The main objective of the teaching is to provide students with in-depth notions on the organization and basic functions of animal organisms. Particular attention will be paid to the morphological and functional aspects, to the reproduction and development mechanisms, to the ecological and environmental aspects and to the evolutionary and adaptive processes of the main taxa. One of the main objectives will be that of visual recognition of the main groups that make up animal biodiversity.
In addition, students will be informed of correct laboratory practices to be undertaken during practical zoology exercises. To complete the picture, some economic, social, ethical and environmental 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. This knowledge constitutes the fundamental basis for the formation of a graduate in Biological Sciences who will have to face, in the following years, lessons that will span in different fundamental sectors of life sciences.
Learning outcomes
Specifically, at the end of the course, the student
1. will have theoretical and practical skills useful for the study of animal organisms.
2. thanks to laboratory experience and through the use of the optical microscope and binocular the student will be able to work in a group and will learn to identify an animal organism at least at the phylum and class level, to know the organization of animal organisms at the cellular level and as a whole, as well as correlating the related organizational plan with adaptive and evolutionary aspects.
3. will have developed ability to integrate knowledge at multidisciplinary level with zoological subjects.