Degree Course: Environmental Biological Sciences Syllabus for A.Y. 2021/2022  

PROGRAM
Part I
The concept of a living organism. Cellular theory. Procariots and Eucaryotes. Unicellular and multicellular organisms. Organizational levels of pluricellular organisms: differentiated cells, tissues, organs. Orders of magnitude of the dimensions of different organisms and of different levels of organization. Chemical composition of living. Water: Its features of biological interest. Suspensions and solutions. Ions. The pH of the solutions. The hydrogen bond. The carbon atom and the chemistry of life. The concept of "symmetry" in carbon compounds of biological interest. The hyaluronic macromolecules: the main biological glucids (exotic and pentose). Steric and optic isomers. Their polymers. The main lipids of biological interest (phospholipids, fatty acids, steroids, hydrophobia and hydrophobia.) Water-soluble and liposoluble compounds Proteins such as amino acid polymers Primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary protein structures Glycosylated proteins and lipoproteins The "form" Protein molecules in relation to their function Enzymes as biological catalysts Nucleic acids DNA structure RNA structure and biosynthesis Riboenzymes Ribosomes Structure, synthesis and function Generalities on protein synthesis The cell as a unit Fundamental features of living organisms Common characteristics and differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes, between plant and animal cells Cell-study methods: different types of microscopes, colorings, immunohistochemistry, etc.
Cell membranes: chemical composition and characteristics. The fluid mosaic model. Intrinsic and extrinsic proteins. Glycosylate and glycolipid proteins and membrane lipoproteins. Plasma membrane and "recognition" between cells. The glycohol. Permeability and active transport. Ionic channels and ionic pumps. Energy metabolism: from photosynthesis to breathing. Transducers of electrons and protons. Triphosphate nucleotides. Ionic channels Na, K, Ca. Endocytosis and exocytosis processes. Membrane potential. Endocytosis mediated by receptors. Cucumbers. The smooth and wrinkled endoplasmic reticulum. The central vacuum of plant cells. The Golgi apparatus. Lysosomes and endocellular digestion. Pinocytosis and phagocytosis. The Perissisomi. Membrane bound membranes characterized by the presence of internal membranes: mitochondria and plastids of plant cells. Probable origin of mitochondria and plastids. Characteristics of the membranes of these organelles. Relationship between structural organization and energy metabolism function of mitochondrial membranes and chloroplasts (notes). Notes on the presence of ion channels acting on ATP-synthetase.
Generalities on the four fundamental tissues and their embryonic branching. Pluricellularity and differentiation. Epithelial tissue. General characteristics. Excitable Fabrics: 1) glandular epithelial tissue; Muscle tissue; 3) Nervous tissue. Glandular epithelium. Endocrine and Exocrine Glands: Characteristics and Embryonic Differentiation. Classification criteria. Cytoplasmic specifics of glandular cells related to their specific functions. The secular role of sinaptotagmans. Skeletal and cardiac striated muscular tissue, contractions. Neuron and cellular organization, exocytosis of neurotransmitters.
Part II
The Epithelium. Classification and functions. The lashes and microvilli. Relationships between cells and junction structures: zonula occludens, adherent zonula and desmosomi. Basal surface of the epithelium: relationship with connective tissue and basal lamina. Renewal of coating epitels: the germinating layer. Connective tissue. The different connective tissues: general characteristics and specific characteristics of the different connective tissues. The connector properly said. Classification of connectors. Reticular and elastic collagen fibers: morphofunctional characteristics. The connective cells and their function. The connective and the processes of defense of the organism. The Scythian reticulum system. Special connective tissues. The adipose tissue. The blood. Functions. Plasma: composition and functions. White and erythrocyte cells: Morphological and functional characteristics. Migration of white blood cell and connective cells. Cellular differentiation and specific functions in the connective. Plates: origin and function. Hematopoietic tissues. Hematopoietic lymphoid and myeloid. Blood and lymph vessels: general characteristics. Support Connectors. The cartilage tissue. The matrix and the chondrocytes. Histogenesis and degenerative cartilage phenomena. Bone tissue. Calcium support and reserve function. Spongy bone and compact bone. Microscopic bone structure: the osteone. Osteoblasts, osteocytes, osteoclasts: dynamic stability of bone tissue. Bone histogenesis: intramembranous ossification. The cytoskeleton and the "shape" of cells in animal and plant organisms. Microtubules, microfilaments and intermediate filaments. The rigid wall of plant cells. The cellular movement. Control and regulation of endocellular movements. Ameboid movement. Eyelashes and scourges. Intercellular junctions. Mechanical joints (desmosomes); Sealing joints; Communicating junctions and electronic coupling. Plasmodymas of plant cells. Functional analogues between communicative junctions of animal cells and plasmodies of plant cells. The endocellular membranes in eukaryotic cells. Biogenesis of membranes.
The nucleus of eukaryotes and its equivalent in procariates. Structure of the interfacial core. Eucromine and Heterocromatine. Structural and optional heterochromatin. The nucleolo. Nuclear enclosure and nuclear pores. Core-Plasma Communication. Chemical composition of chromatin and its organization. Histones and nucleosomes. The cell cycle. The interfase (phases G1, S, G2). DNA and its genetic function. DNA with unique, average and highly repetitive sequence. Genetic code and protein synthesis. DNA in mitochondria and plastids. Biosynthesis and function of messenger, ribosomal and transfer RNAs. Selective activation of genes and differentiation. Interface arrays with peculiar characteristics: polythene chromosomes. The cell cycle: cell division. Stateless cells, diploids and polyploids. The mitosis (equation division) in animal and plant cells. Cell division in prokaryotes. The bacterial "chromosome". Eucariotic chromosomes. Structure of chromosomes. Pattern of the overwhelming ansect chromosome. Meiosis or Reduction Division. Somatic cells and germ cells. Apollo phase and diploid phase. Zygotic, intermediate and terminal meiosis. Special features of gametes. Gametogenesis in upper vertebrates. Gonadal differentiation and protogon migration (only notes). Meiosis: description of the process and its genetic meaning. Nuclear maturation and cytoplasmic maturation. Specificity of egg cell differentiation: synthesis and accumulation of substances of particular importance in the early stages of embryonic development: RNA long-life messengers, specific proteins with informational role.

Dini Romano et al.; Citologia e Istologia, Idelson-Gnocchi

C. Lewin “Cellule”, Zanichelli

Alberts et al., Biologia molecolare della Cellula, Zanichelli

Alberts et al. L'essenziale di Biologia Cellulare e molecolare Zanichelli

Sets and their operations, various notations. Numerical sets: from N to R, need for enlargement.
Definition of function and its classification; even and odd functions: examples, recognition and graphic consequences.
Summation symbol and its use to indicate polynomials of degree n.
Set of rational numbers, set of reals.
The absolute value of a number and triangular inequality.
Definition of interval: closed, open; definition of around.

Classification of functions. Domain and sign of rational and irrational, transcendent algebraic functions.
Definition of finite limit for x tending to a finite value: limit verification.
Infinite limit for x tending to a finite value: verification; vertical asymptote.
Finite and infinite limits for x tending to infinity: horizontal asymptote; oblique asymptote of fractal rational algebraic functions.

A function that continues at a point and in a range. Classification of discontinuities: the function part integer, the functions whose graph admit vertical asymptotes; eliminable discontinuity: functions defined by branches.
Elementary functions as continuous functions. Limit uniqueness theorem. Continuous function limits
Comparison theorem or "of the carabinieri". Theorems on continuous functions: Weierstrass, intermediate values, existence of zeros.
Definition of the Nepero number. Notable limitations of transcendent functions and their consequences: relative examples.

Definition of derivative and its geometric meaning.
Non-derivable functions at a point, classification of points of non-derivability: angular points, cusps and vertical tangent flexes; examples of all kinds.
Derivatives of elementary functions with proof.
Derivative of a sum and a product with demonstration and application examples.
Relationships between derivability and continuity.
Definition of ascending and decreasing function.
Derivative of the reciprocal function of a derivable function (with proof) and of a quotient: examples of application.
Compound functions: definitions, examples, derivative of a compound function. Complete study of a function.
Definition of max and relative min and Fermat's theorem. Search for relative max and min
(with the method of studying the sign of the first derivative) and absolute max and min.
De l'Hospital's theorem( applications only ). Comparison of infinitesimals and comparison of infinites.
Calculation of subsequent derivatives. Convexity and concavity of a curve, determination of oblique tangent flexes: determination of inflectional tangents.
Development of a Taylor/Mc Laurin series function: application to some remarkable functions.
Invertible functions: definition and examples.
Derivative of the inverse function of a date: case of arcsinx, arcosx and arctanx.

Introduction to matrices, matrix writing, sum of matrices and product rows by columns.
A null, identical, transposed matrix of a date.
Determinant of a matrix and its calculation in cases 2x2 and 3x3 (Sarrus rule).
Rank of a matrix: definition and determination.
Definition and determination of the inverse of a given matrix.
Linear systems of n equations in m unknowns: Rouchè–Capelli theorem and Cramer's theorem (case n x n).
Indefinite integrals: definition of primitive functions, immediate and almost immediate integrals.
Definition of integral defined by Riemann sums. Integral mean theorem. Integral function and fundamental theorem of integral calculus, Torricelli Barrow's theorem. Applications to the calculation of areas.
Integration of fracted rational algebraic functions with 2nd degree denominator with positive, zero delta. Integrals attributable to the archtangent
Indefinite integrals solvable by substitution. Integration rule by parts. Relative exercises: integral of (senx)^2; integrals that are resolved by iterating the procedure.
Generalized and improper integrals, numerical approximation of integrals defined by the method of rectangles.
Introduction of the functions of two variables: domain and graph in three-dimensional space. Contour lines. Continuity of functions of two variables, meaning and calculation of first and second partial derivatives, Hessian matrix and determinant; search for free relative maximums and minimums.
Differential equations: order of an equation, general integral, particular integral: Cauchy problem.
Differential equations with separable variables: relative examples
Linear first-order differential equations: relative examples
Population dynamics. The concept of mathematical model.
From Malthus' model to Verhulst's model: the logistic function. Study of both models as solutions of differential equations (with proof and relative problems).
Statistical analysis
Descriptive statistics: tables and graphs, histograms and pie charts. Position indices: average, fashion and median percentiles and quartiles, weighted average.
Dispersion indices: variance and standard deviation.
Assessment of uncertainties in measurements: absolute, relative and percentage errors.
Least squares method, Covariance, Linear correlation coefficient.
Combinatorial calculus. Simple and repetitive arrangements; simple and repeating permutations; simple combinations and with repetitions; binomial coefficient in its different forms, power of a binomial with Newton's formula.
Classical definition of probability: relative examples. Frequentist and subjective definition of probability. Total probability theorem.
The concept of random variable and discrete and continuous distributions. Expected value and variance of a random variable distribution
Discrete distributions: binomial distribution, definition and relative examples;
Continuous distributions: normal distribution: density function, Gauss curve. Introduction of the distribution function and use of tables for the calculation of the probability of random events with standardized normal distribution: adequate examples of each topic covered have been carried out.

BASIC TEXT
P. Marcellini, C.Sbordone

Calculation elements – Simplified version for new degree courses

Ed. Liguori

For the exercises, the student is left free to use any analysis and calculation of probabilities and statistics both in paper and online form.

A - General (2 CFU)
1. Animals among the living organisms; 2. Definitions of Taxonomy, Identification, Classification, Faunistics and Biogeography; 3. Taxonomic categories and taxa; 4. Analogy, homology, adaptive convergence; 5. Classification criteria and methods; 6. Phylogenetic reconstruction; 7. Species concepts; 8. The structure of the species; 9. Properties of the species: variability; 10. Properties of the species: dispersal capacity and ecological tolerance; 11. Evolutionary mechanisms; 12. Natural selection; 13. Speciation; 14. Reproductive isolation; 15. Rules of zoological nomenclature
B - Biological functional systems (2 CFU)
1. Phases of embryonic development; 2. Cavity of the body; 3. Symmetry; 4. Classification of the Animalia Kingdom; 5. Reproduction: generality and comparison between sexual and asexual reproduction; 6. Types of asexual reproduction; 7. Gonocorism: sexual characteristics; 8. Gonocorism: partner recognition and synchronization; 9. Gonocorism: copula; 10. Hermaphroditism; 11. Parthenogenesis; 12. Reproductive strategies and parental care; 13. Digestive systems and food function; 14. Food strategies in animals; 15. Functions and structure of the integument; 16. Colors in animals; 17. Adaptive colors; 18. Respiratory Functions; 19. Physical factors in respiration; 20. Biological and environmental factors in respiration; 21. Respiratory structures in animals
C - Systematics (3 CFU)
1) PROTOZOI; 2) PORIFERS; 3) RADIATES (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa, Scifozoa, Anthozoa Hexacorallia, Anthozoans Octocorallia), Ctenophora; 4) PLATELMINTI (Turbellaria, Trematoda, Cestoda); 5) NEMATODA; 6) ANNELIDA (Polychaeta (Echiura, Errantia, Sedentaria), Oligochaeta, Irudinea); 7) MOLLUSCA (Polyplacophora, Scaphopoda, Bivalvia, Gastropoda, Cephalopoda (Nautiloida, Coleoida); 8) CHELICERATA Arthropods (Merostomata, Arachnida: Scorpiones, Araneae, Opilionida, Pseudoscorpiones, Acarina); 9) CRUSTACEA Arthropods (Branchiopoda, Ostracoda, Copepoda, Cirripedia, Malacostraca); UNIRAMIA Arthropods (Chilopoda: Geophilomorpha, Scolopendromorpha, Lithobiomorpha, Scutigeromorpha - Insecta: Tisanura, Ephemeroptera, Odonata, Orthoptera, Plecoptera, Isoptera, Blattaria, Dermaptera, Phasmida, Mantodea, Anoplura, Heteroptera, Homoptera,Aphaniptera, Diptera, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera; 10) ECHINODERMATA (Crinoida, Holoturida, Ophiurida, Asteroida, Echinoida); 11) CHORDATA (Ascidiacea, Agnata, Chondrichthyes, Osteichthyes, Amphibia: Anura, Urodela; Reptiles: Chelonia, Sauria, Ophidia; Aves, Mammalia: Insectivora, Chiroptera, Lagomorpha, Rodentia, Carnivora, Cetartiodactyla).
D - Applications of zoology to environmental monitoring (2 CFU)
Evaluation of the biological quality of watercourses with Macroinvertebrates, with field exercises

Any recent university text in Zoology, Animal Biology or Animal Biodiversity (eg.: Casiraghi, De Eguileor, Cerrano. Zoologia. Utet Università EAN: 9788860085184)
Other material (pdf, ppt, recognition cards) provided by the teacher.

Introduction to the course. Peculiarities of plant organisms. Autotrophic and heterotrophic organisms. Prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Cell theory. Evolution of the eukaryotic cell (endosymbiosis).
The plant cell: plasma membrane, cytoskeleton, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi bodies, secretory pathways. Vacuoles. Cell wall. Plastids. Cell differentiation and growth. Plant tissues: structure and function. Primary and secondary meristematic tissues. Parenchymatic tegumental, mechanical, conductor and secretory tissues.
Plant anatomy. The stem structure and function. Apical bud, cell differentiation. Primary structure: Dicotyledonous and Monocotyledonous. Differentiation of the cribro-vascular exchange (secondary meristem), secondary structure, fellogeno and felloderma. The root structure and function, primary and secondary structure, lateral and adventitious roots. Absorption of water and mineral salts. The leaf structure and function; stomatal anatomy and control of stomatal aperture.
Vegetative propagation, asexual and sexual reproduction. Life cycles: haplont, diplont, the haplo-diplont cycle of plants. Microsporogenesis and microgametogenesis, macrosporogenesis and macrogametogenesis.
The flower: the gynaeceum and the androecium; evolutionary aspects. Reproductive strategies: anemophilous and entomophilous pollination. Fertilization, development of the fruit. The seed and their dissemination.
Plant diversity, concepts of systematics, taxonomy and nomenclature. Main morphological, biological, phylogenetic and ecological aspects of Algae (Cianophyta, Glaucophyta, Euglenophyta, Cryptophyta, Haptophyta, Dinophyta, Rhodophyta, Chlorophyta, Streptophyta, Eterokontophyta), Bryophyta, Psilophyta, Lycophyta, Sphaenophyta, Pteridophyta, Coniferophyta, Ginkgophyta, Cycadophyta, Gnetophyta, Anthophyta (Dicotyledonous and Monocotyledonous). Fungi: Chytridiomycota, ex-Zygomycota, Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Glomeromycota, mitosporic fungi.
Photosynthesis (C3, C4, CAM), photorespiration.

Pasqua, G., Abbate, G., Forni, C., & Acosta, A. T. (2011). Botanica generale e diversità vegetale. Piccin.

Ray F Evert Susan E Eichhorn. Biologia delle piante di Raven. (2013). Settima edizione italiana condotta sull'ottava edizione americana.Trad. di A. Virzo, V. Vona, R. Castaldo, A. Basile, C. Rigano, D. Rigano, R. Nazzaro, P. Caputo, A. Pollio, G. Siniscalco Gigliano, V. Spagnuolo. Zanichelli.

The course provides a general grammatical review in order to consolidate the linguistic and structural bases of the English language with guided exercises aimed at achieving a level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). For the grammatical revision, an inductive method and a didactic approach based on the so-called "grammar in context" will be used. Students will be engaged in individual and group activities with the aim of better the grammatical knowledges, using the context. In the second part of the course, some of the lessons will also be structured in order to make the students learn and develop the linguistic and terminological skills related to technical English. In this case, the activities will be based on the comprehension, interpretation and discussion of a selected variety of texts taken from magazines and web sites.
By the end of the course, students should be able to demonstrate at least B1-level language proficiency and be able to understand and comment simple texts related to their field of study.
GRAMMAR:
Personal Pronouns (subjects and objects)
Possessive adjectives and pronouns
Demonstrative adjectives and pronouns
Present simple and continuous
Past Simple (regular and irregular verbs)
Present and Past Perfect (simple and continuous)
Duration form (since and for)
Modal verbs
Conditional (present and past)
Future forms (will, simple present, to be going to, present continuous)
Zero, first, second and third conditional
Relative clauses (defining and no-defining)
Quantifiers (some any no and their compounds; much, many, lots of and a lot of, a little, a few)
Countble and uncountable nouns
Question tags

ANALYSIS OF TECHNICL TEXTS
Reading, translation and analysis of key concepts in technical texts

Suggested texts:

1) Murphy, R. & Pallino, L., “Essential Grammar in Use”, Cambridge University Press, III edition, ISBN 9780521534888.
2) Redston, C. & Cunningham, G., "Face2Face Pre-intermediate Student's Book [B1]" (con DVD-ROM), Cambridge University Press, II edition, ISBN 9781107422070.
3) Gebhardt, F., "English for Cultural Heritage", Libreria Editrice Cafoscarina, 2003, ISBN 9788875430054.
4) O'Dell, F., "PET Practice Tests Extra" (con CD-ROM), CIDEB, 2006, ISBN 9788853006448.

Additional study material (texts, readings, websites, etc.) will be indicated during the course and available on the moodle platform.

Physics (56 hours)
Models, theories, laws, measures and uncertainties. Unit of measurement (International System).
Description of motion: kinematics in one dimension, kinematics in two dimensions, vectors.
Force and mass. Newton's laws. Circular motion. Law of gravitation.
Work. Kinetic energy. Power. Conservative forces. Potential energy. Conservation of mechanical energy.
Quantity of motion. Rotational motion and momenta.
Vibrations and waves (harmonic motion, sound).
Bodies in balance. Elasticity and rupture.
Fluids (static, dynamic, viscosity, surface tension).
Temperature and kinetic theory, diffusion, heat, principles of thermodynamics, thermal machines, entropy.
Electric charge and electric field. Electric potential and electric power; capacity. Dielectrics. Electric currents. Circuits in direct current. Magnetism. Electromagnetic induction and Faraday laws.
Magnetic properties of matter.
Electromagnetic waves and their spectrum.
Light: geometric optics (reflection, refraction and dispersion) and physical optics (polarization, interference, diffraction). Spectroscopic techniques. Optical instruments (human eye and microscope). Resolution.
Quantum theory and Photoelectric effect. Models of the atom. De Broglie's length and hypothesis. Electronic and atomic force microscopy.
Quantum Mechanics and quantum numbers.
Radioactive decay. Measurement of doses of ionizing radiation.

Physics Laboratory (16 hours)
The experimental method, the experimental measure, the measuring instruments.
Units of measurement, units of scale, dimensional analysis.
Measurement errors: random and systematic errors.
Assessing uncertainties in direct measures. Significant digits. Discrepancy.
Errors in repeated measurements: average as best estimate, standard deviation, standard deviation of the mean. Gaussian distribution.
Poisson's distribution.
Error propagation: sum and difference, product and quotient.
Calculating errors for functions of a variable and for functions of multiple variables.
Least squares method.
Correlation coefficient.
Chi-squared Test.
Graphs: linear scale, semilogarithmic scale, logarithmic scale.
Laboratory experiences:
- Theory of Errors
- Harmonic Motion
- Use of multimeter and Ohm's Law
- Radioactivity

- Giancoli “Fisica ” edizione con Fisica Moderna - III Edizione- Casa Editrice Ambrosiana
- Taylor “Introduzione all'analisi degli errori. Lo studio delle incertezze nelle misure fisiche” - Zanichelli

Module A STRUCTURE
Alkanes and cycloalkanes. Introduction. Structure. Sp3 hybridization. Nomenclature. Physical Properties. Isomerism of structure. Conformational analysis (ethane, cyclohexane). Stability of cycloalkanes (angle strain, torsional strain, tension steric). Derivatives of cyclohexane (stereoisomery cis-trans). Bicyclic alkanes and polycyclic. Natural role and applications of alkanes.

Alkenes. Introduction .. Structure. Sp2 hybridization. Nomenclature. Physical Properties. Stability (heat of hydrogenation, heat of combustion). Nomenclature system (E) - (Z) for alkenes. Cicloalcheni.Funzione biological.

Alkynes. Introduction. Structure. Sp hybridization. Nomenclature. Physical Properties.

Functional groups and classes of organic compounds. Alkyl halides. Alcohols. Ethers. Amines. Aldehydes and ketones. Carboxylic acids. Esters and amides. Introduction. Structure. Nomenclature. Physical Properties.

Stereochemistry. Introduction. Chirality of carbon. Enantiomers and chiral molecules. Graphical representation. Nomenclature (R) (S). Optical activity (specific optical rotation, definition of racemate, optical purity). Diastereoisomers (meso compounds). Chiral molecules without chiral carbons.

Aromatic compounds. Introduction. Benzene. Structure and stability. Huckel rule. Other aromatic compounds. Nomenclature of benzene derivatives. Induction phenomena and resonance. Heterocyclic aromatic compounds. The aromatic compounds in biochemistry.

Carbohydrates. Classification. Monosaccharides. Mutarotation and formation of glucosides. Configuration D or L. Disaccharides. Polysaccharides.

Protein. Structure of the amino acids. Nomenclature. Peptide bond. Oligopeptides.

Nucleic acids. Purine and pyrimidine nucleic bases. Nucleosides. Nucleotides. Oligonucleotides.

Lipids.

Form B. THE REACTIVITY '

Reactions of alkanes and cycloalkanes. Chlorination of methane. Free radicals. Stability and structure. Thermodynamics and kinetics. Halogenation of higher alkanes.

Ionic reactions of substitution and elimination. Formation of carbocations. Stability and structure. Nucleophilic substitution reactions. SN2 reaction. SN1 reaction. Mechanisms and trends stereochimici.Effetti solvent and leaving group. Elimination reactions. E1 reaction. E2 reaction. Competition between substitution and elimination. Substitution reactions and elimination of biological interest.

Reactions of the C = C double bond. Addition reaction. Addition of hydrogen halides. Markovnikov rule.

-Chimica Organica Essenziale 2a Edizione a cura di Bruno Botta (ediermes)
-Guida Ragionata allo Svolgimento di Esercizi si Chimica Organica. D'Auria, Scafati, Zampella (Loghia)

Data Quality: Principal parameters for the validation of an analytical method: detection and quantification limits, sensibility, robustness, recovery and use of certified materials; analytic approximation referred to law limits and interpretation of experimental data; expression of analytical results; systematic and random contribution to the approximation. (DM 260/2010, allegato 1, Pag 29-30).

Sampling and sample preparation: sampling representativeness considering the adopted sampling technique; sample storage; compatibility of the sample with the instrumental techniques; sample pretreatment: liquid-liquid and liquid-solid extraction; sample purification.
Analytical organic chemistry: mixtures separation: crystallizzation, solvent extraction: extrazion with supercritic fluids, distillation, cromathografy. Chromatography: theoretical considerations, partition coefficient, resolution. Chromatographic techniques: adsorption, partition, ionic exchange, exclusion. Cromathographic methods: TLC, Gascromathography, HPLC. Spectroscopy: the electromagnetic spectrum, radiation-matter interaction, effect of the chemical structure on the absorption, Lambert-Beer law. Principal environmental applications of the atomic and molecular spectroscopy: flame and graphite atomizers for the atomic absorption; plasma spectroscopy, ICP-MS; UV-Vis spectrophotometry, IR. Calibration Methods: external calibration, use of an internal standard, adding method.

Environmental chemistry:
• water: alkalinity and acidity, oxidation, reduction, complexation and chelation reactions.
Inquinanti organici ed inorganici:
• organics: hydrocarbons; polimers; oils and lubrificants. Polichlorophenyls and derivatives (polichlorobiphenyls, furans e dioxins). Surfactants: persistence, solubility, transport and hydrolytic reactivity.
• inorganics: N-NH4, N-NO3, total Phosphourus and dissolved Oxygen (LIMeco descriptors).


Laboratory: liquid-liquid extraction, spectrophotometric analysis of N-NH4 e N-NO3, GC-MS analysis of the organic pollutants.

The Mendel's analysis
Genetic variability
The law of segregation
The law of independent assortment
Genes and alleles: the concept of polymorphism
Extensions of mendelian inheritance
Variations of dominance relationships
Multiple alleles
Pleiotropy
Multifactorial inheritance
Inheritance of quantitative traits
The Chromosome theory
Mitosis and meiosis
Sex linked inheritance
Meiosis and Mendel's laws
Linkage and recombination
Gene linkage
Crossing over
Χ2 statistical test
Genetic maps
Three point test
Mitotic recombination and genetic mosaicism
The DNA is the molecule of the heredity
The experiments that designated DNA as the genetic material
The Watson and Crick model
DNA replication
DNA recombination
The gene at work
The mutations
Genetic dissection through mutations
The one gene-one enzyme hypothesis
Complementation test
The gene fine structure
The Benzer's experiments
The gene expression
The genetic code
Transcription
Translation
The eukaryotic chromosome
The structure of chromatin
The radial loop model
Centromeres
Telomeres
Nucleolus organizing regions (NORs)
Chromosome rearrangements
Structural changes
Deletions
Duplications
Inversions
translocations
Mobile elements
Changes in chromosome number
Polyploidy
Aneuploidy
Genetic analysis in bacteria
Transformation
Conjugation
Transduction
Recombination mapping
Gene Regulation in prokaryotes
Regulation of Lac genes
The operon theory
Regulation of Tryptophan genes
Attenuation
Gene regulation in eukaryotes
Transcriptional regulation
Posttranscriptional regulation
The role of chromatin structure
Epigenetic inheritance
Euchromatin and heterochromatin
Position effect variegation
X chromosome inactivation in mammals
Recombinant DNA techniques and genomics
DNA manipulation
Nucleic acid hybridization
PCR
Gene cloning
DNA sequencing
The sequencing of the genomes
SNPs
Microsatellites
Genetic analysis of populations
How to calculate the frequencies of alleles
How to calculate the frequencies of genotypes
The Hardy-Weinberg law
Changes in allele frequencies
How the populations evolve

Goldberg, Fisher, Hood, Hartwell: GENETICS - from genes to genomes, 7th edition, McGraw-Hill

Proteins: amino acids, peptide bond. Primary structure. Secondary structure: alpha helix, beta structure. Protein fibrose: keratin, collagen, elastin. Tertiary structure: globular proteins, protein stability and folding. Quaternary structure. Myoglobin. Hemoglobin: structure, heme (synthesis and degradation), oxygen bond, bond cooperativity, 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate, allosteric regulation. Pathological hemoglobins.
Enzymes: introduction to enzymes: holoenzyme, apoenzyme, cofactors, classification, substrate specificity. Enzymatic kinetics, Michaelis-Menten equation, Km, Kcat and Kcat / Km. Enzymatic inhibition: competitive, non-competitive, mixed. Mechanism of action of serine proteases.
Carbohydrates: references to monosaccharides and disaccharides of biological interest. Interconversion of sugars. Structural polysaccharides (cellulose and chitin). Deposit polysaccharides (starch, glycogen). Krebs cycle. Glycoprotein: structure and function. Nucleotide formation. Blood groups.
Lipids: fatty acids, triglycerides, glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, cholesterol, lipoproteins. Properties of lipid aggregates, micelles and liposomes and lipoproteins. Biological membranes: chemical composition, membrane structure. Movement of molecules through membranes, pores and channels. Active and passive transport simporto, antiporto etc.
Water-soluble vitamin: general, definition and relationship with coenzymatic activity. Fat-soluble vitamins (A; D; E; K). For each vitamin: chemical structure, any biochemical precursors, deficiency effects, biochemical mechanism of action.

1) Lecture notes.

2) I principi di biochimica di Lehninger di David L. Nelson, Michael M. Cox
Zanichelli Editore
ISBN: 8808920690

In alternativa.

3) La Chimica Organica e le macromolecole biologiche, di Butera-Lauricella
Piccin Nuova Libraria
ISBN:978-88-299-3057-9

NUCLEIC ACIDS. The DNA structure. The double helix and Watson-Crick base pairs (DNA B). Alternative DNA secondary structures (DNA A, DNA Z). DNA topology (supercoiling, topoisomerases). DNA denaturation and renaturation. The RNA structure. Spatial arrangements of RNA.
GENOME EVOLUTION AND ORGANIZATION. The gene: definition and structure in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Unique and repetitive sequences of DNA, coding and noncoding regions. The nucleosome and chromatin organization. Chemical modifications of histone N-terminal tails and their functional significance. DNA methylation.
DNA REPLICATION. Structure and function of DNA polymerase. Fidelity and processivity of DNA polymerase. Specialized DNA polymerases. DNA helicase. The mechanism of DNA replication: initiation phase, strand synthesis, replication fork, termination, telomere and telomerase. Regulation of DNA replication in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
TRANSCRIPTION IN PROKARYOTES. RNA polymerase. Bacterial promoter recognition. RNA biosynthesis and maturation: initiation, elongation and termination steps.
TRANSCRIPTION IN EUKARYOTES. Eukaryotic promoters. RNA polymerase I, II and III. Key differences in transcription in eukaryotes vs. prokaryotes.
PRINCIPLES OF TRANSCRIPTIONAL REGULATION. Repressors and activators. DNA-binding domains in transcriptional regulators. Examples of gene expression regulation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
RNA MATURATION. tRNA and rRNA maturation processes. Modifications of eukaryotic mRNA: capping, polyadenylation, editing. The splicing mechanism: chemistry of the reaction, spliceosome assembly.
TRANSLATION OF GENETIC INFORMATION. The mechanism of protein synthesis in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Examples of translation regulation. Non sense-mediated and non stop decay (NMD, NSD).
PROTEIN POST-TRANSLATIONAL MODIFICATIONS. Lipidation, glycosylation, phosphorylation, acetylation, methylation, ubiquitination and sumoylation of proteins.
INTRACELLULAR SIGNALING. Steroid hormones. Single- and multipass transmembrane receptors. G-proteins, AMPc, PKA, inositol triphosphate, DAG and PKC. Calcium signaling.

BIOLOGIA MOLECOLARE di F. Amaldi, P. Benedetti, G. Pesole, P. Plevani (2018-terza ed. Casa Editrice Ambrosiana); BIOLOGIA MOLECOLARE: principi e tecniche di M.M. Cox, J.A. Doudna, M. O'Donnel (2013-Zanichelli). BIOLOGIA MOLECOLARE DELLA CELLULA di B. Alberts, A. Johnson, J. Lewis, D. Morgan, M. Raff, K. Roberts, P. Walter (2016-sesta ed. Zanichelli).

General Ecology - The historical development of ecology; Ecology and its domain; Current state of ecological research in Italy. Ecology of the interactions between organisms and the physical environment: Conditions; Spatial and temporal variations; Adaptations in response to variations in environmental conditions; Limiting factors; Tolerance ranges; Environmental optima; Biological rhythms - climatic factors; Classification of climates; Phytogeographic zonation; Hints of paleoclimatology; Soil (solid, fluid and gaseous phase); Elements of paedogenesis; Soil classification; humus; Biological soil activity.
Evolutionary Ecology - Genetic analysis of populations; Hardy-Weinberg's law; Genetic variability; Evolutionary forces (mutation, selection, gene flow, genetic drift); inbreeding; Wahlund effect; Balanced polymorphisms; Linkage disequilibrium; supergenes; Genetic divergence; Species concept; Reproductive isolation mechanisms; Speciation mechanisms; Hybrid zones and reinforcement; Sibling species; Biodiversity at the genetic level.
Population ecology - Demography and dynamics: population structure and growth; Demographic parameters; Demographic tables; Intrinsic growth rate - numerical regulation of populations; Density dependent and independent factors; Exponential growth; environmental carrying capacity - logistic growth curve. Interspecific interactions: symbiosis; commensalism; inquilinism; antibiosis; parasitism; adaptations to parasitic life; coevolution; predation - adaptations to predation; cryptism; mimicry; intraspecific competition; interspecific competition; ecological niche; Principle of competitive exclusion; character displacement; r and K selection.

L. Bullini, S. Pignatti, A Virzo De Santo, "Ecologia Generale". UTET
E. Odum, "Basi di Ecologia", Piccin Editore.
M. L. Cain, W. D. Bowman, S. D. Hacker, “Ecologia”. Piccin Editore.
Krebs "Ecology", Neebo Ed.

General Ecology - The historical development of ecology; Ecology and its domain; Current state of ecological research in Italy. Ecology of the interactions between organisms and the physical environment: Conditions; Spatial and temporal variations; Adaptations in response to variations in environmental conditions; Limiting factors; Tolerance ranges; Environmental optima; Biological rhythms - climatic factors; Classification of climates; Phytogeographic zonation; Hints of paleoclimatology; Soil (solid, fluid and gaseous phase); Elements of paedogenesis; Soil classification; humus; Biological soil activity.
Evolutionary Ecology - Genetic analysis of populations; Hardy-Weinberg's law; Genetic variability; Evolutionary forces (mutation, selection, gene flow, genetic drift); inbreeding; Wahlund effect; Balanced polymorphisms; Linkage disequilibrium; supergenes; Genetic divergence; Species concept; Reproductive isolation mechanisms; Speciation mechanisms; Hybrid zones and reinforcement; Sibling species; Biodiversity at the genetic level.
Population ecology - Demography and dynamics: population structure and growth; Demographic parameters; Demographic tables; Intrinsic growth rate - numerical regulation of populations; Density dependent and independent factors; Exponential growth; environmental carrying capacity - logistic growth curve. Interspecific interactions: symbiosis; commensalism; inquilinism; antibiosis; parasitism; adaptations to parasitic life; coevolution; predation - adaptations to predation; cryptism; mimicry; intraspecific competition; interspecific competition; ecological niche; Principle of competitive exclusion; character displacement; r and K selection.

M. L. Cain, W. D. Bowman, S. D. Hacker, “Ecologia”. Piccin Editore.
Smith & Smith "Elementi di Ecologia", Pearson.
L. Bullini, S. Pignatti, A Virzo De Santo, "Ecologia Generale". UTET
E. Odum, "Basi di Ecologia", Piccin Editore.
Krebs "Ecology", Neebo Ed.

INTRODUCTION: what is ecology, definitions; levels of organization - parts and wholes; hierarchy and scale; difference between ecology and ecologism and environmental awareness;
ECOSYSTEMS: definition, structure and study methods; examples of ecosystems; cybernetic nature of ecosystems;
ENERGY FLUX IN ECOSYSTEMS: solar radiations, impact with the atmosphere and outcomes; photosynthesis and cellular respiration; biomass, production, productivity; measuring methods in terrestrial and aquatic environments; primary productivity of different ecosystems; subsidiary energy; use of global primary productivity by human populations; quality vs. quantity of energy; trophic levels, ecological pyramids; food chains: pasture vs. detritus; food webs; ecological efficiency: Lindeman, consumption, assimilation, production.
BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLES: definition, models and types, study methods; water, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous and sulphur cycles.
COMMUNITIES: what are communities, definition methods: gradient analysis, statistical approach; structure: composition, richness, abundance, evenness, homogeneity (rank-abundance diagrams, diversity indexes), alpha, beta and gamma diversity; successions: types, modes, outcomes; climax concept; mechanisms of successions; disturbance, stability: resilience and resistance; fragility/robustness, complexity/stability, diversity/disturbance, diversity/productivity (hypotheses and models).

Bullini L., Pignatti S., Virzo De Santo A. (1998). Ecologia generale. UTET, Torino.

Available at the Library.
Lecture files are available: please contact me by e-mail: arduino@unitus.it.

OTHER TEXTS (WITH ENGLISH EDITIONS)
Odum E., Barrett G.W. (2006). Fondamenti di ecologia. Piccin. (3° ed. italiana su 5° inglese, 2005).
Odum E. (1988). Basi di Ecologia. Piccin, Padova.
Colinvaux P. (1995). Ecologia. EdiSES.
Townsend C.R., Harper J.L., Begon M. (2001). L'essenziale di ecologia. Zanichelli, Bologna.

1) Basic concepts. Homeostasis; negative and positive feedback: examples; cell metabolism and enzymatic actions. 2) Cell membranes and transport. Active and passive transport, epithelial transport; factors affecting transport; osmosis; sodium-calcium pump; membrane potential; equilibrium potential; electric, chemical, and electrochemical gradient; Nernst equation. 3) Intercellular communication. Chemical messengers: hormones, neurotransmitters, and mechanisms of signal transduction. 4) Endocrine system, glands and hormones. Endocrine organs; mechanisms of hormonal actions. Endocrine disrupting chemicals. 5) Nervous system physiology. Basis of neuroanatomy; the central nervous system and its organization in vertebrates. the neuron; action potential: temporal dynamic and ionic genesis; propagation of the action potential; myelin sheath and saltatory conduction. Receptors. Examples of neuropathologies and mechanisms of actions of drugs. Neurotransmission: chemical synapses and neurotransmitters. Reflexes: examples. Vocalizations and language; sleep; emotions; learning and memory; synaptic plasticity and molecular basis: long-term potentiation. Basics of sensory physiology: stimuli, receptors, signal transduction and responses; nociception; vision; hearing, taste, olfaction: examples across taxa. Autonomic nervous system and its organization in vertebrates; effects on the different systems. Somatic nervous system, neuroanatomy and neuromuscular junction; neurotoxic substances. Stress response and coping styles. Chronobiology: circadian and circannual rhythms. 6) Muscular physiology. Basis of anatomy, histology and cytology of the skeletal muscle tissue. Contraction: molecular mechanisms. Sliding filament model and cross bridge cycle. Coupling of excitation-contraction coupling. Summation and tetanus. Types of muscular fibers. 7) Cardiovascular system. General anatomy, histology and morphology. The heart of mammals. Cardiac cycle. ECG. Pacemaker cells and their action potential, electric activity and conduction. Ionic basis of contraction. Cardiac output. Blood vessels, hematic flow, blood pressure. Baroceptors. Regulation by the autonomic nervous system. 8) Physiology of respiration, transport and gas exchange. Anatomy of the respiratory trait. Mechanics of respiration; lung volume and capacity. Gas exchange in the lungs; blood transport of gas; hemoglobin, myoglobin: dissociation curve and factors of variability across taxa. Nervous control of respiration. Chemoceptors. Gas exchange in terrestrial and aquatic environments. Metabolic rate and respirometry. Adaptations to hypoxia and anoxia. 9) Kidney physiology. Functional anatomy in a comparative perspective. The function of the kidneys. The nephrone. Filtration. Pressure gradients, regulation of the velocity of glomerular filtration; tubular reabsorption and secretion. Mechanism of the countercurrent multiplier. Regulation of the composition of the extracellular fluids. ADH and aldosterone. The renine-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Electrolyte regulation. Control of acid-base balance. Renal compensation. Comparative physiology of osmoregulation: examples. 10 Nutrition, digestion and absorption. Digestive system: generality. Digestion and absorption of nutrients and water. Gastrointestinal secretion and its regulation. 11) Energetic metabolism and growth. General concepts of energy balance. Pancreatic hormones: insulin and glucagon; growth hormone; thyroid hormones; glucocorticoids. Oxidative stress in an ecological and evolutionary framework. Basis of thermoregulation physiology in a comparative perspective. 12) Physiology of the reproductive system. Male system: spermatogenesis; androgens. Female system: menstrual cycle and ovulation; hormonal control; fecundation; gestation; parturition; lactation. Progesterone, oxytocine, and prolactin. Costs of reproduction. 13) Basis of conservation physiology, examples.

Stanfield Cindy L. Principles of Human Physiology, Pearson 2018;
Hill Richard W., Wyse Gordon A., Anderson Margaret. Animal Physiology, Sinauer Associates, 2017;

The environmental fate of a pollutant in the different environmental compartments. Air, water, soil.
Importance of ecotoxicology and cellular toxicology. Review of the structure and function of the cell and organization of pluricellular organisms (cells, tissues, organs, organisms). Cellular and molecular toxicity. The environment as an agent capable of modifying the phenotype and influencing the molecular aspects of development. Regulation of transcription and environmental interference. Transmission of epigenetic memory between generations, transmission of damage from xenobiotics. The importance of development for health and disease. Developmental toxicology. Biotransformation of xenobiotics. Bioindicators, and biomarkers, the search for the primary target of pollutants: the main biomarkers. Organ toxicity. Chemical carcinogenesis. Mechanisms of action of chemical carcinogens. Relationship between the individual's response and ecological effects. The study of the effects, exposure, absorption, distribution and excretion. Toxicity tests. Use of bacteria, algae, crustaceans, fish and mammals, evaluation tests (acute and chronic) and "endpoints" (LC50, EC50, IC50, NOEC, LOEL)
Bioconcentration, Bioaccumulation, Biomagnification. The REACH program and Directive 91/414 / EEC for chemicals.
Main classes of synthetic organic pollutants and evidence of their environmental effects. Toxic effects of metals
The main physico-chemical properties of a pollutant and environmental persistence, degradative pathways found in nature. Persistent contaminants and global contamination. Notes on the forecast models for the assessment of the environmental fate of organic pollutants. The QSAR (Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship) models. Mixtures of toxic substances in the environment: an approach to the problem.
Evaluation of the effects: toxicological tests at different levels of organization and complexity (laboratory, mesocosms etc). Bioremediation
In vitro cell cultures applied to the ecotoxicological study. Main cell culture techniques

Ecotossicologia (M.Vighi –E.Bacci) Utet ed. (out of sale )
Ecotossicologia quantitativa applicata – (Baudo R.- Perin G.) Aracne editrice
Fundamental of Ecotoxicology: The Science of Pollution. M.C. Newman Ed.CRC Press (Fifth edition 2019)
Introduzione alle colture cellulari metodiche relative (Mariottini, Capicchioni,Guida, Mattioli, Penco, romano, Scarabelli) Morgan edizioni tecniche
Eco –Devo. Ambiente e Biologia dello Sviluppo- Gilbert S.F., Epel D.- ed. Piccin

During the lessons will be given links to recent journal articles or books on different related topics

Changes in environmental quality, pollution and environmental monitoring (quality of soil, water bodies, air);
General characteristics of inland waters: lentic and lotic environments (structure of lakes and self-purifying capacity, metabolic efficiency, river continuum concept, ecological and hydroclimatic factors of rivers);
Biological monitoring of surface water bodies;
The use of biological indicators for assessing the quality of running waters;
The biological indices (of diversity, the saprobic system and the biotic indexes -BMWP, IBE, ASPT);
The European Water Framework Directive (2000/60 / EC): typing, different types of monitoring, reference conditions;
The elements of biological quality (EQB): Macroinvertebrates, Macrophytes, Diatoms and Pisces;
The Macroper index;
Sampling techniques, including complex environmental matrices, collection tools and biological conservation;
The determination of the ecological status of a superficial watercourse through Macroinvertebrates and the elements of chemical-physical and hydromorphological quality in support.
The most recent methodologies for the isolation and the analysis of diagnostic DNA markers for environmental monitoring.

Water Framework Directive (2000/60/CE)
IRSA manuals
ISPRA manuals
Atlases and identification cards
The texts will be provided by the teacher, who will indicate the links for the retrieval

Birds as monitors of environmental change; inter-specific and intra-specific behavioral diversity in birds; active and passive methods of counts and individual tracking. Behavioural ecology of birdsong. The use of birdsong for the monitoring of bird communities. Transects and point counts from listening spots.

Furness RW, Greenwood JJD 1993 Birds as Monitors of Environmental Change. Springer
Pearce-Higgins J, Green RE 2014 Birds and climate change. Impacts and conservation responses. Cambridge University Press
Sorace A, Gustin M, Calvario E, Ianniello L, Sarrocco S, Carere C 2000 Assessing bird communities by point counts: repeated sessions and their duration. Acta orn 35, 197-202

1) History of microbiology: discovery of the microbial world; the “Abiogeny” dispute, microorganisms and their environment, impact of microorganisms on man: pathogenic, harmful and useful microorganisms.
2) The laboratory of microbiology: the microscope, mentions of optical physics, preparation of microscope slides, electron microscopy and other microscopy techniques. The pure culture, microbial nutrition and preparation of culture media. Theory and practice of sterilization.
3) Cytology: prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells: prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells: general concepts, structure and ultra-structure of bacterial cells, structure and function of cytoplasmic membrane, transports through the cytoplasmic membrane, cell wall, structure and function, the cell wall of Gram + and Gram – bacteria, Archaeal and eukaryotic cell walls, capsules and other envelopes, motility, flagella and chemotaxis, endospores structure and function, mentions of eukaryotic spores.
4) Cell physiology: reminders of chemistry and cell biochemistry (redox reactions, hydrogen and electron transport, high energy compounds), biological energy production, glycolysis and alternative pathways; NAD re-oxidation: fermentations (alcoholic and lactic); aerobic respiration (TCA, electron transport phosphorylation, energy balance in respiration), mentions of anaerobic respiration and biosynthesis.
5) Microbial growth: growth of a single cell and of a microbial population, diauxic growth, effect of environmental parameters on growth (pH, temperature, etc.), methods for the control of microbial growth.
6) Principles of molecular and bacterial genetics (reminders): DNA structure, restriction enzymes, DNA replication, genetic elements, gene rearrangement, transposons, transcription, structure and function of mRNA and tRNA, translation and protein synthesis, genetic code mutations and mutagens; bacterial recombination (in details), transformation, transduction, plasmids and conjugation.
7) Microbial classification and phylogeny (mentions)
8) Virology: “anatomy” and structure of viral particles; viral counts; general concepts of viral reproduction, principles of viral genetics, RNA/DNA phages, temperate and lytic bacterial viruses; some important animal and plant viruses (mentions).
9) Microbial ecology: isolation and identification of microorganisms (recalls), interactions among microbial population and between microorganisms and other organisms; microbial ecosystems; methods for the study of microbial ecology and diversity; biogeochemical cycles (Carbon, Nitrogen, Iron, Sulphur, etc.).
10) Environmental biotechnology: pollution and depollution; role of microorganisms in environmental decontamination, Soil and water bioremediation; aerobic/anaerobic catabolism of environmental pollutants, treatment of water and wastewater; Some study cases. .
11)Microbial Biotechnology: microorganism of industrial interest, screening for industrial metabolites/enzymes. Bioreactors, structure and design, scale-up, primary and secondary metabolites; production of antibiotics, enzymes, etc. (mentions). Enzyme and cell immobilization (mentions)
12) Pathogenic, harmful and useful microorganisms mentions of medical microbiology. Pathogenic microorganisms in food and waters (mentions); Microbiological analysis of water

Some practical/laboratort lectures will be added to better explain some topics of laboratory tecniques

Brock, Biologia dei Microrganismi di M.T. Madigan e J.M. Martinko, D.A. Stahl, D.P. Clark, Pearson, 2012. Vol.1 e 2 (or any other more recent edition)
Brock, Biologia dei Microrganismi di M.T. Madigan e J.M. Martinko, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana. Vol. 1 e 2A
Biologia dei microrgamismi di G. Dehò e E. Galli, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, 2018.
Microbiologia ambientale ed elementi di ecologia microbica di Barbieri, Bestetti, Galli, Zannoni, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, 2008

The lectures slides (PDF) are available on line. During the course, some scientific publications will be distributed and discussed.

Other recent textbooks of General Microbiology could be used after a preliminary check with the teacher.

Definition of Applied Ecology
The preservation and environmental management: the legislative framework
Definition and quantification of the quality of the environment: indicators and indices
Alteration and pollution of ecosystems: inland waters and transitional waters, sea
Alteration and pollution on a global scale
Protection, safeguarding and recovery of ecosystems
Elements of telemetry, use of satellite photos, drones, the remote data collection stations
Management and protection of the coastline, preventing overfishing, restocking and fisheries development; artificial reefs
Protected areas and their classification, marine protected areas, Natura 2000 network, protection, conservation and management of habitats and endangered species
Legal administrative tools: environmental impact assessment, impact assessment, management plans


Exercises and laboratory

Sampling and analysis of macrozoobenthic communities
Measuring the biodiversity
Using software and statistical analysis of data
Basic project tools to protect the nature

Dobson M., Frid C., 2009. Ecology of aquatic systems. Oxford University Press
D‘Antoni S., Battisti C., Cenni M. e Rossi G.L. (a cura di), 2011. Contributi per la tutela della biodiversità delle zone umide. Rapporti ISPRA 153/11 (http://www.minambiente.it/sites/default/files/archivio/allegati/biodiversita/allegato_rapporto_153_2011.pdf
Zerunian S., 2003. Piano d’azione generale per la conservazione dei pesci d’acqua dolce italiani. Quad. Cons. Natura 17, Min. Ambiente – Ist. Naz. Fauna Selvatica(http://www.isprambiente.gov.it/contentfiles/00006700/6726-17-qcn-pesci-acqua.pdf)
Cocchi R., Riga F. 2001. Linee guida per il controllo della nutria. Quad. Cons. Natura 5, Min. Ambiente – Ist. Naz. Fauna Selvatica(http://www.minambiente.it/sites/default/files/archivio/biblioteca/protezione_natura/qcn_nutria.pdf)
Borin M., 2003. Fitodepurazione. Edagricole
AAVV, 2004. La carta ittica dei fiumi Mignone Paglia e Marta. Provincia di Viterbo (a cura di).http://www.parchilazio.it/documenti/pubblicazioni/3793_allegato1.pdf)

The topics covered in class will be integrated with bibliographic material provided during the course. Non-attending students are encouraged to contact the teacher for information on the program, teaching materials and how to evaluate the profit.

The course includes part of theoretical lessons and exercises in the laboratory and in the field, dealing with the topics specified below.
Historical notes on the birth of oceanography as a science.
Physiographic characteristics of marine environments. Origin and evolution of marine and oceanic waters. The water cycle and the oceans. The chemical composition of sea water, the interaction with the atmosphere, carbon dioxide and the balance of carbonates. The cyclic salts.
The physical properties of sea water. The Earth and the solar system. The energy balance of the Earth. The atmosphere and atmospheric circulation. Relations between climate and oceans. Exchanges of energy between the sea and the atmosphere. Energy distribution on the earth's surface. The distribution of the fundamental variables of marine and oceanic water masses. The Coriolis force. Horizontal and vertical movements of water masses, wave motion, sea currents and other dynamic phenomena.
Pelagic and benthic organisms. The ecotypological classification of marine organisms. Introduction to marine biology: phytoplankton, zooplankton, necton and benthos. The regulating variables of biological processes and the distribution of organisms. Phytoplankton and primary production. Solar radiation and its ecological significance. Biomass, production and biological productivity. Photosynthesis, production and growth. The environmental regulatory factors of PP. The limiting factors. Gross and net production. Trophic levels, food chains and webs. Trophic transfer efficiencies. Methods of estimating Primary Production at sea.
Marine, oceanic and coastal habitats. The zoning of the benthos and the Mediterranean benthic biocoenoses: the classifications of Perès Picard and Riedl.
Energy flows and biogeochemical cycles (nitrogen, phosphorus, carbon, silicon cycles). Energy flow and trophic structure of ecosystems: ecological pyramids and efficiencies.
The dynamics of marine ecosystems. Time and dimensional scales. Micro-scale processes: the boundary layer, the vertical structure and the biology of the mixed layer. Meso-scale processes: ecological phenomena associated with upwelling, fronts, tides and internal waves. Macro-scale processes: the ecology of large-scale phenomena (major currents, gyres, eddies). Oceans and Global Change: physical and biological aspects, the role of the "biological pump".

Lecture notes by prof. Marco Marcelli, available on Unitus Moodle (https://moodle.unitus.it).