The general objective of the course in animal biology is to provide basic knowledge on the functioning of animal living organisms starting from cellular or sub-cellular structures, up to the level of individuals, populations or species. The basic indications useful for the systematic recognition of the main animal groups with an evolutionary analysis will be contextually provided. In the individual modules the following educational objectives will also be pursued:
the Biology applied to the animal cell module provides the basic notions for the understanding of animal physiology, starting from the study of the morphology and physiology of the cell up to the essential functions of animal organisms.
The course deals with the study of the cell as a functional unit of living beings, providing a detailed view of subcellular structures and their role in metabolism and interactions between cells.
The main cellular functions will be investigated, such as: flow of genetic information; major metabolic cycles; proliferation, differentiation and cell death; protein synthesis, sorting and degradation; intercellular cross-talk; motility; fertilization.
The multicellular organization, the tissues and the main physiological functions of animal organisms will also be studied.
The main methods of experimental investigation in the biological field, microscopy techniques, analysis of cellular functions and outline of protein characterization and purification will be addressed.
Finally, some topics of environmental interest that involve knowledge of animal physiology will be investigated.

The module of zoology will contribute to providing and completing the information needed to gain proper knowledge of zoology, including issues related to evolution, species and species interaction, and species and habitats. The general objectives of the course are: I) to acquire the critical evaluation tools to obtain an adequate knowledge of the evolutionary and functional characteristics of the main zoological groups II) to acquire the critical evaluation tools to obtain an adequate knowledge of the evolutionary and functional problems of the main Phyla III) synergistically apply zoological knowledge with other disciplines IV) enhance their dissemination skills by exploiting the acquired knowledge. The emphasis will be on the evolution of organs and apparatus, on functional evolution, reproductive strategies and sexuality. The phylogeny and the main criteria for the classification of animal groups will be treated. The organization, reproduction and sexuality in the Protozoi will also be presented. The main features of Metazoi will be described: the early stages of embryonic development, the appearance of body cavities, and the origin of Protostomi and Deuterostomi. Description of Phyla animals will take place with particular regard to organization, adaptation and phylogenetic relationships. The zoological course therefore aims to provide an overview of animal diversity through animal phylogeny.