Teaching

Laboratory Safety: chemical and biological risks

Lecturer: Daniele Del Buono

CFU: 1

Hourse: 6

Course title: Laboratory Safety: chemical and biological risks

Course description
The course aims to explain some regulatory aspects related to current workplace safety laws, with particular reference to health and safety obligations. In addition, the course aims to provide concepts that will enable PhD students to assume a responsible and safe attitude in the laboratory that will allow them to reduce the risk from handling hazardous and/or toxic substances up to storage and disposal.

Final assessment: Yes (oral)

Recommended year of study: 1

Type: C: Frontal and transversal courses with a multi-, inter-, or transdisciplinary focus

Relevant Curriculum: Biological Sciences and Ecosystem Biodiversity, Food and Animal Science and Technology

Bibliographic databases and principles of bibliometrics

Lecturer: Gianandrea Salerno

CFU: 1

Hourse: 6

Course title: Bibliographic databases and principles of bibliometrics

Course description
The course provides a brief description of the most common bibliographic databases with particular attention to Scopus and WOS (Web of Science) and indicates the main methods and aims of bibliographic research. Information is provided on the evaluation of research, on the origins, characteristics and purposes of bibliometrics, on the role and importance of citations and the possible problems deriving from them. Information relating to the various bibliometric indicators is provided, indicating their meaning and method of calculation. The characteristics of international citation databases (Web of Science and Scopus) and Google Scholar are illustrated, highlighting possible limits and critical issues. Examples of the application of bibliometric indicators for the evaluation of individuals or structures (Research Units, Departments, Universities) in the framework of Italian applications (ASN, VQR) are provided.

Final assessment: Yes (oral)

Recommended year of study: 1

Type: C: Frontal and transversal courses with a multi-, inter-, or transdisciplinary focus

Relevant Curriculum: Biological Sciences and Ecosystem Biodiversity, Food and Animal Science and Technology

Experimental methods in biology: base R

Lecturer: Andrea Onofri

CFU: 2

Hours: 12

Course title: Experimental methods in biology: base R

Course description
Scientifically sound experiments are the fundamental key to scientific progress. The aim of this course is to introduce the students to the organisation of scientific experiments and to the process of data analyses, which should always produce reliable and unbiased data and conclusions, to be presented by using the appropriate format and with full and correct information.

Final assessment: Yes (MANDATORY ATTENDANCE. Completion of an assignment)

Recommended year of study: 1

Type: C: Frontal and transversal courses with a multi-, inter-, or transdisciplinary focus

Relevant Curriculum: Biological Sciences and Ecosystem Biodiversity, Food and Animal Science and Technology

Experimental methods in biology: ANOVA and Regression

Lecturer: Andrea Onofri

CFU: 2

Hours: 12

Course title: Experimental methods in biology: ANOVA and Regression

Course description
Scientifically sound experiments are the fundamental key to scientific progress. The aim of this course is to introduce the students to the organisation of scientific experiments and to the process of data analyses, which should always produce reliable and unbiased data and conclusions, to be presented by using the appropriate format and with full and correct information.

Final assessment: Yes (MANDATORY ATTENDANCE. Completion of an assignment)

Recommended year of study: 1

Type: C: Frontal and transversal courses with a multi-, inter-, or transdisciplinary focus

Relevant Curriculum: Biological Sciences and Ecosystem Biodiversity, Food and Animal Science and Technology

How to prepare figures and tables for a scientific article

Lecturer: Roberto Romani

CFU: 1

Hours: 6

Course title: How to prepare figures and tables for a scientific article

Course description
The course aims to provide PhD students with the basic tools to manage software for preparing graphical elements for a scientific paper, such as tables and figures. Use of some specific software (both open source and commercial) for preparing tables, graphs and illustrations; Ability to organise content into graphic elements suitable for publication in scientific journals; Analysing and interpreting scientific journal guidelines for tables, graphs and illustrations.

Final assessment: Yes (Practical creation of a graphic product)

Recommended year of study: 1

Type: C: Frontal and transversal courses with a multi-, inter-, or transdisciplinary focus

Relevant Curriculum: Biological Sciences and Ecosystem Biodiversity, Food and Animal Science and Technology

Climate change: causes and effects

Lecturer: Francesca Todisco

CFU: 2

Hours: 12

Course title: Climate change: causes and effects

Course description
The course aims to provide the tools to correctly interpret the information, forecasts and trends published in the field of climate change and to provide general information on the global model used to forecast climate change at a continental scale.

Final assessment: Yes (Presentation)

Recommended year of study: 1

Type: B - Frontal courses delivered by other Ph.D. programs, and recommended by the Board of Professors

Relevant Curriculum: Biological Sciences and Ecosystem Biodiversity, Food and Animal Science and Technology

Applications of microscopy in agricultural and environmental sciences

Lecturer: Lara Reale

CFU: 1

Hours: 6

Course title: Applications of microscopy in agricultural and environmental sciences

Course description
This course aims to give the theorical principles and show practical examples of the principal microscopy techniques used in agricultural and environmental research. We will see the theory about light properties, stereomicroscope, light microscopy, epifluorescence microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The course will also present the currently used protocols and give practical examples of research in which microscopy plays a crucial role. The final objective is to show the potentialities of several techniques, so that the PhD student can decide if they can be useful in his research project.

Final assessment: Yes (written)

Recommended year of study: 1

Type: A -  Frontal courses delivered by the Ph.D. program.

Relevant Curriculum: Biological Sciences and Ecosystem Biodiversity, Food and Animal Science and Technology

How to write a scientific article

Lecturer: Eric Conti

CFU: 2

Hours: 12

Course title: How to write a scientific article

Course description
Understanding the importance of publishing in science, acquiring knowledge and ability on scientific writing and on the process of publishing in peer reviewed journals. Intended learning outcomes . - Understanding the mechanisms of per-reviewed scientific publishing - Improving ability to design the layout and start writing a research or review paper - Improving scientific style and clarity in writing.

Final assessment: Yes (presentation)

Recommended year of study: 2

Type: A -  taught courses delivered by the Ph.D. program

Relevant Curriculum: Biological Sciences and Ecosystem Biodiversity, Food and Animal Science and Technology

Progettazione di costrutti genetici per l'ingegneria genetica vegetale e l'editing genomico

Lecturer: Daniele Rosellini

CFU: 3

Hours: 18

Course title: Design of genetic constructs for plant genetic engineering and genome editing

Course description
This course will be delivered in acomputer lab. Students will firstfamiliarize with the open accessBenchling platform for sequenceanalysis. They will learn the Goldengate cloning system and how touse the Golden Braid platform forgenetic construct assembly. Thenthey will carry out their ownconstruct design and assemblyprojects for overexpressing a geneand for knocking out the samegene using the CRISPR-Cas9technology. Finally, they will use online software tools to assess theresults of a gene knockoutexperiment using sequence datafrom a real project.

Final assessment: Yes (Gene assembly project for editing)

Recommended year of study: 1

Type: A -  Frontal courses delivered by the Ph.D. program,

Relevant Curriculum: Biological Sciences and Ecosystem Biodiversity, Food and Animal Science and Technology

Conservation of Plant, Animal and Microbial Biodiversity

Lecturer: Daniela Gigante, Emiliano Lasagna, Lorenzo Raggi, Benedetta Turchetti

CFU: 2

Hours: 12

Course title: Conservation of Plant, Animal and Microbial Biodiversity

Course description
This course will address theconservation of plant, animal, andmicrobial biodiversity, highlightingtheir fundamental role inecosystem functioning andsustainable development.
Particular emphasis will be placedon the strategic role of collectionsas essential tools for research,conservation, and education.
The course will also examine the principles and objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) and the Nagoya Protocol, with a focus on access to genetic resources and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from their utilization

Final assessment: Yes (presentation of a poster or oral communication)

Recommended year of study: 1

Type: A -  Frontal courses delivered by the Ph.D. program,

Relevant Curriculum: Biological Sciences and Ecosystem Biodiversity, Food and Animal Science and Technology

How to present scientific research results

Lecturer: Lorenzo Covarelli

CFU: 1

Hours: 6

Course title: How to present scientific research results

Course description
During the course, the dissemination and presentation of scientific results will be illustrated. In detail, both a conference abstract and result presentation, either as poster or oral communication, will be explained. At the end of the course, students will be asked to present part of their own results either as an abstract or a poster. Intended learning outcomes: - Abstract preparation and submission; - Result presentation (poster and oral); - Improvement of writing and presentation skills.

Final assessment: Yes (presentation of a poster or oral communication)

Recommended year of study: 2

Type: A -  Frontal courses delivered by the Ph.D. program,

Relevant Curriculum: Biological Sciences and Ecosystem Biodiversity, Food and Animal Science and Technology

Metrics for the circular economy

Lecturer: Lucia Rocchi

CFU: 2

Hours: 12

Course title: Metrics for the circular economy

Course description
The course aims to introduce the general principles of evaluation and measurement within the context of the circular economy, drawing on the framework established by the Bellagio Declaration. It will present some of the main metrics currently in use, with particular emphasis on their application to agri-food supply chains. The course also includes practical activities involving analysis and the application of these metrics to case studies.

Final assessment: Yes (Creation of a report / presentation)

Recommended year of study: 2

Type: B - Frontal courses delivered by other Ph.D. programs, and recommended by the Board of Professors

Relevant Curriculum: Biological Sciences and Ecosystem Biodiversity, Food and Animal Science and Technology

Advanced experimental methods in biology: Advanced R

Lecturer: Andrea Onofri

CFU: 2

Hours: 12

Course title: Advanced experimental methods in biology: Advanced R

Course description
This course follows the basic course ‘Experimental methods in biology’ (1st year) and it is aimed at deepening students’ knowledge about the design of experiments and data analyses with R. Intended learning outcomes: - Introduce the students to the advanced use of the R software - Introduce the students to advanced procedures of data management with R - Introduce the student to multivariate statistics and applications with R.

Final assessment: Yes (MANDATORY ATTENDANCE. Completion of an assignment)

Recommended year of study: 2

Type: C: Frontal  and transversal courses with a multi-, inter-, or transdisciplinary focus

Relevant Curriculum: Biological Sciences and Ecosystem Biodiversity, Food and Animal Science and Technology

 Advanced experimental methods in biology: PCA and Cluster analyses

Lecturer: Andrea Onofri

CFU: 2

Hours: 12

Course title: Advanced experimental methods in biology: PCA and Cluster analyses

Course description
This course follows the basic course ‘Experimental methods in biology’ (1st year) and it is aimed at deepening students’ knowledge about the design of experiments and data analyses with R. Intended learning outcomes: - Introduce the students to the advanced use of the R software - Introduce the students to advanced procedures of data management with R - Introduce the student to multivariate statistics and applications with R.

Final assessment: Yes (MANDATORY ATTENDANCE. Completion of an assignment)

Recommended year of study: 2

Type: C: Frontal  and transversal courses with a multi-, inter-, or transdisciplinary focus

Relevant Curriculum: Biological Sciences and Ecosystem Biodiversity, Food and Animal Science and Technology

GIS and remote sensing for agro-environmental applications

Lecturer: Marco Vizzari

CFU: 2

Hours: 12

Course title: GIS and remote sensing for agro-environmental applications

Course description
The course aims to provide knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing techniques specifically applied to agroecosystems and environmental research. Students will develop technical and analytical skills to acquire, process, and interpret geospatial data for monitoring agricultural landscapes, assessing ecosystem dynamics, and supporting sustainable resource management in the context of climate change and food security challenges.

Final assessment: Yes (preparation of a report/presentation)

Recommended year of study: 2

Type: B - Frontal courses delivered by other Ph.D. programs, and recommended by the Board of Professors

Relevant Curriculum: Biological Sciences and Ecosystem Biodiversity, Food and Animal Science and Technology

 Principles of life cycle assessment in agriculture

Lecturer: Pietro Goglio

CFU: 1

Hours: 6

Course title: Principles of life cycle assessment in agriculture

Course description
Identify the principles of environmental Life Cycle Assessment. Describe the key principles of life cycle assessment applied to agricultural systems. Provide insight into real life environmental decision making. In particular: Part 1: Introduction of life cycle thinking; Part 2: LCA history, standard and regulation; Part 3: Functional units; Part 4: System boundary; Part 5: System expansion and allocation; Part 6 Life Cycle Impact Assessment.

Final assessment: Yes (presentation)

Recommended year of study: 2

Type: B - Frontal courses delivered by other Ph.D. programs, and recommended by the Board of Professors

Relevant Curriculum: Biological Sciences and Ecosystem Biodiversity, Food and Animal Science and Technology

Food fermentation

Lecturer: Giovanni De Francesco

CFU: 1

Hours: 6

Course title: Food fermentation

Course description
Fermented foods are an emerging branch of the food industry that is also attracting interest from consumers. The course provides for an in-depth study of food fermentation. The first part will be dedicated to fermented beverages focusing on beer, cider, mead, kombucha, etc... The second part focuses on fermented foods such as miso, tofu, sauerkraut, olives, fermented fish. A final part of the course will focus on possible strategies for reducing salt, the high content of which in many fermented foods appears to limit consumption.

Final assessment: Yes (presentation)

Recommended year of study: 2

Type: A -  Frontal courses delivered by the Ph.D. program

Relevant Curriculum: Biological Sciences and Ecosystem Biodiversity, Food and Animal Science and Technology

How to review a scientific article

Lecturer: Eric Conti

CFU: 1

Hours: 6

Course title: How to review a scientific article

Course description
Understanding the process of peer reviewing and publishing in science; acquiring knowledge and some ability on peer reviewing, on how to approach a paper and how to proceed with reviews for scientific journals. Intended learning outcomes: - Understanding the importance of peer reviewing for scientific journals and when a request for reviewing can be accepted - Understanding ethics and rules of peer reviewing - Acquiring some ability to approach the review of a scientific paper - Learning how to correctly interact with Editors and Authors

Final assessment: Yes (oral)

Recommended year of study: 2

Type: A -  Frontal courses delivered by the Ph.D. program

Relevant Curriculum: Biological Sciences and Ecosystem Biodiversity, Food and Animal Science and Technology

How to write a Ph.D. thesis

Lecturer: Lorenzo Covarelli

CFU: 1

Hours: 6

Course title: How to write a Ph.D. thesis

Course description
During the course, information on how to write a successful PhD thesis will be given. In particular, indications on how to perform a good literature review will be provided, followed by the illustration of chapter partitioning and indications on font, front cover, title, index, summary, graphs, figures and tables. At the end of the course students will be asked to prepare a Power Point presentation about the structure of their own PhD thesis. Intended learning outcomes: - Learning how to perform a literature review; - Writing a successful PhD thesis; - Thesis publication in scientific peer-reviewed journals.

Final assessment: Yes (presentation of the structure of your Ph.D. thesis)

Recommended year of study: 3

Type: A -  Frontal courses delivered by the Ph.D. program

Relevant Curriculum: Biological Sciences and Ecosystem Biodiversity, Food and Animal Science and Technology

Introduction to intellectual property

Lecturer: Bianca Maria Torquati

CFU: 1

Hours: 6

Course title: Introduction to intellectual property

Course description
The course aims to provide a systematic overview of the intellectual property of inventions and its role in the modern bioeconomy. The course provides students with a series of concepts and economic approaches on biotechnological innovation. The economic benefits of the patent system and its roles in promoting innovation and encouraging investment will be discussed. Intended learning outcomes. - Making a product or process innovation accessible to society and marketable - Gaining intellectual property (IP).

Final assessment: Yes (presentation)

Recommended year of study: 3

Type: B - Frontal courses delivered by other Ph.D. programs, and recommended by the Board of Professors.

Relevant Curriculum: Biological Sciences and Ecosystem Biodiversity, Food and Animal Science and Technology

Effect of the rearing system on the core pillars of animal production

Lecturer: Cesare Castellini

CFU: 2

Hours: 12

Course title: Effect of the rearing system on the core pillars of animal production

Course description
Series of lessons on sustainability of animal production. The courses will provide an in-depth analysis on the effect of the livestock system (intensive, extensive and organic). In particular the topics are: qualitative and nutritional characteristics of meat and eggs; environmental impact and sustainability; resilience of systems (biodiversity, animal welfare, immune response, resistance to environmental stress and adaptability); one welfare approach.

Final assessment: Yes (presentation)

Recommended year of study: 3

Type: A -  Frontal courses delivered by the Ph.D. program

Relevant Curriculum: Biological Sciences and Ecosystem Biodiversity, Food and Animal Science and Technology

Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA project)

Lecturer: Michela Farneselli

CFU: 1

Hours: 6

Course title: Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA project)

Course description
This course introduces the PRIMA Foundation framework, focusing on sustainable water management, agri-food systems, and Mediterranean rural development. Students explore transnational project design, funding mechanisms, and stakeholder engagement, developing skills to contribute to Euro-Mediterranean research initiatives aligned with EU sustainability goals

Final assessment: Yes (presentation)

Recommended year of study: 3

Type: B - Frontal courses delivered by other Ph.D. programs, and recommended by the Board of Professors.

Relevant Curriculum: Biological Sciences and Ecosystem Biodiversity, Food and Animal Science and Technology

PhD thesis layout design

Lecturers: Milos Sevarika

CFU: 2

Hours: 12

Course title: PhD thesis layout design

Course description
This course is tailored for final-year PhD candidates seeking to create professional, university-compliant doctoral thesis layouts. The course is designed for beginners and will introduce students to Adobe InDesign, thus no prior experience is necessary. It will equip students with essential skills to produce polished, publisher-ready theses. The 12-hours program provides a structured learning path, covering basic to intermediate InDesign techniques with a focus on thesis formatting. Topics include document setup, character and paragraph styles, managing graphics and tables, color profiles, and print preparation with preflight checks. By the end, students will be able to confidently organize and design their thesis to meet academic and professional standards.

Final assessment: Yes (practical preparation of a thesis chapter)

Recommended year of study: 3

Type: C: Frontal and transversal courses with a multi-, inter-, or transdisciplinary focus

Relevant Curriculum: Biological Sciences and Ecosystem Biodiversity, Food and Animal Science and Technology

 LIFE Programme: the EU’s funding instrument for the environment

Lecturer: Corrado Marcenò

CFU: 1

Hours: 6

Course title: LIFE Programme: the EU’s funding instrument for the environment

Course description
The LIFE program is the European Union's funding instrument for environmental and climate action. LIFE began in 1992 and in 2022 celebrates 20 years of activity. The overall objective of LIFE is to contribute to the implementation, updating, and development of EU policies and legislation on the environment and climate by co-financing projects. Its main areas include nature and biodiversity, circular economy and quality of life, mitigation and adaptation to climate change, and transition to clean energy. The course will introduce the LIFE program and its various phases from 1992 to the present day. It will illustrate the main steps leading from application to funding attainment. Doctoral students will gain an understanding of the structure and management of LIFE projects through the analysis of some completed or ongoing projects. Additionally, the course will present the results of some of the main European and Italian projects, with a focus on those funded within the Natura 2000 Network in the Umbrian territory. The  objective of the course is therefore to train doctoral students on the LIFE program, its funding access modalities, and the structure and management of funded projects.

Final assessment: Yes (oral)

Recommended year of study: 3

Type: B - Frontal courses delivered by other Ph.D. programs, and recommended by the Board of Professors.

Relevant Curriculum: Biological Sciences and Ecosystem Biodiversity, Food and Animal Science and Technology