Learning objectives
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 unit content
LIVING SYSTEMS ORGANIZATION;
EVOLUTIONARY HISTORY OF BIODIVERSITY;
THE ANIMAL CELL;
GENETICS;
MORPHO-FUNCTIONAL ADAPTATIONS;
DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY;
ANIMAL TAXONOMY.
Full programme
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.
Bibliography
Solomon, Martin, Martin, Berg (2020) Biologia. VIII Edizione. EdiSES, Napoli.
Teaching methods
The course comprises 5 credits taught by means of oral lessons and specific seminars. Slides are displayed during classes to fully illustrate all the topics of contents necessary to the student preparation.
In addition, supplementary lessons are provided for those students displaying previous lacking preparation.
Assessment methods and criteria
The evaluation of proper skills and knowledge on the different topics of the Animal Biology class is based on both written and oral examination. The written test, which will last one hour, is based on 6 different questions, 2 of which are open questions while the remaining 4 are multiple choice quizzes. The final score is generated by 3 points for each correct open question and 1 point for each quiz. Admittance to the spoken examination is allowed with a minimun score of 8 over 10, both in Animal Biology and Plant Biology. A lower score in either one of the two subjects does not allow admittance to the spoken exam. The oral examination is intended to evaluate the student ability to manage a discussion on the Animal Biology topics using an appropriate scientific and technical language. It is important to remind that the student online registration to the exam is mandatory.
Other information
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2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
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