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AGRICULTURAL AND FOREST GENETICS
LAURA NANNI

Seat Agraria
A.A. A.A. 2016-2017
Credits 6
Hours 54
Period 2^ semestre
Language ENG
U-gov code STA 3A480

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of plant biology and general and organic chemistry will facilitate the understanding of the course topics

Development of the course

Lectures will be presented through PC assisted tools (Powerpoint, Adobe Acrobat, etc.), slide projector, overheads (4 ECTS) and provided in copies to the students, laboratory experiences (practices) and guided tours to Research Centers will be organized (2 ECTS). In parallel, an e-learning version of the course using the Moodle platform will be available, including teaching materials organised in learning units, self-evaluation tests and results, information and booking for seminars and visits.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge. The course is structured to provide a guide to acquire the basics of the biochemistry and the organization of genetic material, the gene structure, the genetic control of characters, the processes that regulate gene interactions and their heritability.

 

Applying knowledge and understanding. The aim of the course is to provide a basic information on general genetics and molecular biology, for understanding the main features of heredity in order to ensure a proper management of agricultural and forest resources, also on the basis of innovative molecular technologies.

 

Cross-expertise.(i) Acquisition of skills related to the analysis of genetic data and useful knowledge for the management of agricultural resources even on the basis of modern molecular technologies; (ii) the achievement of the educational goals gives the basics for applying selection principles and

plant breeding methodologies used for the improvement of quality and quantity of crop production.

This knowledge is applicable in the context of seed, agro-energy and nursery sector.

Program

Organization of living organisms, heritability and variability. Relationship between genetic material and phenotypic traits. The genetic code - Organization and transmission of genetic material (2 ECTS).

Mendelian genetics- Segregation and recombination. Genetic interactions: epistasis, complementary gene action, pleiotropy, penetrance and expressivity - Multiple alleles (2 ECTS).

Genetic Linkage and Genetic Maps. Heredity and Sex. Mobile genetic elements and mutations. Molecular genetics. Extrachromosomal inheritance. (2 ECTS).

 

Practical lessons (laboratory activities)

- DNA extraction from plant tissues

- Exercise of formal genetics

- Segregation analysis of F2 progenies derived from plant species of agricultural interest

- Genetics maps

Development of the examination

 

Learning evaluation methods

Final assessment will consist of a written test and an oral discussion on of the subjects listed in the teaching program. During the course, there are also going to be available self-evaluation tests (e-learning mode), in order to provide the students useful information about their skill level.

 

Learning evaluation criteria

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In the written test the student will have to show: a) knowledge of the biochemistry and the organization of genetic material and the mode of transmission of the characters; b) understanding of the principles of Mendelian genetics; c) construction of genetic maps. To pass the oral exam, the student must demonstrate an overall understanding of the contents, set out sufficiently corrected by using appropriate scientific terminology, and to be able to deal with deductive reasoning in order to implement appropriate connections within the subject.

 

Learning measurement criteria

The final mark is attributed in thirtieths. Successful completion of the examination will lead to grades ranging from 18 to 30 “cum laude”.

 

Final mark allocation criteria

The written test consists of ten exercises concerning the subjects listed in the teaching program, each of ones will be quantified in the range 0 - 3. The final grade will be awarded after the interview. The degree of 30 “cum laude” is attributed when the student demonstrates complete mastery of the subject.

Recommended reading

GENETICA AGRARIA. Genetica e biotecnologie per l'agricoltura. Franco Lorenzetti, Salvatore Ceccarelli, Daniele Rosellini. PATRON 2011

Barcaccia G., Falcinelli M. Genetica e Genomica Volume I Genetica generale. LIGURI EDITORE

 

 

Tutorial session

 

Thursday from 2 pm to 4 pm.

 

Courses

• C.L.T. - Scienze e Tecnologie Agrarie Curriculum TECNOLOGIE AGRARIE (STA - TA)
• C.L.T. - Scienze e Tecnologie Agrarie Curriculum VITICOLTURA ED ENOLOGIA (STA - VE)