The degree programme in Animal Biotechnologies sets out to train professional figures able to perform and coordinate research and analyses linked to the cellular and molecular aspects of animal health, and consequently human health.
Graduates are able to perform basic and applied research in a range of sectors including veterinary medicine, pharmacology, diagnostics, epidemiology and food safety.
They may particularly work in animal research to study human diseases, significantly contributing to the scientific bases of innovative approaches to diagnosis and treatment of disease, including gene therapy, stem cells and reproductive biotechnologies.
They may also work in the technical and sales areas of companies specialising in human and animal nutrition.
After sitting the state exam and registering with the National Association of Biologists, they may also hold management positions in analytical laboratories.
Graduates are particularly able to perform the following:
1) laboratory activities to study and identify cures for animal diseases;
2) in vivo and in vitro modelling to study human diseases;
3) laboratory activities linked to reproductive biotechnologies;
4) food hygiene, quality and safety.
The adopted learning model is inductive, based on a learning process that develops a simultaneous mix of basic, technical, professional and transversal knowledge.
The curriculum is structured in four areas of knowledge:
- DIAGNOSTICS This theoretical and practical knowledge starts with basic cell and molecular techniques, developing through a range of disciplines aiming on one hand to identify specific pathological conditions in animals and on the other to study in-depth the models and progression of the diseases as a result of interference factors including drugs, innovative foods, genetics, etc.
- ANIMAL MODELS This highly interdisciplinary knowledge is gained in all course units, allowing students to understand the possibilities afforded by spontaneous and induced models of animal diseases. These models are considered fundamental instruments for the study of human diseases and syndromes and the effectiveness of conventional or innovative pharmacological approaches including gene therapy, stem cells, nutrigenomics. These competences are not strictly linked to a specific professional activity, but can be applied to medical, pharmacological, zootechnical research, or the food industry, and become part of the researchers' professional heritage, allowing them to develop a holistic vision of the problem studied, which, together with communication, interpersonal, decision making and problem solving skills, is essential to work in a team leader capacity in research projects or industrial R&D activities.
- REPRODUCTION These highly specialist competences are closely linked to a specific professional context, allowing graduates to work with animal embryos and gametes, also in genetic manipulation, transgenic organisms and cloning. These competences, combined with genetic skills and the ability to establish and use stem cells, provide the grounding to work in both animal and human research and clinical activities.
- FOOD QUALITY AND SAFETY In their dual role as both consumers and food source, animals are heavily involved in the food safety and quality process. Knowledge of biochemistry of nutrition and traditional and functional foods, etiopathogenesis and principles of prevention and control of transmissible diseases, the principles of legislation and molecular analytical methods are decisive skills allowing graduates to work in this specific professional area.
The ability to apply knowledge and understanding is developed through lectures and a significant amount of seminars, group work, practical activities and exercises, field trips, a curricular internship and the production of the final dissertation. The latter activities can be performed in approved businesses in Italy or abroad, and are systematically promoted by the degree programme. A further important element developing this knowledge is the students' self-study, an opportunity to further process the acquired information in order to assure a stronger command of the curriculum.
A teaching laboratory equipped for the main biomolecular techniques is available specifically for this purpose. Training may also be integrated by the attendance of laboratories for research and diagnostic activities running at the Department of Veterinary Medical Science or externally.
The ability to apply knowledge and understanding is assessed in oral and written exams, and through the assessment of written papers and essays produced by students and the discussion of problems in group work, where students demonstrate their command of the instruments and methods introduced during the study programme.
All core course units in the degree programme are functional to the development of the identified professional profiles.
The programme aims to offer specific cultural competences but at the same time to provide the technical means and interpretative methods applicable to a wide range of laboratory activities, from simple diagnostics to complex research in all biological and biotechnological areas.
The programme curriculum covers a series of core and supplementary learning activities.
