SUBJECT | SEMESTER | CFU | SSD | LANGUAGE | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
119922 - MATHEMATICS | First Semester | 8 | MAT/05 | ![]() |
Learning objectivesLearn basic contents and techniques from Mathematical Analysis, which are needed to study functions, to solve problems relying on integral calculus and to solve simple differential equations. When possible, these themes will be related to applied problems, mainly in Biology. Students will learn basic concepts: limit, differentiability, study of functions; integral and its applications; differential equations. |
15310 - CYTOLOGY AND HISTOLOGY | First Semester | 9 | BIO/06 | ![]() |
Learning objectivesThe course aims to provide basic knowledge on the functioning of cells (of how cells function and interact, how they organize themselves in tissues), providing a reference framework for a further study of specific genetic, biochemical and molecular topics during the Biology course. |
17547 - GENERAL AND INORGANIC CHEMISTRY | First Semester | 7 | CHIM/03 | ![]() |
Learning objectivesThe course introduces, through frontal lessons and exercises, the basic concepts of Chemistry, aiming to the understanding and to the theoretical and experimental analysis of biological phenomena. The study of stoichiometry allows to describe the quantitative aspects of chemical reactions. The knowledge of the atomic structure and the periodicity of the atomic properties is the foundation for the discussion of the different kinds of chemical bonds and interactions, of the molecular geometries as well as the nomenclature of simple chemical compounds. Chemical thermodynamics deals with the energy involved in chemical processes (both reactions and phase transitions), while chemical kinetics describes the rate of such processes, allowing to rationalise the concept of chemical equilibrium, a central topic in biochemical phenomena. Examples of fundamental chemical reactions are finally presented, like acids and bases, precipitation and redox reactions. These concepts are key to the critical understanding of the chemical aspects underlying the different topics of the degree course. |
13639 - PHYSICS | Second Semester | 7 | FIS/07 | ![]() |
Learning objectivesThe aim of the course is to provide students with the fundamental concepts of physics while conveying, at the same time, the logical-deductive tools necessary to arrive at a full understanding of the topics presented. Students will have to acquire the basic principles of the scientific method that combines the experimental approach with a mathematical-deductive approach. Particular attention will be paid to the critical and historical analysis of the concepts on which a scientific theory is based. The course also aims to provide the basis for understanding the physical principles involved in some biological processes and in the applications of some physical methodologies in the biomedical field. |
15286 - BOTANY | Second Semester | 9 | BIO/03 | ![]() |
Learning objectivesThe aim of the course is to provide the students tools for understanding the diversity of Plants, adaptation strategies, and different reproduction processes. The knowledge of the biodiversity of micro- and macroscopic organisms occupying different environmental compartments - air, water and soil - is a basic skill for understanding their role in the ecosystems and possible consequences due to Climate Change. The course will supply the basis for further studies in ecology and many other disciplines of the next two years. |
15287 - ZOOLOGY | Second Semester | 9 | BIO/05 | ![]() |
Learning objectivesThe aim of the course is to provide students with a general knowledge of biodiversity as regards the animal kingdom and the experimental approaches that enable it to be studied, and in particular knowledge on physiology, morphology, behaviour, evolution, and classification of species. Students will learn an evolutional approach to animal biology to understand animal diversity in all its manifestations in relation to the various environments and organisms. The acquired knowledge and methodological approach can be useful both in the future of biological studies and in professional application. |
119926 - ENGLISH LANGUAGE - B1 | Second Semester | 5 | ![]() |
Learning objectivesThe course aims to develop language skills at a pre-intermediate level (B1 in The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages), focusing on building essential grammatical and lexical foundations. |
SUBJECT | SEMESTER | CFU | SSD | LANGUAGE | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
OPTIONAL GROUP | - | - | - | - | |
STATISTICS AND PHYSICS LABORATORY | Second Semester | 6 | FIS/07 | ![]() |
Learning objectivesThe aim of the course is to provide the students with 1) knowledge of basic physics in order to complete those introduced during the first year and 2) the tools needed to design and carry out a scientific experiment and analyze the data obtained through the most appropriate statistical analysis tools (using graphical and analytical methods). The course aims to make students acquire the ability to orally expose a scientific topic and to draw up a scientific report. This is within a simple but rigorous modeling and mathematical approach to familiarize students with graphic representations and estimates of scale sizes and physical phenomena. |
13646 - ORGANIC CHEMISTRY | First Semester | 7 | CHIM/06 | ![]() |
Learning objectivesThe course introduces the concepts and the experimental approaches of organic chemistry, working on the consolidation of principles in the field of physics and general and inorganic chemistry in order to advance the knowledge of carbon chemistry. In the first part of the course, the cultural and practical bases for understanding the structure of organic molecules will be provided, paying particular attention to the relationships between chemical structure and chemical-physical and biological properties associated with them. The different physical hybridization states of the carbon will allow the three-dimensional vision of the molecules, facilitating the understanding of their role in the cell. The second part of the course is dedicated to the application of chemical properties in the context of reactivity. The student will have the opportunity to have answers to some of the key questions in his study: why do molecules react? What are the experimental factors that control the kinetics of the reactions? When is a reaction under thermodynamic control rather than kinetic? How is it possible to synthesize complex molecules from simple reagents? What is the impact of organic chemistry on the environment and how can it be reduced? This knowledge will allow the student to undertake subsequent study courses with strong structural and molecular expertise. |
15291 - GENETICS | First Semester | 9 | BIO/18 | ![]() |
Learning objectivesThe aim of the course is to provide students with the information necessary for understanding the theoretical foundations of classical and modern genetics and the experimental approaches that have allowed their definition. Students will have to learn the logic of formal genetic analysis and the methodologies of genetic dissection of biological phenomena. They will have to know how to connect the concepts of genotype and phenotype and the interaction of these with the environment. A relevant chapter of the course will be dedicated to the students' acquisition of the concepts of mutation, mutagenesis and repair of genetic damage; as well as the impact that these processes have in the generation of syndromes, in the onset of degenerative diseases and in the evolution of populations. The notions will be provided to understand the paradigm shift that took place in the post-genomic era, and the understanding of the importance of both eukaryotic and prokaryotic model systems will be stimulated. |
OPTIONAL GROUP | - | - | - | - | |
CYTOGENETICS | Second Semester | 6 | BIO/18 | ![]() |
Learning objectives
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HYDROBIOLOGY | Second Semester | 6 | BIO/07 | ![]() |
Learning objectivesThe aim of the course is to provide students with the information useful to learn the theoretical bases of classical and modern hydrobiology and the theoretical and experimental approaches that have enabled their development today. We aim to expand the knowledge on aquatic habitats and the organisms that inhabit them from a taxonomic, ecological and trophic-functional point of view. Students will learn the logic of ecosystem analysis of aquatic environments and the methodologies suitable for evaluating structures and functions of organisms in aquatic environments. Notions will be provided to understand the most recent developments in the ecosystem science of aquatic environments (food web theory, niche theory, metacommunity ecology), and we will stimulate discussion on the importance of managing these environments. The course aims to provide the basis for further in-depth studies in the fields of freshwater ecology and community ecology through a solid knowledge of the tools for scientific references research. |
119004 - COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY | Second Semester | 4 | ![]() |
Learning objectivesOver the last decade, technical and technological advancements have sparked a true revolution in the scientific field, thanks to the increased ability to obtain enormous amounts of data at speeds and resolutions previously unimaginable. This ‘big-data revolution’ makes the knowledge of appropriate computational and analytical tools essential to handle such vast amounts of information. In this context, understanding programming languages is a must in any researcher's portfolio. In this course, we will explore the fundamentals of one of the most widely used languages for data management and analysis in the biological and ecological fields, R. The course will be divided into theoretical and practical lessons, combining the study of R with basic and some advanced statistical concepts. | |
15288 - BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY | Second Semester | 9 | BIO/10 | ![]() |
Learning objectivesThe course aims to provide a general framework for understanding the biochemical bases of cell biology and to provide the bases for further studies in Biochemical Methods and Food Science. The course will introduce students to the knowledge of the structure and function of the main biological molecules: proteins, carbohydrates and lipids. In addition, general energy concepts will be provided: state functions (enthalpy, entropy and free energy), standard status, high energy compounds as well as knowledge of cellular metabolism and its regulation in relation to physiological needs in humans. Experimental laboratory is also provided allowing preparation of solutions, dilutions and buffers. |
15290 - MORPHOGENESIS AND COMPARATIVE ANATOMY | Second Semester | 9 | BIO/06 | ![]() |
Learning objectivesThe course aims to provide the basic knowledge of the biology of deuterostome development from the fusion of gametes, to the constitution and development of the zygotes also after the growth and formation of vertebrate organs and systems. The course aims to provide a framework for further deepening of physiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology. |
- - ELECTIVE MODULE | Second Semester | 6 | ![]() |
SUBJECT | SEMESTER | CFU | SSD | LANGUAGE | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
13657 - TRAINING | First Semester | 6 | ![]() | ||
OPTIONAL GROUP | - | - | - | - | |
IMMUNOLOGY | 6 | MED/04 | ![]() |
Learning objectivesCOURSE OBJECTIVES | |
BIOGEOGRAFY | 6 | BIO/07 | ![]() |
Learning objectivesThe course aims to provide basic knowledge about the main geographical distribution patterns of organisms, from the global to the landscape scale, as well as the main historical processes involved in the formation and spatio-temporal evolution of these patterns. Emphasis will also be given to the application aspects of the discipline, in particular in the areas of biodiversity management and conservation in both continental and island contexts, environmental assessment, sustainable use of resources, landscape planning and public health. | |
15292 - MOLECULAR BIOLOGY | First Semester | 9 | BIO/11 | ![]() |
Learning objectives
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15294 - MICROBIOLOGY | First Semester | 9 | BIO/19 | ![]() |
Learning objectivesThe course will permit the comprehension of the morphological, physiological and metabolic characteristics of microorganisms (mainly prokaryotes); their role in nature and their interactions with other organisms. Moreover, it will consent to acquire the basic techniques for the manipulation of microorganisms in the Laboratory. The course will supply a reference framework for understanding current issues related to microorganisms, their interactions with the environment, and their possible uses. This encompasses the importance of microorganisms for humans and other animals, environmental technology, the dangers presented by specific microorganisms, and the essential steps to reduce their potential harmful impact. |
- - ELECTIVE MODULE | First Semester | 6 | ![]() | ||
15300 - APPLIED BIOCHEMISTRY | Second Semester | 6 | BIO/10 | ![]() |
Learning objectivesThis course aims to provide the students with a theoretical and practical knowledge on some of the major preparative and analytical methods that are used not only in biochemical and molecular biological research, but also in other fields including biomedical and environmental. In particular, the knowledge provided relates to methodologies for the identification, isolation and structural and functional characterization of biological macromolecules as well as intellectual tools for the analysis of results and for their description. Both techniques for analyzing individual proteins and genes, as well as whole proteomes and genomes will be treated. |
118540 - FOOD SCIENCE AND FOOD SAFETY | Second Semester | 9 | BIO/10 | ![]() |
Learning objectivesThe course of Food Science and Food Safety aims to provide students with the tools necessary to understand the various aspects of nutrition both from the point of view of digestion and absorption and regarding the metabolic fate of nutrients. Furthermore, the important aspect of food safety will be addressed, in particular the prevention of the main diseases linked to food consumption; The understanding of the importance of nutrition in the prevention of chronic degenerative diseases will also be stimulated. |
OPTIONAL GROUP | - | - | - | - | |
CONSERVAZIONE DELLE BIODIVERSITA' | 6 | BIO/07 | ![]() |
Learning objectives The course aims at providing the students with a broad and scientifically correct understanding of the structure of biodiversity, the mechanisms that generate and maintain it, and the human-induced effects that threaten its persistence over time. Since the levels of biodiversity organisation are highly interdependent with one another and cascading effects are typically associated with human impacts, the course aims to develop students' abilities to make connections across multiple levels. To this end, the lectures are structured in a theoretical part and a practical one that involves, for example, the examination of numerous case studies. | |
15301 - PHYSIOLOGY | Second Semester | 9 | BIO/09 | ![]() |
Learning objectivesThe course aims to provide solid knowledge on physiological processes, from the cellular to the organism level. In particular, the course will allow you to: 1) understand the functions and the mechanisms of the physiological processes at cellular, organismal, and system level and their regulation and functional integration through different levels of organization in living organisms; 2) understand the adaptive and homeostatic capacities of organisms in response to environmental changes, both social and physical. The course will pose a solid basis for more specialized studies in neuroscience, behavioural physiology, comparative physiology, ecophysiology, and conservation physiology. |
17517 - ECOLOGY | Second Semester | 9 | BIO/07 | ![]() |
Learning objectivesThe course aims to provide solid basic knowledge of the structure and functioning of environmental systems, with particular emphasis on the mechanisms that determine the distribution and abundance of organisms as well as their relationships with the environment. The course aims to emphasize the hierarchical and interdisciplinary nature of ecology with the aim of encouraging students to deal with complex and multi-scalar disciplines and problems. This is reflected in the organization of the program, that runs the hierarchical scale of the ecological organization, from the mechanisms underlying biodiversity (evolutionary ecology), through the relationships between organisms and species (population ecology) to the structure and functioning of the communities (community ecology). |
118539 - FINAL EXAMINATION | Second Semester | 7 | ![]() |
The aim of the course is to provide the students with 1) knowledge of basic physics in order to complete those introduced during the first year and 2) the tools needed to design and carry out a scientific experiment and analyze the data obtained through the most appropriate statistical analysis tools (using graphical and analytical methods). The course aims to make students acquire the ability to orally expose a scientific topic and to draw up a scientific report. This is within a simple but rigorous modeling and mathematical approach to familiarize students with graphic representations and estimates of scale sizes and physical phenomena.
Expected learning outcomes
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING SKILLS
At the end of the learning activity the person will know: A) define the measure of a physical quantity in direct and indirect manner; B) describe a physical dimension through numerical and graphical, linear and nonlinear methods; C) identify the right dimensional equations and the unit of measure; D) describe the operation of an instrument and highlight its properties; E) distinguish systematic and random errors of the measuring instruments in their absolute and relative representation; F) define a propagation of the error in derived quantities; G) define the significant figures of a measure; H) outline the concept of probability distribution; I) identify a confidence interval; L) comparing experimental results; M) design a mechanics, calorimetry experiment and study of the DC circuits capable of determining with good approximation some fundamental constants of the physical or physical properties of the apparatus; N) write a scientific report that gives clear, complete and immediate control of the protocol and collected data.
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING SKILLS APPLIED
At the end of this didactic activity, the student must demonstrate, doing an experiment or in an examination context, to know how to: A) associate the magnitude to measure the physical laws describing the system; B) estimate the effects that change the expected value of the measured quantity within the used approximation; C) do an experiment and define the optimum conditions for carrying it on; D) give a value of uncertainty of the measured quantities; E) analytically evaluate how the error is propagated on indirectly measured quantities; F) choose the most effective way to get the value to be measured that is affected by minimal random error and systematic uncertainties; G) analyze the significance of the results through the statistics.
JUDGMENT AUTONOMY
At the end of this activity, the student must demonstrate that he / she knows how to: A) choose a working condition or an approximation for the experimental verification of a physical law; B) formulate and support appropriate hypotheses on the type of experiment most suitable for obtaining an experimental result; C) apply the most appropriate protocols to increase measurement sensitivity; D) apply the most appropriate protocols to reduce accidental and systematic errors.
COMMUNICATIVE SKILLS
The student must demonstrate that he/she is able to describe in a scientific report the physical law relevant for an experiment, the experimental conditions, and the theory best suited to the determination of physical quantity measurement, data collection and statistical analysis. Communication skills will be verified by evaluating the reports that each group of students will have done about the experiments conducted during the course. They will then be further verified during the examination.
ABILITY TO LEARN
At the end of this activity, the student must demonstrate that he / she can use the experimental method learned to investigate the characteristics of various systems.
The course introduces the fundamental concepts and experimental approaches to the study of cytogenetics, a branch of genetics that analyzes the structure of the chromosomes to determine the relationship existing between the hereditary and specific karyotypes characters. The course aims to consolidate and expand the knowledge base on chromatin structure and its intranuclear organization, the metaphase chromosome as well as its specialized structures such as centromere, telomere and fragile sites and their role in maintaining genome stability. The course also aims to address the study of human chromosomal instability syndromes and the role of the biologist in their diagnosis using classical and molecular cytogenetics techniques. It also provides a basis for specialized studies such as the analysis of chromosomal aberrations.
EXPECTED LEARNING RESULTS
Knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course students will have a thorough knowledge of the basic principles of cytogenetics such as organizing intranuclear chromatin, the chromosome structure and its specialized components. In addition, they will have learned the main classical and molecular cytogenetic techniques.
Applying knowledge and understanding
Students will be encouraged to take advantage of the knowledge acquired during the course and during laboratory practice in order to apply them to specific issues such as, for example, the identification of a specific chromosomal instability syndrome or the genotoxic capacity of chemical or physical agent as well as the application potential of the techniques learned.
Making judgements
Students will be able to interpret and discuss scientific papers presented during class and be able to identify in them the highlights and key points.
Communication skills
During the lessons it will be stimulated students' ability to think and discuss about the topics covered as well as the comparison of opinions to develop their communication skills. These skills will then be tested in the examination.
Learning skills
Students will be able to expose and develop scientific issues related to the course. The active involvement of students through oral classroom discussions and experiences in the laboratory practices, will develop that skill.
The aim of the course is to provide students with the information useful to learn the theoretical bases of classical and modern hydrobiology and the theoretical and experimental approaches that have enabled their development today. We aim to expand the knowledge on aquatic habitats and the organisms that inhabit them from a taxonomic, ecological and trophic-functional point of view. Students will learn the logic of ecosystem analysis of aquatic environments and the methodologies suitable for evaluating structures and functions of organisms in aquatic environments. Notions will be provided to understand the most recent developments in the ecosystem science of aquatic environments (food web theory, niche theory, metacommunity ecology), and we will stimulate discussion on the importance of managing these environments. The course aims to provide the basis for further in-depth studies in the fields of freshwater ecology and community ecology through a solid knowledge of the tools for scientific references research.
EXPECTED LEARNING RESULTS
Knowledge and understanding: We expect to develop knowledge of the principles and ecological laws that underlie the ecosystem functioning of aquatic environments. We expect the students to acquire the notions of hydrobiology useful for undertaking ecosystem analyzes of the various environmental types of inland waters.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: Students will know how to use the notions learned in class and developed in the lab experiences to interpret the structures and functions of the various aquatic organisms and to solve problems in the various fields of hydrobiology.
Judgment autonomy: Students will be able to identify the theoretical and experimental paths to be applied to the resolution of new problems or hypothesis in the field of Hydrobiology.
Communication skills: Students' ability to talk, reason and discuss the questions raised during the lessons on the topics will be stimulated., with a particular attention to the use of proper terminology and logic streamline.
Learning ability: Students will be able to discuss scientific issues related to hydrobiology and in general to the academic ecology of aquatic environments in its management applications and in its theoretical and experimental implications. This skill will be developed and tested by involving students in classroom discussions.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
The aim of the course of Immunology is to provide students with a method of studying this constantly evolving scientific area, with terminology and information necessary to understand the basic and the advanced concepts in Immunology. In particular, the program aims to provide general characteristics, basic and updated knowledge concerning molecular and cellular components of innate and adaptive immunity. The students will also be provided with the most recent advances in for further studies concerning the mechanisms underlying immune responses against infections and tumors. In conclusions, the course aims to provide general knowledge to understand the immune response and insights for future studies of immunopathology and immunological biotechnology.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
1) Knowledge and understanding. Knowledge of modern Immunology: properties and functions of molecular and cellular components of adaptive and innate immune responses, their complex network of interactions.
2) Applying knowledge and understanding. Developing the knowledge of potential applications of adaptive and innate immune responses in immunopathology and immunological biotechnology.
3) Making judgments. Ability to interpret the experimental results, similar to those addressed during the lessons.
4) Communication skills. Will be stimulated students' ability to speak, think and discuss the scientific questions raised in the classroom to develop communication skills.
5) Learning skills. Ability to describe scientific issues related to the modern Immunology. Such skills will be developed and tested by involving students in oral discussions in the classroom.
The course aims to provide basic knowledge about the main geographical distribution patterns of organisms, from the global to the landscape scale, as well as the main historical processes involved in the formation and spatio-temporal evolution of these patterns. Emphasis will also be given to the application aspects of the discipline, in particular in the areas of biodiversity management and conservation in both continental and island contexts, environmental assessment, sustainable use of resources, landscape planning and public health.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Knowledge and understanding
At the end of the training, the student will acquire knowledge on animal and plant species distribution. The student will be able to analyze the pattern of species distribution, linking them to the main biogeographic and evolutionary processes involved. The student will know the distribution of the main endemic taxa at global scale.
Applied knowledge and understanding
At the end of the training, the student will be able to: analyze the classification of the biogeographical regions and the most important endemisms of these regions; recognize the main processes that determine the distribution of species; formulate sound and evidence based scientific questions.
Making judgments
At the end of the training, the student will be able to make a judgement on the evolutionary and biogeographic processes determining plant and animal species distribution.
Communication skills
The student will acquire an appropriate language in the different aspects of Biogeography and will be able to communicate the acquired knowledge.
Learning skills
The student will be able to autonomously develop a reasoning that leads to identify distribution patterns and to analyze the main processes involved.
The course aims at providing the students with a broad and scientifically correct understanding of the structure of biodiversity, the mechanisms that generate and maintain it, and the human-induced effects that threaten its persistence over time. Since the levels of biodiversity organisation are highly interdependent with one another and cascading effects are typically associated with human impacts, the course aims to develop students' abilities to make connections across multiple levels. To this end, the lectures are structured in a theoretical part and a practical one that involves, for example, the examination of numerous case studies.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
1) Knowledge and Understanding: The students will acquire advanced knowledge on the management strategies to deal with various problems that impact biodiversity. This objective is reflected in the organization of the program, which requires students to comprehend the hierarchical scale of biodiversity organization, from the genetic level to population and species up to the ecosystem and global levels.
2) Applied Knowledge and Understanding: The knowledge acquired will be applied to the ecological mechanisms that allow evaluating the state and functioning of ecosystems and biodiversity. Comprehension abilities will be stimulated by encouraging students to deal with complex and multi-scale disciplines and problems.
3) Independent Evaluation: The interdisciplinary and multilevel nature of this course, including the analyses of the case studies that will be discussed during the lectures and the field work, will allow students to fuel their ability to formulate independent evaluations and bridge across different concepts.
4) Communication Skills: These skills will be developed by encouraging discussions during the lectures and through the group activities, including Journal Clubs, and further refined during field exercises.
5) Ability to Learn: The concepts that the students will learn during the course, and their inter-connections, will stimulate a “learning-by-reasoning” process.
CHOICE GROUPS | YEAR/SEMESTER | CFU | SSD | LANGUAGE | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
OPTIONAL GROUP | - | 6 | - | - | |
13643 - STATISTICS AND PHYSICS LABORATORY | Second Year / First Semester | 6 | FIS/07 | ![]() | |
119724 - CYTOGENETICS | Second Year / Second Semester | 6 | BIO/18 | ![]() | |
17514 - HYDROBIOLOGY | Second Year / Second Semester | 6 | BIO/07 | ![]() | |
OPTIONAL GROUP | - | 6 | - | - | |
15293 - IMMUNOLOGY | Third Year / First Semester | 6 | MED/04 | ![]() | |
119927 - BIOGEOGRAFY | Third Year / First Semester | 6 | BIO/07 | ![]() | |
17516 - CONSERVAZIONE DELLE BIODIVERSITA' | Third Year / Second Semester | 6 | BIO/07 | ![]() |