Unit FUNDAMENTALS OF BIOLOGY

Course
Earth science and environment
Study-unit Code
GP000943
Curriculum
In all curricula
Teacher
Livia Lucentini
Teachers
  • Livia Lucentini
Hours
  • 42 ore - Livia Lucentini
CFU
6
Course Regulation
Coorte 2025
Offered
2025/26
Learning activities
Affine/integrativa
Area
Attività formative affini o integrative
Academic discipline
BIO/01
Type of study-unit
Obbligatorio (Required)
Type of learning activities
Attività formativa monodisciplinare
Language of instruction
Italian
Contents
Cell Biology. Structural and functional organization of animals and plants. Reproductive Biology and Principles of Genetics. Animal and Plant Biodiversity. Fundamental Concepts of Ecology.
Reference texts
Sadava et al. Zanichelli ed. - Elementi di biologia e genetica.; - Biologia Volume 4 La biologia delle piante - Biologia Volume 6 L'ecologia
Educational objectives
The Foundations of Biology is the first course in the degree program for students in the biological/natural sciences. Its goal is to provide the fundamental principles of biology, starting from cellular structure and leading to an initial understanding of the organization of complex organisms—both animals and plants—and their relationship with the environment, which forms the basis of ecology. The course therefore provides essential knowledge on the structure and metabolism of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells (animal and plant); the morphological and anatomical organization of animals and plants; reproductive biology and the biodiversity of animal and plant life, highlighting key aspects of interactions among living organisms and between organisms and their environment.
Prerequisites
none
Teaching methods
In-class lectures
Other information
Supplementary teaching materials will be uploaded to the course's UniStudium page.
Learning verification modality
Written exam administered via Libreol. It consists of 33 multiple-choice and open-ended questions.
Extended program
Introduction to Biology and Cell Biology: cell morphology and functions. Essential aspects of molecular cell biology (proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids). Organization of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, both animal and plant. The Continuity of Life: nucleic acids and gene expression. The cell cycle, mitosis, and meiosis. Sexual and asexual reproduction. Mendel’s principles of heredity. Energy and Metabolism in Living Organisms: cellular respiration and photosynthesis. Overview of Evolution. Micro- and Macroanatomy of Living Organisms: tissues, organs, and systems in animals and plants. Life Interactions: the concept of ecosystem. Environment, niche, habitat. Populations and growth models. Positive and negative species interactions within communities. Ecosystem energetics concepts. Food chains. Origin and Development of Life on Earth. Biogeochemical Cycles and Their Alterations. Biomes.
Obiettivi Agenda 2030 per lo sviluppo sostenibile
4, 14, 15
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