The main objective of the course is to provide students with basic theoretical and practical knowledge to be able to apply the principles of conservation genetics and molecular biology techniques to the management and conservation of nature.
Students will learn the principles of molecular evolution and their implications in conservation genetics, as well as the processes for transforming genetic material into computer data both through the more classic DNA sequencing techniques and through the most modern applications of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). The bases for the interpretation of the data will also be provided through appropriate software.
Most of the course will be devoted to practical activity with laboratory experiences and classroom exercises in which each student will have the opportunity to: (i) learn how to extract genomic material from samples provided by the teacher; (ii) amplify specific genetic markers via Polymerase chain reaction (PCR); (iii) verify the success of the experiment by gel electrophoresis; (iv) analyze and interpret the data obtained from the sequencing of the genetic material with appropriate software.
Students will learn the principles of molecular evolution and their implications in conservation genetics, as well as the processes for transforming genetic material into computer data both through the more classic DNA sequencing techniques and through the most modern applications of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). The bases for the interpretation of the data will also be provided through appropriate software.
Most of the course will be devoted to practical activity with laboratory experiences and classroom exercises in which each student will have the opportunity to: (i) learn how to extract genomic material from samples provided by the teacher; (ii) amplify specific genetic markers via Polymerase chain reaction (PCR); (iii) verify the success of the experiment by gel electrophoresis; (iv) analyze and interpret the data obtained from the sequencing of the genetic material with appropriate software.
teacher profile teaching materials
2. Molecular biology techniques: DNA extraction, PCR, Gel electrophoresis, Sanger Sequencing, Next Generation Sequencing.
3. Practical activities: DNA extraction from samples provided by the teacher; amplification of one or more molecular markers through PCR; Gel electrophoresis of the amplified products. Cleaning, alignment and analysis of DNA sequences with specific software. Exercises on: DNA Barcoding, Phylogenetic reconstruction, Phylogeography and Population Genetics.
The lecturer will provide additional didactic material.
Programme
1. General theoretical introduction: main threats to nature and biodiversity. Principles of molecular evolution and how genetics and molecular biology can intervene in the conservation of nature and biodiversity (DNA Barcoding and metabarcoding; Population genetics; Genomics; Transcriptomics).2. Molecular biology techniques: DNA extraction, PCR, Gel electrophoresis, Sanger Sequencing, Next Generation Sequencing.
3. Practical activities: DNA extraction from samples provided by the teacher; amplification of one or more molecular markers through PCR; Gel electrophoresis of the amplified products. Cleaning, alignment and analysis of DNA sequences with specific software. Exercises on: DNA Barcoding, Phylogenetic reconstruction, Phylogeography and Population Genetics.
Core Documentation
Allendorf et al., 2022. Conservation and the genomics of populations. Oxford university press.The lecturer will provide additional didactic material.
Type of delivery of the course
The course will consist of practical activities in laboratory.Type of evaluation
The exam will consist of a practical test in which exercises such as those performed during the exercises will be carried out, which will then be discussed in an oral interview.