Course: Cryopreservation techniques of gametes - Prof. Nicola Bernabò - a.y. 2023/2024

General information about the course

Presentation

Currently: Associate Professor (SSD VET / 02), Veterinary Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo.

2004: PhD in "Endocrinology of Domestic Animals", University of Bologna

2002: First level University Master in "Reproductive Biotechnology", University of Teramo

1999: Degree in Veterinary Medicine, 110 cum laude, University of Pisa

The research of Dr. Bernabo is focused on Reproductive Biology of Mammals. In particular it id focused on:
- The adoption of computational models based on network theory (biological networks) to study the complex biological events, in particular in the acquisition of the fertilizing ability and the sperm-oocyte interaction.
- Study of the effect of exposure to electromagnetic fields on reproductive function;
- Study of the molecular mechanisms that control mammalian sperm capacitation.

Altogether were made more than 70 research products including articles in international scientific journals, participation in conferences and book chapters, of which 48 are indexed to Scopus (http://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri ? AuthorID = 55907939900), with an H index = 13.

Info

INFO ABOUT THE COURSE

OBJECTIVES OF THE COURSE

Knowledge and understanding: The course provides comprehensive and updated information about the molecular interactions that gametes put in place with the natural (the features male and female genitals) and artificial (culture media, media for cryopreservation of cells and tissues, storage systems) environment, with particular regard to the influence on them of the temperature.
This knowledge will enable the student to address critically the different methodologies applied to the cultivation, handling and cryopreservation of both human and animal gametes.
Applying knowledge and understanding: At the end of the course will be evaluated:
- Theoretical knowledge, by an oral examination;
- The ability to apply theoretical knowledge by practical and / or simulated tests.
Making judgements: During the practical lessons the student's ability to develop experimental protocols, to apply them properly, and to collect and analyze the data correctly will be assessed . In particular, great attention will be paid to methodological rigor and the student's ability to turn an abstract problem in a scientific question.
Communication: The communication skills of the student is evaluated:
- Ongoing: during the guided practice activities
- During the exams.
In particular it will be evaluated for their ability to communicate with a scientific and rigorous.
language.
Learning skills: Student learning is evaluated by means of tests in progress and through a final oral examination.

PREREQUISITE AND PREPARATORY

Prerequisite: It is required a strong background in anatomy, biochemistry and physiology of male and female gametes
Preparatory: None

Teaching units

DUBLIN DESCRIPTORS FOR UNIT

UNIT 1: Physiology of gametes at low temperature

Knowledge and understanding: The course provides comprehensive and updated information about the molecular interactions that gametes put in place with the natural (the features male and female genitals) and artificial (culture media, media for cryopreservation of cells and tissues, storage systems) environment, with particular regard to the influence on them of the temperature.
This knowledge will enable the student to address critically the different methodologies applied to the cultivation, handling and cryopreservation of both human and animal gametes.
Applying knowledge and understanding: At the end of the course will be evaluated:
- Theoretical knowledge, by an oral examination;
- The ability to apply theoretical knowledge by practical and / or simulated tests.
Making judgements: During the practical lessons the student's ability to develop experimental protocols, to apply them properly, and to collect and analyze the data correctly will be assessed . In particular, great attention will be paid to methodological rigor and the student's ability to turn an abstract problem in a scientific question.
Communication: The communication skills of the student is evaluated:
- Ongoing: during the guided practice activities
- During the exams.
In particular it will be evaluated for their ability to communicate with a scientific and rigorous.
language.
Learning skills: Student learning is evaluated by means of tests in progress and through a final oral examination.

UNIT 2: Cryopreservation of gametes

Knowledge and understanding: The course provides comprehensive and updated information about the molecular interactions that gametes put in place with the natural (the features male and female genitals) and artificial (culture media, media for cryopreservation of cells and tissues, storage systems) environment, with particular regard to the influence on them of the temperature.
This knowledge will enable the student to address critically the different methodologies applied to the cultivation, handling and cryopreservation of both human and animal gametes.
Applying knowledge and understanding: At the end of the course will be evaluated:
- Theoretical knowledge, by an oral examination;
- The ability to apply theoretical knowledge by practical and / or simulated tests.
Making judgements: During the practical lessons the student's ability to develop experimental protocols, to apply them properly, and to collect and analyze the data correctly will be assessed . In particular, great attention will be paid to methodological rigor and the student's ability to turn an abstract problem in a scientific question.
Communication: In particular it will be evaluated for their ability to communicate with a scientific and rigorous.
language.
Learning skills: Student learning is evaluated by means of tests in progress and through a final oral examination.

UNIT 3: Introduction to computational modeling in cryobiology

Knowledge and understanding: The course provides comprehensive and updated information about the molecular interactions that gametes put in place with the natural (the features male and female genitals) and artificial (culture media, media for cryopreservation of cells and tissues, storage systems) environment, with particular regard to the influence on them of the temperature.
Applying knowledge and understanding: At the end of the course will be evaluated:
- Theoretical knowledge, by an oral examination;
- The ability to apply theoretical knowledge by practical and / or simulated tests.
Making judgements: During the practical lessons the student's ability to develop experimental protocols, to apply them properly, and to collect and analyze the data correctly will be assessed . In particular, great attention will be paid to methodological rigor and the student's ability to turn an abstract problem in a scientific question.
Communication: In particular it will be evaluated for their ability to communicate with a scientific and rigorous.
language.
Learning skills: Student learning is evaluated by means of tests in progress and through a final oral examination.

Course books

COURSE BOOKS

The lesson slides will be mailny used as bibliographic reference

Research material

RESEARCH MATERIAL

Cellular Thermodynamics

Author: Joe Wolfe
Review: ENCYCLOPEDIA OF LIFE SCIENCES, 2002

Potential Importance of Vitrification in Reproductive Medicine

Author: Juergen Liebermann, Frank Nawroth, Vladimir Isachenko, Evgenia Isachenko, Gohar Rahimi, and Michael J. Tucker
Review: BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION 67, 2002
Pages: 1671–1680