Learning objectives
The aim of the course is to transfer to the student the bases of Biology which are necessary to understand the principles of Zoology. The student will be provided by the instruments in order to describe animal structure and function and to know the main animal taxa (both invertebrates and vertebrates). The student will be able to recognise the animal kingdom as an essential part of wider system.
In particular the student will be able to:
D1: Knowledge and understanding. To understand the structure, the substructure and the properties of animal cells and tissues, the structure, the morphogenesis, the adaptations, the classification and the phylogenesis of the main animal taxa, the main functions of animals and their intra- and interspecific intercations.
D2: Applying knowledge and understanding. To utilize the specific language and the zoological nomenclature, to recognize the main animal tissues and the most common animal taxa.
D3: Making judgements. To be able to judge the didactics.
D5: Learning skills. To be able to relate the treated arguments. To acquire a methodology of study wich allows the prosecution of the universitary formation. To acquire the skills necessary for the professional activities after the degree.
Prerequisites
Elementary concepts of Biology usually acquired in secondary school courses.
Course unit content
After the introduction to the origin of life, the aim of the first part of the course is to examine the cell and the main functional systems of animals. The second part concerns the survival strategies of animal species. In particular, the main topics are the reproduction, the evolution and the animal behaviour. The last part concerns the diversity of animal kingdom, from invertebrates to vertebrates.
Full programme
Life molecules.
Origin of life.
The cell.
The cellular division, reproduction and development.
Structure and functions of animals.
The evolution.
Animal behaviour.
Classification and phylogenesis of animals.
Bibliography
Hickmann CP et al. - Zoologia, 2020 (18a Edizione or previous versions) - Ed. McGraw-Hill
All the didactic material uploaded on-line on Elly Portal at the beginning of the course.
Teaching methods
Frontal and practical lessons in presence with audio/video support material to examin specific examples.
The access to the records will be possible through the Elly page of the course.
Assessment methods and criteria
Oral test consisting of three open questions to verify the theoric knowledge, the ability of its application and to make links among the specific topics by the student. In order to pass the exam, the student needs to reach a sufficient valutation in each of the three questions. The result is communicated at the end of the evaluation. The on-line registration to attend the exam is mandatory.
Other information
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2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
1) Climate action
2) Life below water
3) Life and land
