ANIMAL BIOLOGY
Learning outcomes of the course unit
Dublin descriptor 1: Knowledge and understanding
The Animal Biology course has been designed to provide students with the most up-to-date scientific information in the fields of evolutionary biology, molecular biology and cellular biology, as well as provide the biological foundation required to understand reproductive processes and embryogenesis in major animal groups.
Dublin descriptor 2: Applying knowledge and understanding
The fundamental knowledge of Animal biology is applied to pharmaceutical sciences.
Dublin descriptor 3: Making judgements
Students must be able to manage a discussion about the organization and functioning of living systems at different levels: from molecules to cells and individuals.
Dublin descriptor 4: Communication skills
The student must acquire a technical language to present and discuss fundamental biological processes of living animals.
Dublin descriptor 5: Learning skills
The student must be able to read and commentate a scientific text dealing with animal biology topics.
To achieve these objectives the student will acquire the basic knowledge of biology, genetics, and embriology with particular reference to the structure, function, reproduction and evolution of the eukaryotic animal cell.
Prerequisites
Fundamentals in the field of general biology and zoology
Course contents summary
LIVING SYSTEMS ORGANIZATION;
EVOLUTIONARY HISTORY OF BIODIVERSITY;
THE ANIMAL CELL;
GENETICS;
MORPHO-FUNCTIONAL ADAPTATIONS;
DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY;
ANIMAL TAXONOMY.
Course contents
LIVING SYSTEMS ORGANIZATION
Hierarchical organization. Molecules and their bonds. Macromolecules and their functions. Cellular theory of life.
EVOLUTIONARY HISTORY OF BIODIVERSITY
The origin of life. Biological and cultural evolution. Individual selection, sexual selection, kin selection, Group selection, cooperative altruism. Origin and evolution of vertebrates. Evolution of mankind.
THE ANIMAL CELL
Morpho-structural and functional differences between procaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
GENETICS
From molecular genetics to genomics.
MORPHO-FUNCTIONAL ADAPTATIONS
Organs functioning in main vertebrate groups. Metabolic pathways.
DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
Reproductive biology and embryology
ANIMAL TAXONOMY.
Recommended readings
Solomon, Berg, Martin (2017) Biologia. VII Edizione. EdiSES, Napoli.
Teaching methods
Oral lessons and seminars
Assessment methods and criteria
Written and oral examination