DEGREE IN AGRICULTURAL AND INDUSTRIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(CLASS 1)
(Joint degree course, Faculties of Agriculture and Natural Sciences)
MAIN OBJECTIVES
The use of biotechnology in production is becoming increasingly widespread internationally, and in
the most technologically advanced countries there is currently fierce competition to be first in the
experimentation phases, patenting and practical application of processes which combine efficacy
and low environmental impact.
In the biotechnology field, principles and methods traditionally belonging to different academic
disciplines are required; as a result, professionals trained in more than one discipline and thus able
to co-ordinate the various skills are highly sought after.
The degree course offers two curricula: “Industrial” and “Agricultural”; the courses which
distinguish the two curricula are equivalent to 40 credits.
Graduates in “Agricultural and Industrial Biotechnology” must:
 display adequate knowledge of basic biological systems, particularly with regard to molecular
and cell biology;
 possess knowledge of the various techniques involved in biotechnological operations for
production (both cultural and experimental), using biological system forms of analysis;
 be familiar with each academic discipline’s methods and be able to apply them to practical
situations with appropriate knowledge of current norms and the bioethical and deontological
concerns;
 possess sufficient skills for information management and communication;
 be able to write technical-scientific reports;
 be able to work in groups, alone and adapt quickly to new work situations, thanks to work
traineeships and placements in laboratories and enterprises in the sector;
 display adequate knowledge for resolving the many problems associated with production in the
industrial and agricultural fields.
The common core for both curricula provides the theoretical and applied foundation necessary for
the more specific training which follows and includes:
 Foundation courses in statistics, information technology, physics and chemistry;
 Training in biological sciences, providing a foundation in biochemistry, molecular biology,
genetics and microbiology;
 Laboratory practicals, regarding basic equipment, chemistry and cell cultures;
 Principles of bioethics, industrial economic law in the biotechnological sector, environmental
impact of biotechnology and laboratory security.
Personal study for students should be divided as follows: 68% for teaching courses and 36% for
laboratory activities.
The Agricultural curriculum aims to provide the graduate with the knowledge required to work in
this sector, particularly regarding the study of microorganisms useful in the agro-food sector,
genetic breeding techniques, fruit and vegetable crops, organic weed and pest control and molecular
diagnostics.
At least 30 credits are reserved for practical training, including laboratory work, excursions (such as
guided tours of agro-industrial plants), short courses or placements in public or private
establishments working in the sector, etc.
The degree course is open to all those who satisfy the minimum university entrance requirements as
prescribed by law (Italian high school diploma or foreign equivalent).
Students who have successfully completed training placements carried out in collaboration with
Secondary schools which have a special agreement with the University of Tuscia may have the
credits earned recognised for their degree course.
A summary of specific courses for the degree is given, followed by a more detailed explanation of
individual course objectives and number of credits.
The work traineeship can be carried out in enterprises, professional studios, companies or
institutions which work in the agricultural, environmental protection or related sectors. It is
equivalent to 9 credits.
The student may choose courses from among those offered by the Faculty of Agriculture and by
other faculties at the University of Tuscia, equivalent to 10 credits (course of student’s choice). The
student may also choose courses offered by other Italian or foreign universities, once prior
authorisation has been given by the Degree Course Council. The student may also substitute (for
equal credits) two core or complementary subjects of the current degree course with other courses
offered by the Faculty of Agriculture, once prior authorisation has been sought from the Degree
Course Council.
The examinations include written tests during the courses, discussion of any projects, assignments
and seminars and final written and/or oral examinations.
The final examination involves an original dissertation, either compiling information or
representing research aimed at demonstrating the student’s ability to plan and carry out an
experimental process in the agricultural or industrial sector.
Three-year course timetable for Agricultural and Industrial Biotechnology degree,
divided into terms.
Ist Year: Core subjects for both Industrial and Agricultural curricula
Term
Subject
Credits
Lecturer (2001-2002)
I
Mathematics and statistics
6
Scarelli
biology
5+1
Cottarelli
English
4
II
Physics
5+1
Information technology
3+1
Bioethics
5
International law on biotechnology
5
III
General chemistry
6+1
Cecchi
Bio-computing
2
Caporale
Principles of industrial economics
5
Animal cell cultures
1+2
Willems
Plant cell cultures
1+2
Mazzucato
Work traineeship/ placement etc.
4
IV
V
VI
VII
2nd Year: Agricultural curriculum
Organic chemistry
6+1
Genetics
4+2
Agricultural chemistry
5+21
Biological chemistry
5+1
Microbiology
5+1
Plant biology
3+2
Molecular biology and genetic manipulation techniques 5+1
Plant physiology and biotechnology
5+1
Course of student’s choice
5
Work traineeship/placement, etc.
5
3rd Year: Agricultural curriculum
Advanced genetic breeding
5+2
In vitro cultures and cell manipulation in organisms of
agricultural interest
5
Environmental impact and bio-security
5
VIII Microorganism biotechnology I
3+2
Microorganism biotechnology II
3+2
Fruit crop biotechnology
4+1
Phytopathological biotechnology
4+1
IX
Course of student’s choice
5
Foreign language laboratory
3+2
Final examination
11
Work traineeship/placement, etc.
2
Saladino
Palitti
Giovannozzi
Buonocore
Federici
Tucci
Masci, Ceoloni
D’Ovidio
De Pace,
Soressi
Rugini
Ruzzi
Canganella
Muleo
Vannini
Lafiandra,
Description of individual course objectives and number of credits
2ND YEAR
2ND YEAR: 4TH TERM
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY (7 CREDITS)
GENETICS (6 CREDITS)
AGRICULTURAL CHEMISTRY (7 CREDITS)
Provide the basis for understanding the biochemical mechanisms which are fundamental in plant
tissues.
5TH TERM
BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY (6 CREDITS)
MICROBIOLOGY (6 CREDITS)
PLANT BIOLOGY (5 CREDITS)
Study the distinguishing characteristics of plant cells; knowledge of morphology, anatomy and
functions of plant organs as regards development; knowledge of formation and constitution of main
types of wood; fundamental principles in plant reproduction and propagation; knowledge of
phylogenetic principles and the natural classification system; knowledge of artificial classification
systems; theoretical and practical knowledge of main taxa relevant for forest environments.
6TH TERM
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND GENETIC MANIPULATION TECHNIQUES (7
CREDITS)
Provide the foundations for understanding the organisation and structure of the plant genome and
the basis of genetic and molecular biotechnology which permit genome manipulation for improving
traits of both agricultural plants and potentially interesting wild plants.
PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY (6 CREDITS)
Provide the foundation for understanding plant physiological processes and the basis for applying
possible biotechnological strategies, with the aim of improving certain specific agro-food
characteristics and the safeguard of the environment.
7TH TERM
ADVANCED GENETIC BREEDING (7 CREDITS)
The aim of the course is to present and discuss, with laboratory practicals where appropriate, the
new strategies in genetic breeding to assess and use the genetic resources of plant species to
constitute new cultivars. Classical methods (hybridisation and selection) and innovative methods
(genome analysis, genetic transformation and in vitro culture) are considered. More specifically,
combinations of methods will be demonstrated which allow the use of genetic resources both in
order to safeguard the environment and biodiversity (quantity and quality factors) of food of plant
origin.
IN VITRO CULTURES AND CELL MANIPULATION
AGRICULTURAL INTEREST (6 CREDITS)
IN
ORGANISMS
OF
Provide the foundation for applying in vitro propagation techniques, techniques for regeneration of
organs from differentiated and undifferentiated tissues, for the induction of somaclonal variability
and for transferring genes in agricultural plants.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AND BIO-SECURITY (5 CREDITS)
8TH TERM
MICROORGANISM BIOTECHNOLOGY I & II (10 CREDITS)
Provide foundations for understanding the potential applications of microorganisms when isolated
from either land or water environments. Extreme environments and isolation of microorganisms for
biodegradative applications and/or for hydrolytic enzyme production. The utilisation of DNA
recombinant techniques for studying microorganisms of agro-food interest and the development of
genetically manipulated microorganisms for use in: synthesis of commercial products and proteins;
bio-correction and use of biomass; promotion of plant growth; bio-control. Legislation and risks
linked to release of genetically manipulated microorganisms in the environment.
FRUIT CROP BIOTECHNOLOGY (5 CREDITS)
Provide the foundation for understanding physiological and molecular processes of growth,
development and production of fruit trees. Indication of possible strategies in biotechnology use in
order to improve specific traits with strong agronomic and implications. Use of molecular markers
for assisted selection and for genetic breeding.
PHYTOPATHOLOGICAL BIOTECHNOLOGIES (5 CREDITS)