Degree Course: Environmental Biological Sciences Syllabus for A.Y. 2019/2020  

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.

C. Lewin “Cellule”, Zanichelli

Alberts et al., Biologia molecolare della Cellula, Zanichelli

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

Mathematical analysis
The sets and their operations, various notations. Numerical sets: from N to R, need for expansion.
Definition of function and relative 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 and field structure.
Absolute value of a number and triangular inequality.
Interval definition: closed, open; definition of around.

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

Continuous function at a point and in an interval. Classification of discontinuities: the integer part function, the functions whose graph admits vertical asymptotes; discontinuity can be eliminated: functions defined by branches.
Elementary functions as continuous functions. Uniqueness of the limit theorem. Limits of continuous functions
Theorem of confrontation or "of the carabinieri". Theorems on continuous functions: Weierstrass, intermediate values, existence of zeros.
Definition of Nepero's number. Remarkable limits of transcendent functions and their consequences: relative examples.

Definition of derivative and its geometric meaning. Application to physics and other applied sciences.
Non-derivable functions in one point, classification of non-derivability points: angular points, cusps and flexions with vertical tangent; 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 descending 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 relative max and min and Fermat's theorem. Search for relative max and min
(with the method of studying the sign of the first derivative) and absolutes.
Rolle, Cauchy and Lagrange theorems: examples and geometric meanings.
De l'Hopital theorem. Comparison of infinitesimals and comparison of infinites.
Calculation of subsequent derivatives. Convexity and concavity of a curve, determination of bending at oblique tangent: determination of inflectional tangents.
Development of a Taylor / Mc Laurin series function: application to some remarkable
Statistic analysis
Descriptive statistics: tables and graphs, histograms and pie charts. Position indices: mean, fashion and median percentiles and quartiles, weighted average.
Dispersion indices: variance and standard deviation.
Evaluation of measurement uncertainties: absolute, relative and percentage errors.
Bimodal statistical tables: joint distributions; addiction and independence.
Least squares method, Covariance, Linear correlation coefficient.
Combinatorial calculation. Simple and repetitive arrangements; simple and repetitive permutations; simple and repetitive combinations; binomial coefficient in its different forms, power of a binomial with Newton's formula.
Classical definition of probability: relative examples. Total and compound probability theorems.
The concept of random variable and discrete and continuous distributions.
Discrete distribution: binomial distribution, definition and related examples.
Normal distribution: density function, Gauss curve. Introduction of the distribution function and use of tables for calculating the probability of random events with normal distribution: relative examples

introduction
States of aggregation of matter. Homogeneous and heterogeneous systems. Substances and chemical elements.

Atomic structure of matter
Atomic properties: mass and dimensions. Avogadro number, mole concept. Chemical symbols and their quantitative meaning.

Structure of the atom
Bohr model. Uncertainty principle. Wave nature
electron. Atomic orbitals. Quantum numbers. Electronic configuration of the elements. Rules of the Aufbau. The periodic system of the elements. Periodic properties.

The chemical bond
Ionic, covalent and coordination bonds. Bond properties: order, distance and energy. Electronegativity and dipole moment. Chemical bond theory: hybrid orbitals, resonance. Magnetic properties of molecules. Intermolecular bonds. Hydrogen bond.

Chemical formulas
Nomenclature of inorganic compounds. Oxidation number. Typical molecules and ions structure.

Chemical reactions. The oxidoreductions

The gaseous state
Read gases. State equation of ideal gases. Dalton's law for
gaseous mixtures. Density and relative density of gases and mixtures
gaseous. Average molecular mass of a gas mixture. Methods
experimental for the determination of the molecular masses of substances
gaseous. Real gases, Van der Waals equation. Kinetic theory of gases.
The solid state
Crystalline structures and their symmetries. Molecular, ionic solids,
covalent and metallic. Polymorphism and allotropy.
The liquid state
Surface tension of a liquid. Viscosity and vapor pressure.

Thermodynamics
Definition of thermodynamic system. State functions and variables of
state. Cyclic and open transformations. Reversible transformations ed
irreversible. Heat, work and internal energy. First principle of
thermodynamics. Enthalpy and Hess's law. Entropy. Second principle
of thermodynamics. Spontaneous processes. Free energy.

Chemical equilibrium
Spontaneity and balance criteria in chemical reactions. Mass action law and its derivation. Homogeneous and heterogeneous equilibria.

Solutions
Concentration and its units. Colligative properties of ideal solutions.

Acid-base equilibria
General definitions. Strength of acids and bases. Acid-base structure and properties. Autoionization of water. The pH. Calculation of the pH of acidic, basic and saline solutions. Buffer solutions. Acid-base titrations and titration curves.

Solubility balances
Solubility and factors that influence it. Solubility product. Common ion effect.

Elements of chemical kinetics
Reaction speed. Arrhenius equation. Activation energy. Catalysis

WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE BY THE TEACHER

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.: Hickman et al. Zoologia. McGraw-Hill ISBN: 978 88 386 1538 2).
Other material (pdf, ppt, recognition cards) provided by the teacher.

General Botany
The notion of plant organism. The plant cell: cell wall, plastids and vacuoles. Primary and secondary meristematic tissues; fundamental tissue system; vascular tissue system; dermal tissue system. The root: primary and secondary structure; root cap, apical meristem, quiescent center, central cylinder, pericycle, endodermis and Casparian strip, cortex; vascular cambium; lateral and adventitious roots ; absorption of water and minerals; storage roots. The stem: meristematic apex, area of differentiation; primary and secondary structure; vascular cambium; conifer and dicot wood; cork, cork cambium, phelloderm; branching. The leaf: shape, structure and function; epidermis, mesophyll, vascular bundles or veins; stomatal mechanism; abscission. The flower structure and function. Life cycles, alternation of generations, mechanisms of pollination, fertilization. The fruit: formation and development of embryo; endosperm; fruit development.The seed, dissemination. The movement of water and solutes in the plant. Adaptation of plants to different environments: hydrophytes, hygrophilous plants, mesophytes, and xerophytes. Photosynthesis.
Systematic Botany
Principles of taxonomy, classification and scientific nomenclature.
Bacteria and cyanobacteria.
Fungi: Glomeromycota (zygomycetes),Ascomycota and Basidiomycota; Anamorphic fungi.
Algae: Haptophyta (coccolithophores), Chlorophyta, Rhodophyta, brown algae and diatoms.
Mosses and liverworts: Bryophyta.
Vascular cryptogams: Psilophyta, Lycophyta, Sphaenophyta and Pterophyta. Spermatophytes: Gymnosperms and Angiosperms monocots and dicots. Preparation and observation of microscopic histological slides of roots, stems and leaves. Observation and description of microscopic slides of all taxa in the program.
Botanical excursion

Mauseth J.D., 2020. Botanica. Fondamenti di biologia delle piante. IV edizione italiana. Casa editrice Idelson-Gnocchi.
Raven P.H., Evert R.F., Eichhorn S.E., 2002. Biologia delle piante. Sesta Edizione. Zanichelli, Bologna.
G. Pasqua, G. Abbate, C. Forni, 2019. Botanica generale e Diversità vegetale
Iv Edizione. Piccin Editore.

The English language syllabus for the degree course in Biological and Environmental Sciences aims at the acquisition of the scientific vocabulary through targeted reading comprehensions focused on the following topics: principles of ecology, earth sciences, wildlife, land use, pollution , waste, energy and the environment. The comprehensions will be accompanied by a B1 grammatical reflection.

M. Kolenatý, English for Environmental Studies, 2014.
M. Vince, Macmillan English Grammar in Context, 2008.

Physics
Models, theories, laws, measures and uncertainties. Unit of measurement (International System).
Description of motion: kinematics in one dimension, kinematics in two dimensions, carriers.
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 e momenti.
Vibrations and waves (harmonic motion, sound).
Bodies in balance.
Fluids (static, dynamic, viscosity, surface tension).
Recalls of: temperature and kinetic theory, 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. Wave nature of light (interference, diffraction, spectroscopy, polarization). Optical instruments.
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.

Theory of Errors
The experimental method, the experimental measure, the measuring instruments.
Unit of measurement, unit of scale, dimensional analysis.
Measurement errors: random and systematic errors.
Evaluation of uncertainties in direct measurements. Significant figures. Discrepancy.
Errors in repeated measurements: average as best estimate, standard deviation, standard deviation of the mean. Gaussian distribution.
Propagation of errors: sum and differences, products and quotients.
Calculation of errors for functions of a variable and for functions of several variables.
Least squares method.
Correlation coefficient.
Graphs: linear scale, semilogarithmic scale, logarithmic scale.

Laboratory activities
- Casual errors and propagation of errors
- Static in fluids
- Pendulum and harmonic motion
- Use of the multimeter and Ohm's law

- 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