The course aims to provide students with basic knowledge on the main genetic biotechnologies, as well as with the problems (mostly in plant field, but also human field) which have found a solution thanks to such technologies.

The course aims to give the basic principles of advanced technologies useful for plant breeding and to improve productivity. To this aim, all biotechnological methodologies are introduced, with reference to genetic engineering, in vitro cultures, tools for diagnostic and traceability, study of genetic variability, and achievement of interspecific crosses. A principal focus will be given to the development and analysis of molecular markers, in order to acquire familiarity with uses of DNA analysis for variability studies and marker assisted selection.