been instrumental in advancing genomic medicine, improving diagnoses, and understanding human evolutionary history.
The course will open up to a look to the future, exploring emerging trends, technologies and ethical considerations in the field. Participants will acquire a solid knowledge in the omics sciences, equipped with practical skills to apply in research, clinical practice or related professional fields. The program aims to foster collaboration, networking and knowledge exchange among participants, creating a dynamic learning community dedicated to an up-to-date scientific approach.

Didactic methods

The teaching course is based on a participatory teaching method which includes lectures, discussion of experiments taken from the scientific literature for the subsequent design of original experiments suitable for providing answers to biological/clinical questions.
The module includes also laboratory exercises during which the students, in groups, will be able to conduct scientific experiments whose results will then be analysed, presented and discussed with the other students and with the teacher.

Learning assessment procedures

The final assessment of the knowledge and competencies acquired by thestudent during the course will consist of a written exam with multiple choice questions, a written paper and an oral test in which the students, in groups, will present the results of the laboratory activities.

Evaluation criteria

The student must demonstrate that he has fully achieved the set learning objectives. The overall score is the weighted average of the marks obtained in the two modules. For the Clinical proteomics, metabolomics, and epigenomics module the following will be assessed: knowledge of the topics covered in class; the ability to make logical connections between the various topics covered and the appropriate use of scientific terminology/language; the ability to work in a group, the organization and drafting of the scientific report, the in-depth study of the subjects covered, the critical approach and presentation skills. The overall grade, out of thirty, will be the average of the assessment obtained in the two parts (written and elaborated/oral exposition of the laboratory activity).

Exam language

English