BIOTECHNOLOGIES

The biotechnology for the environment and sustainable development degree preparing students to work in the field of industrial biotechnology related to the exploitation of resources and renewable energy.
The course aims to provide the student with the theoretical knowledge and the updated framework of technological applications regarding the processes of microbial transformation in the industrial and environmental field, focused on high added value products and services field using renewable starting substrates and sustainable supply chains, from the environmental point of view, and decontamination of polluted matrices.
In particular, the micro-organisms molecular and metabolic characteristics used in the biodegradation processes of pollutants, as alternative energy sources, enzymes, new products with high commercial value with social impact, plant biomass' polymeric compounds transformation, amino acids, antibiotic and bioinsecticides industrial production will be illustrated.

Graduates know biotechnology techniques for the production of biofuels
Graduates know the processes of microbial transformation in the industrial field and the fermentative processes for the production of products with high added value, starting from waste.

Graduates know how to apply the experimental scientific method in the biological systems field, in the biorefineries context.
Graduates are able to understand and deepen the problems in the production and development of innovative products and services in the biorefineries contexts for the exploitation of waste organic, the production of bio-based compounds with high added value, bioenergy and biofuels.

Graduates know how to process complex information and data from different sources and are able to analyze and manipulate this data to elaborate clear and accurate summaries, drawing relevant conclusions to make any proposals for action.
Graduates can independently assess the environmental impact (for human health and ecosystems) of a production process, and can identify possible improvements.

Graduates will acquire appropriate skills and written and oral communication tools, modern skills to analyze, propose and critically discuss their experimentation data with specialists and non-specialists, also at events for the presentation and dissemination of experimental data and the discussion of topical issues relating to the biotechnology development.

Graduates will develop learning and in-depth skills in innovative research and solving current problems affecting the biotecnological industrial application.

Basics of molecular biology and biochemistry

Industrial biotechnology production. Industrial microbiology. Metabolic diversity of microorganisms aimed at industrial production. Microbial ecology and industrial applications. Bioremediation. Wastewater treatment and water purification. Research, development and improvement of industrial processes. Molecular bases of production processes. Antibiotics, vitamins, amino acids, enzymes, recombinant proteins production.

Teacher's material, reviews and articles provided by the professor

Oral examination for the verification of theoretical knowledge and creation, in groups, of a mini experimental biotechnological project for information processing and conceptual development of biotechnological processes that will be presented and evaluated as an integral part of the final vote.

Frontal didactics and articles and reviews assignment

Italian

oral