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.

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).