General principles- Structure of nucleic acids, organisation of eukaryotic and
prokaryotic genomes, genome replication and maintenance, transcription,
mRNA maturation, translation, epigenetic regulation, non-coding RNA.
Environmentally induced genetic alterations- DNA repair systems,
epigenetic modifications, gene and chromosome mutations.
Technologies- Gene expression study, PCR, cloning, sequencing methods, in
vitro and in vivo gene toxicity testing.
Genetically modified organisms- Modification of eukaryotic and prokaryotic
cells: methods of over-expression and gene silencing, gene editing.
Bioremediation- Use of genetically modified organisms for waste disposal
and/or valorisation.
Genetically modified animals- methods for over-expression, gene silencing
and gene editing; use of genetically modified animals in scientific research and
in the pharmaceutical industry and associated risks (biosafety).
Genetically modified plants- methods for over-expression, silencing and
gene editing; use of genetically modified plants in agriculture (herbicide and
insect resistance, quality and nutritional improvements) and industry (plants as
bioreactors) and associated risks (biosafety).