Animal biology
- Overview
- Assessment methods
- Learning objectives
- Contents
- Full programme
- Bibliography
- Teaching methods
- Contacts/Info
Although no prerequisites are required, histology and cytology are indispensable to successfully face the course.
Written exam divided into PART A and PART B:
PART A: the student will have to answer 10 multiple choice questions related to the first part of the program (the functions in animal organisms).
PART B: the student will have to answer 10 questions with free answers on the topics related to the various Phyla treated during the course.
The written examination thus structured allows to verify both the acquisition of the various information on the discipline and to evaluate the correct scientific language. During the writing of the answer the student must demonstrate knowledge of the topics covered during the course by describing the different animal forms from the structural, functional, evolutionary and systematic point of view. The result of the exam will be thirty. The test is considered passed if both parts A and B reach a vote of at least 18/30.
The main objective of the course is to provide students with in-depth knowledge on the organization and basic functions of animal organisms. Particular attention will be paid to morphological and functional aspects, to reproduction and development mechanisms, to ecological and environmental aspects and to evolutionary and adaptive processes of the main taxa.
At the end of the course the student will have those theoretical and practical skills useful for the study of animal organisms.
Thanks to the laboratory experiences and through the use of the optical microscope and the binocular the student will be able to work in a group and will learn to identify an animal organism at least in phylum and class level, to know the organization of animal organisms at the level as a whole and to correlate the related organizational plan with adaptive and evolutionary aspects.
In addition, students will be informed about the correct laboratory practices to be undertaken during zoological practical exercises. To complete the picture, some economic, social and ethical aspects related to modern zoology will be discussed. The importance of the zoologist in the correct dissemination of information on biological topics in the scientific and professional field will also be underlined
At the end of the course the student will have developed the ability to integrate multidisciplinary knowledge with zoological topics.
Part 1: BODY AND FUNCTIONAL ORGANIZATION: 1 CFU, 8 hours
1. Axes and planes of symmetry
2. The animal and the environment
2. The power supply
3. Distribution equipment
4. Excretion
5. Breathing
6. Locomotion
7. The nervous system and the sense organs
8. Reproduction
9. Embryo development, coelom formation, metamerism, hints of organogenesis.
Part 2: THE EVOLUTION OF ANIMAL DIVERSITY: 7.5 CFU 48 hours
Organization, morphology, physiology and classification of the following Phyla:
1. Protozoa
2. Placozoa, brief notes and hypotheses on the transition to multicellularity.
3. Poriferi
4. Cnidarians
5. Flatworms
6. Nematodes and Rotifers
7. Anellids
8. Mollusks
9. Arthropods
10. Protostomes and Deuterostomes
11. Echinodermi
12. chordates
13. Vertebrates: main morphological characteristics and taxonomic signs
Part 3: PRACTICAL LABORATORY EXERCISES: 0.5 CFU, 8 hours divided into 4 days
Observation by optical microscope and binocular of the following Phyla:
Protozoa, Cnidarians, Platelmints, Nematodes, Rotifers, Annelids, Arthropods, Vertebrates (dissection of fish)
Part 1: BODY AND FUNCTIONAL ORGANIZATION: 1 CFU, 8 hours
1. Axes and planes of symmetry
2. The animal and the environment
2. The power supply
3. Distribution equipment
4. Excretion
5. Breathing
6. Locomotion
7. The nervous system and the sense organs
8. Reproduction
9. Embryo development, coelom formation, metamerism, hints of organogenesis.
Part 2: THE EVOLUTION OF ANIMAL DIVERSITY: 7.5 CFU 48 hours
Organization, morphology, physiology and classification of the following Phyla:
1. Protozoa
2. Placozoa, brief notes and hypotheses on the transition to multicellularity.
3. Poriferi
4. Cnidarians
5. Flatworms
6. Nematodes and Rotifers
7. Anellids
8. Mollusks
9. Arthropods
10. Protostomes and Deuterostomes
11. Echinodermi
12. chordates
13. Vertebrates: main morphological characteristics and taxonomic signs
Part 3: PRACTICAL LABORATORY EXERCISES: 0.5 CFU, 8 hours divided into 4 days
Observation by optical microscope and binocular of the following Phyla:
Protozoa, Cnidarians, Platelmints, Nematodes, Rotifers, Annelids, Arthropods, Vertebrates (dissection of fish)
Zoologia - M. Casiraghi, M. Eguileor, C. Cerrano, S. Puce UTET-De Agostini
Zoologia - L.G. Mitchel ZANICHELLI ED.
Zoologia - C. Hickman ZANICHELLI ED.
Zoologia Sistematica- W. WESTHEIDE, R. RIEGER-ZANICHELLI
D. Sadava et al.,-La Biologia degli animali” volume 5 estratto da BIOLOGIA, ZANICHELLI ED.
The teaching activity includes lectures in the classroom (x 7.5 CFU) and laboratory experiences (X 0.5 CFU).
Classroom lessons will be conducted with the help of slides and videos.
For aboratory experiences, students will be provided with microscopes, binoculars, slides with samples already prepared for observation, tweezers, scissors, pins and disposable material (petri dishes, gloves, slides, dissection tablets, pasteur pipettes) as well as organisms live or previously fixed animals for observation and dissection.
The student will have to provide himself with a coat.
Office hours: On request by e-mail
Educational material (slides) and information of organizative nature relating to the course, laboratory shifts and exams can be found on the e-learning platform.
Calendar of educational activities: Hyperlink to the timetable and location of the CdS.
Exam sessions: Hypertext link to Esse3 appeals board