General Info

Learning objectives

The course introduces the concepts and the experimental approaches of organic chemistry, working on the consolidation of principles acquired in the field of physics and general and inorganic chemistry to advance the knowledge of carbon chemistry. In the first part of the course, the cultural and practical bases for understanding the structure of organic molecules will be provided, paying particular attention to the existing relationships between the chemical structure and the chemical-physical and biological properties associated with them. The different physical hybridization states of the carbon will allow the three-dimensional vision of the molecules, facilitating the understanding of their role in the cell. The second part of the course is dedicated to the application of properties in the context of chemical reactivity. The student will have the opportunity to have answers to some of the key questions in his study: why do molecules react? What are the experimental factors that control the kinetics of the reactions? When is a reaction under thermodynamic control rather than kinetic? How is it possible to synthesize complex molecules from simple reagents? What is the impact of organic chemistry on the environment and how can it be reduced? This knowledge will allow the student to undertake subsequent study courses with strong structural and molecular expertise.

B) EXPECTED LEARNING RESULTS
Knowledge of the principles governing the formation of the chemical bond, using traditional theories (valence bond theory) and advanced theories (theory of molecular orbital and quantum mechanics ). Knowledge of nomenclature and classification (theory of functional groups) of organic molecules, with particular attention to the association between the family of organic molecules and biological and chemical-physical properties. Knowledge of the reactivity of organic molecules and experimental parameters capable of controlling thermodynamics and kinetics of organic transformations. Knowledge of the relationship between organic molecules and the origin of life.

In addition to the knowledge gained through the study of organic chemistry, students will be able to apply the acquired concepts for the resolution of practical exercises related to the identification and classification of substances based on Their activity on the body, the effect of chirality on pharmacological activity, the possibility of separating organic isomers and the general methodologies for their analysis and their recognition.

Making judgments: The course offers links to other disciplines (Physics, General Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Computational Chemistry and Genetics) by providing an integrated knowledge. The student's critical judgment will be stimulated by constantly referring to the reading of recent studies published in scientific journals, questioning the current issues related to some of the core concepts of the discipline. Thanks to the multi-disciplinary and interdisciplinary nature of organic chemistry, it will be also possible to link the acquired concepts to other disciplines, allowing the student to form his own autonomy of judgment about the effectiveness of an integrated scientific approach.

Communication skills: At the end of each part of the course, the students will be invited to form working groups to develop solutions and compete with others in solving practical exercises. The educational gain is aimed at increasing the communication skills and the ability to know how to work in a group, all aimed at consolidating the acquired concepts.

Learning Skills: Students' learning abilities will be evaluated during the course of the course by exonerary tests that will allow you to individually monitor the maturation state of the knowledge, highlighting the student's ability to return.

• Bruno Mattia BIZZARRI

Learning objectives

Educational objectives
The course introduces and deepens the concepts and main experimental approaches on the chemical aspects of environmental monitoring.
Knowledge and understanding - Knowledge of the main instrumental methods for qualitative and quantitative chemical analysis of organic and inorganic substances present in the environment. The knowledge will focus in particular on the chemical monitoring of water and soil;
Applied knowledge and understanding - In addition to theoretical knowledge acquired through the study of chemical analysis methods, students will be able to apply the main concepts studied to the analysis of samples during practical exercises taken from real situations;
Making judgements - The course offers connections with other disciplines in the Degree Course in Environmental Biological Sciences (including physics, general chemistry, and organic chemistry) providing integrated knowledge for understanding the methodological aspects of environmental chemical monitoring. Knowledge and practical application will allow autonomy of judgment and planning skills;
Communication skills - Knowledge and practical application will also be useful in developing communication skills through the reading and interpretation of instrumental data obtained;
Learning skills - Learning ability will be evaluated through exercises concerning theory and interpretation of instrumental data.

• Elisa DE MARCHI

Learning objectives

Educational objectives
The aim of the course is to provide students with the information necessary for understanding the theoretical foundations of classical and modern genetics and the experimental approaches that have allowed their definition. Students must learn the logic of formal genetic analysis and the methodologies of genetic dissection of biological phenomena. They will have to know how to connect the concepts of genotype and phenotype and the interaction of these with the environment. A relevant chapter of the course will be dedicated to the students' acquisition of the concepts of mutation, mutagenesis and repair of genetic damage; as well as the impact that these processes have in the generation of syndromes, in the onset of degenerative diseases and in the evolution of populations. The notions will be provided to understand the paradigm shift that took place in the post-genomic era, and the understanding of the importance of both eukaryotic and prokaryotic model systems will be stimulated.
Knowledge and understanding - To have developed the knowledge of the principles of formal genetics: Mendelism, sex-linked inheritance, mapping of genes in eukaryotes and prokaryotes, mutations, regulation of gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, genetics of populations. Having acquired the basic notions of Environmental Mutagenesis and Molecular Genetics and having understood the potential of post-genomic analysis.
Applying Knowledge and understanding - Knowing how to use the notions learned in class and developed in the exercises to interpret the patterns of inheritance and to solve problems in the various fields of Genetics.
Making judgements - Being able to identify the appropriate rules of Genetics to apply to the resolution of new problems even if similar to those discussed in class.
Communication skills - The students' ability to speak, reason and discuss the questions raised during the lessons regarding the topics covered will be stimulated.
Learning skills - To be able to discuss scientific issues related to Genetics also in its medical applications and in its evolutionary implications. This skill will be developed and tested by involving students in oral discussions in the classroom.

• ELENA PACCOSI

Learning objectives

Educational objectives
The main objective of the course is to provide students with the concepts necessary to understand the biological phenomena and the energy variations connected to them and the metabolism. the course also aims to provide knowledge regarding the structure and function of the main biological molecules: proteins, carbohydrates and lipids as well as knowledge on cellular metabolism and its regulation. Finally, the course will introduce students to knowledge to describe the complex phenomena of communication, interaction and control of cellular and tissue functions with biochemical and molecular language.
Knowledge and understanding - Having developed knowledge of the principles of biochemistry in relation to carbohydrates, lipids and proteins; know the complex phenomena of communication, interaction and control of cellular and tissue functions and aims to highlight the relationships between structure and function of the main classes of biological molecules, the metabolic regulation at the molecular and cellular level; to make known the mechanisms that underlie the enzymatic functions.
Applying Knowledge and understanding - Knowing how to use the information learned in class to be able to deal with biochemistry issues in a strictly scientific way; Furthermore, students are expected to be able to apply the knowledge acquired from the course in research, in the biotechnological industry and in the sector of biological and biochemical analyses.
Making judgements -Being able to identify and understand the scientific mechanisms that underlie biochemistry in order to be able to interpret and make adequate judgments regarding the problems relating to the interactions between the various biological molecules.
Communication skills - Students' ability to talk, discuss and reflect on the topics raised during the lessons will be stimulated, especially insisting on the importance of the scientific method that led to the statements dealt with during the course.
Learning skills - Being able to discuss scientific issues concerning the interaction between molecules and the cellular and molecular system also in its biomedical applications and in the implications in the relationship of biochemistry with health. This skill will be developed and tested by involving students in oral classroom discussions.

• Nicolo' MERENDINO

Learning objectives

Educational objectives
Course objective is to provide an overview of the molecular structure and function of the nucleic acids. The goal is to encourage students to acquire solid basic knowledge of molecular biology for studying and understanding the organization and evolution of genomes, but especially the molecular mechanisms that, in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, underlie and govern both the maintenance and the flow of genetic information. Moreover, the student will learn the basics of intracellular communication through the study of signal transduction pathways responsible for short-term responses.
Knowledge and understanding - To possess the basics of biochemistry underlying the structure of nucleic acids, for understanding its biological function. Having acquired the concepts and knowledge necessary to understand the molecular and cellular bases of replication, transcription and translation of the genetic material in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. To understand the main mechanisms of intracellular signaling and of functional protein-protein interactions.
Applying Knowledge and understanding - Knowing how to use the theoretical notions learned during the course for a critical analysis of molecular mechanisms at the basis of life.
Making judgements -To be able to discuss the role of the cellular processes described in class, increasing the ability to translate the acquired theoretical concepts into application.
Communication skills - To demonstrate the ability to summarize and effectively present the acquired information. To develop the ability to use the correct terminology.
Learning skills - To be able to grasp, rework and discuss the scientific issues dealt with in the lesson, including their evolutionary implications.

• Sara RINALDUCCI

Learning objectives

Educational objectives
The course aims to provide solid basic knowledge of the structure and functioning of environmental systems, with particular emphasis on the mechanisms that determine the distribution and abundance of organisms as well as their relationships with the environment. The course aims to emphasize the hierarchical and interdisciplinary nature of ecology with the aim of encouraging students to deal with complex and multi-scalar disciplines and problems. This is reflected in the organization of the program, that runs the hierarchical scale of the ecological organization, from the mechanisms underlying biodiversity (evolutionary ecology), through the relationships between organisms and species (population ecology) to the structure and functioning of the communities (community ecology).
Knowledge and Understanding -By the end of the course, students will have gained fundamental knowledge of organism-environment relationships and evolutionary ecology, with a focus on population dynamics and interspecific interactions. This understanding will be developed through lectures and practical exercises.
Applying Knowledge and Understanding - Students will be able to apply the acquired knowledge to understand environmental issues, improving their ability to explain and discuss complex problems while managing information across multiple hierarchical levels. Additionally, students who complete the course successfully will strengthen their ability to use scientific methods to describe and explain the complex realities of the biosphere.

Making Judgements - By the end of the course, students will be able to apply critical review tools from the scientific literature to formulate interpretative hypotheses based on experimental data. This objective will be supported by field exercises, in which students will be driven to describe and compare different environmental contexts by collecting, processing, and analyzing data.
Communication Skills -Throughout the course, students will be encouraged to actively participate in discussions and share their opinions to enhance their communication abilities. By the course's conclusion, they should be proficient in clearly and effectively conveying the knowledge they have acquired.
Learning Skills - By the end of the course, students will be able to independently formulate well-supported, evidence-based scientific questions and design experimental approaches, integrating their knowledge with the existing scientific literature.

• Roberta BISCONTI

Learning objectives

TRAINING OBJECTIVES
The aim of the course is to deepen the understanding of the most important evolutionary theories, the mechanisms of evolutionary change, and the significance of both historical and contemporary evolutionary processes in generating and shaping the structure of biological diversity at all levels of organization. Knowledge will also be provided regarding the applications of principles and methods of evolutionary biology to areas such as the exploitation and management of natural resources, nature conservation, climate change biology, invasion biology, medicine, and agriculture.
EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Knowledge and understanding: Understand how evolutionary processes operate and interact over time and space, influencing biodiversity and species adaptation.
2. Applied knowledge and understanding: (a) Apply methods and tools of evolutionary analysis to interpret biological data, such as phylogenetic analyses and population genetics studies; (b) Develop the ability to design and conduct experiments to test evolutionary hypotheses, analyzing and interpreting the results obtained.
3. Judgment autonomy: Knowledge and practical application will enable critical evaluation of different evolutionary theories and the scientific evidence supporting them.
4. Communication skills: Knowledge and practical application will also provide the necessary means to communicate clearly and effectively the concepts of evolutionary biology and the results of experiments to both specialized and non-specialized audiences, using appropriate communication methods, including scientific articles, oral presentations, and posters.
5. Learning ability: The ability to learn will be assessed through exercises and presentations of scientific work that demonstrate the level of understanding of the topics covered and the capacity to adapt and integrate new knowledge and emerging techniques in the field of evolutionary biology.

Learning objectives

Educational objectives
The course aims to provide solid knowledge on physiological processes, from the cellular to the organism level. In particular, the course will allow you to:
1) understand the functions and the mechanisms of the physiological processes at cellular, organismal, and system level and their regulation and functional integration through different levels of organization in living organisms;
2) understand the adaptive and homeostatic capacities of organisms in response to environmental changes, both social and physical.
The course will pose a solid basis for more specialized studies in neuroscience, behavioural physiology, comparative physiology, ecophysiology, and conservation physiology.
Knowledge and understanding - Physiological processes and mechanisms in animals, with ability to connect and integrate different systems and other biological disciplines.
Applying knowledge and understanding – Understand the physiological connections between systems, of the relationships between organism and environment (internal and external) mediated by physiological processes, including the basic knowledge of the experimental approaches, also pharmacological, for the study of physiological mechanisms with emphasis on the coping response to stress, environmental challenges, and the interaction between ecological and physiological processes.
Making judgments - Ability to interpret the results of physiological studies; to understand role of the physiological responses of the organisms to the social and non-social environment; being able to understand the evolutionary and functional connection between anatomy, physiology, behaviour and environment. Being aware of the animal diversity of mechanisms that control the activity of the organisms;
Communication skills - Ability to describe physiological issues, with the appropriate technical/scientific language, both written and spoken;
Learning skills - Ability to use the acquired knowledge for understanding the physiological processes and mechanisms, from the ionic and biochemical to the organismal level. The achievement of this goal will also be pursued with group discussions on specific topics, also suggested by the students.

• David Costantini

Learning objectives

Educational objectives
The objectives of the course are the transmission of the basic notions of applied ecology useful for correctly framing the environmental themes deriving from the interaction between man and natural ecosystems. The course introduces the main characteristics of ecosystems and analyzes the impacts on these ecosystems deriving from human activities, providing for each theme an overview of the management, technical and regulatory tools used to stem environmental degradation.
Knowledge and understanding - At the end of the training the student will acquire the knowledge concerning the main anthropic impacts on marine, terrestrial and inland water ecosystems. The student will be able to understand the multiple effects that human activities imply, in terms of the imbalance of the stability of natural ecosystems.
Applying knowledge and understanding - The student will be able to find out about the technical options that can be applied in solving the most pressing environmental issues and will be able to identify the national and supranational regulatory tools through which these issues can be addressed.
Making judgments - During lectures and exercises, open discussion on the main environmental issues addressed is encouraged, in particular with regard to possible solutions to the most current environmental emergencies. The student will therefore acquire autonomy of judgment based on the knowledge learned and the dialectical comparison with colleagues and the teacher.
Communication skills -The student will acquire an appropriate technical-scientific language during the lessons and exercises, through the knowledge of the definitions and the main basic concepts in ecology and applied ecology. Communication skills will be verified during the exam.
Learning skills - The student will have to demonstrate to be able to use the concepts learned to hypothesize the possible effects of human activities even in environmental contexts different from those considered as an example, based on the ecological characteristics of the considered environment.

• Aleida ASCENZI

Learning objectives

ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGICAL MONITORING LABORATORY - Module I
Educational objectives
The objectives of the course are the transmission of the basic notions of ecotoxicology useful for correctly framing the issues relating to environmental and human health. The course introduces environmental issues related to the presence of xenobiotic chemicals and focuses attention on the mechanisms of cellular toxicity. The processes that lead to persistence / degradation, bioconcentration, bioaccumulation, biomagnification, the use of cellular biomarkers and the use of in vitro cell cultures as a useful tool in the study of toxicity at various levels are the central themes of the course. The laboratory exercises aim to learn the main techniques for the in vitro cultivation of mammalian and / or fish cell lines and the procedures necessary to perform cytotoxicity and / or genotoxicity tests.
Knowledge and understanding - At the end of the training activity the student will acquire knowledge on what are the chemical / physical characteristics of the contaminants and the biotic and abiotic processes capable of influencing their environmental path and toxicity, will be able to describe the general principles to evaluate the direct and indirect effects of different environmental contaminants on various levels of biological organization, research, evaluate, process relevant ecotoxicological information. Will be able to understand, organize and present data relating to an ecotoxicological study.
Applying knowledge and understanding - At the end of the training, the student will have to demonstrate that they are able to experimentally manipulate cells in vitro to be used for ecotoxicological tests.
Making judgments - During the exercises and the bibliographic study, the student will acquire autonomy of critical judgment on the basis of the knowledge learned for the assessment of environmental risk and possible remedies.
Communication skills -The student will acquire an appropriate technical language while studying articles provided in class. The methods learned during the exercises include a short practical test. Communication and exhibition skills will be verified during the exam.
Learning skills - The student will have to demonstrate to be able to use the methods learned to investigate different ecotoxicological problems. The student must be able to critically relate an ecotoxicological research through a presentation in ppt

ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGICAL MONITORING LABORATORY - Module II
Educational objectives
The course aims to develop skills in the design and execution of biological monitoring according to the principles and methods contained in current European and Italian legislation.
Knowledge and understanding -The knowledge acquired will concern the general principles on which biological monitoring activities are based, the methodological processes for the implementation of monitoring campaigns and the determination of biological indices of environmental quality.
Applying knowledge and understanding -The application of knowledge will be focused on the methodological study concerning the indices currently in use to evaluate the ecological status of the river courses.
Making judgments -The ability to formulate independent evaluations can be exercised in the interpretation of the results, coordinating the heterogeneous data to arrive at reasoned judgments.
Communication skills -These skills will be developed through the exercise of one's own expression (interventions during the lessons) and in the coordination of group activities.
Learning skills -The methodological study can allow the extension of the concepts and practices to the monitoring application to other environmental matrices.

Learning objectives

Formation Goals.
The course will permit the comprehension of the morphological, physiological and metabolic characteristic of microorganisms (mainly prokaryotic); their role in nature and the interactions with other organisms. Moreover, it will consent to acquire the basic techniques for the manipulation of microorganisms in laboratory, their identification and the study of microbial communities. The course will permit to understand the principal interactions between microorganisms and environment particularly in relation with the bio-geochemical cycles. The course will supply a reference framework to comprehend modern aspect related to the microbial world and the potential applications of useful microorganisms. The course will supply the basic formation for further specialized studies in microbial ecology, environmental and medical microbiology.
Learning results
Knowledge and understanding (ability). To get the knowledge regarding the basic principles of the microbial biology, their metabolism, their role in nature, the interaction between microorganisms environment and other organisms, their potential in biotechnology.
Applying knowledge and understanding (Ability to apply knowledge and understanding). To understand the issues related to the relationships between microorganism, mankind and environment. To acquire the basic knowledge regarding the experimental approach to study the microbial world.
Making judgement (Independent judgement). The ability to construe the results obtained by the various studies in microbiology. The ability to understand the role of the microorganisms in the environment and their influence on the biology of other organisms.
Communication skills. Ability to describe scientific topics related to microbiology both in written and oral forms by a specific scientific/technical language.
Learning skills. Ability to use the methods acquired for microorganism recognition and cultivation. This ability will be developed also trough the active involvement of the students in discussions during the lectures and by laboratory experiences.

• Susanna GORRASI

Learning objectives

Educational objectives
The sea and oceans are home to fundamental biological and physical processes for the life and physical and chemical balance of the entire planet and are rich in renewable living resources, which provide valuable nutrients and molecules for human life and health. They are also such a favorable habitat for life as to constitute a privileged location for the development of life and have a very high biodiversity, with all the Phyla represented, of which many are exclusively marine. The aim of the course is therefore to build an educational path that, through lectures, laboratory and sea exercises, leads students to know the habitats, the functioning mechanisms of the marine ecosystem in its abiotic and biotic components, analyzing their interrelationships at different spatial and temporal scales.
Knowledge and understanding -To have developed knowledge related to the physical, chemical and biological properties of sea water. Knowledge related to the main marine, oceanic and coastal habitats and to pelagic and benthic organisms. Understanding of the main mechanisms of functioning of the marine ecosystem in its abiotic and biotic components by analyzing their interrelationships at different spatial and temporal scales.
Applying knowledge and understanding - Experimental approach to the study of oceanography and to the study of marine ecosystems through the use of the main sampling techniques and analysis methodologies presented during the lectures and carried out during the didactic exercises.
Making judgments - Being able to evaluate and deal with the appropriate skills, competences and critical sense of the study of the different issues concerning the oceanic and coastal marine environment presented during the course.
Communication skills -Being able to master the main topics addressed during the course with a correct scientific language.
Learning skills - Being able to apply the knowledge acquired, during lectures and exercises, to cases that require the integration of the topics covered during the course.

• Marco MARCELLI