Category:
Courses
Educational hub:
a:1:{i:0;s:31:”Sustainability & Climate Change”;}
Target audience:
University:
ECTS credits:
5
Mode of delivery:
Physical
Contact name:
Riccardo Aversano
Contact email:
raversan@unina.it
Contact name #2:
field_64af0656ccdac
Contact email #2:
Language:
a:2:{i:0;s:7:”English”;i:1;s:7:”Italian”;}
Study cycle:
a:1:{i:0;s:6:”Master”;}
Additional info:
field_6151e270d9cd3
Start date:
2026-09-21
End date:
2026-11-30
Application start:
2026-04-01
Application deadline:
2026-07-03
SGD:
a:5:{i:0;s:17:”SDG2. Zero hunger”;i:1;s:45:”SDG9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure”;i:2;s:45:”SDG12. Responsible consumption and production”;i:3;s:21:”SDG13. Climate action”;i:4;s:19:”SDG15. Life on land”;}
Course credit:
Yes
Free course:
Yes
Aurora competence framework:
Only for enrolled students:
Open for registration to all Aurora Universities:
Faculty:
Micro-credential:
No
Micro-credential URL:
a:2:{i:0;s:44:”Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics”;i:1;s:47:”Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries and Veterinary”;}
Requirements:
No formal prerequisites are required. However, a basic background in plant biology, genetics, and agronomy is strongly recommended.
Learning outcome:
The course provides knowledge and skills in basic genetics and crop breeding, using both traditional and innovative technologies. By the end, students will be able to discuss strategies for developing improved crop varieties and assess breeding approaches to enhance the environmental sustainability of agricultural production.
Content:
Exploitation and Enhancement of Plant Genetic Variability
Principles of meiosis and its genetic consequences; mechanisms affecting reproduction and variation (male sterility, self-incompatibility, apomixis); use of plant genetic resources; strategies to broaden variability through interspecific hybridization, in vitro culture, somatic hybridization, polyploidization, and haploidization.
Classical Crop Breeding Strategies
Genetic and statistical principles for the selection of Mendelian and quantitative traits; estimation of selection gain; breeding methods for self-pollinated, cross-pollinated, and vegetatively propagated crops; application of marker-assisted selection in breeding programs.
Innovative Plant Breeding Strategies
Modern genomic and biotechnological approaches for crop improvement, including gene cloning, vectors, genetic transformation, cisgenesis, gene silencing, and genome editing; breeding strategies for biotic and abiotic stress tolerance; improvement of crop and food quality traits.
Assessment:
Written exam consisting of multiple-choice questions and open-ended questions.
Teaching Methods:
Lectures, seminars, project-based learning
Course Materials:
– Plants, Genes, and Agriculture: Sustainability through Biotechnology. Edited by Maarten J. Chrispeels and Paul Gepts. Oxford Press (ISBN: 9781605356846)
– Lecture notes and teaching material distributed in class