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Course
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Credits
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Scientific Disciplinary Sector Code
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Contact Hours
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Exercise Hours
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Laboratory Hours
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Personal Study Hours
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Type of Activity
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Optional materials and exam in a foreign language
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Language
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Optional group:
esami obbligatori opzionali I anno - (show)
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12
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17509 -
BIOLOGIA VEGETALE DEGLI ECOSISTEMI MARINI COSTIERI
(objectives)
a) Objectives
The aim of the course is to provide students with tools for understanding plant species and communities, their adaptation strategies to the environmental parameters, and dune dynamics. These knowledge are crucial for understanding the conservation status of these ecosystems that are among the most fragile and endangered, monitoring them and defining the most appropriate strategies for protect and recover.
The course will supply the basis for further better understanding and studying the autotrophic components of our coasts.
b) Learning outcomes:
1) Knowing the biodiversity of plants of coastal dunes as result of the adaptation to peculiar environmental conditions.
2) Ability to apply knowledge acquired and understanding. Learn how to use acquired skills to interpret data observed or understand any morpho-functional alterations due to variations in environmental parameters.
3) Autonomy of judgment. Ability to formulate hypotheses in response to any problems.
4) Communicative Skills. Students are encouraged to acquire a scientifically correct terminology.
5) Learning Skills. Stimulate the curiosity and knowledge on Plants.
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ZUCCONI GALLI FONSECA Laura
( syllabus)
Flora, Raunkiær plant life-forms, corotypes.
Landscape ecology. Fire consequences on vegetation.
The shape of the coasts and their classification
Factors acting on the shores: waves, tides, winds
Sea level changes
Adaptations of plants to salinity, aridity and wind
Rocky shores, cliffs
Colonization of rocks, soil formation, ecological succession
Vegetation of rocky coasts
Mediterranean maquis and climax vegetation
The beaches: formation, classification, tourn over and morphology
Human impact on the beaches
Marine phanerogams.
Dune: definition, formation, zoning
Psammophilous vegetation, adaptations and succession of dunes
Degradation of the dune system
Plant communities
Coastal environments at risk: lagoons, coastal lakes and brackish ponds and their vegetation
Fire and pirophytism
Biodiversity conservation, red lists and germplasm bank
Botanic excursion
( reference books)
Quaderni habitat _ Ministero dell’Ambiente
(For further information: Ecologia vegetale. La struttura gerarchica della vegetazione – Canullo
Falinska- Liguori Editore)
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6
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BIO/03
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40
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8
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Related or supplementary learning activities
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ITA |
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18121 -
BIOLOGIA DELLE ALGHE E E DEI FUNGHI MARINI
(objectives)
a) FORMATION GOALS.
The course will enable students to understand the peculiar morphological, physiological and metabolic characteristics of algae and marine fungi, their role in the marine environment and interactions with other organisms. Furthermore, it will allow to know the basic techniques for their sampling and taxonomical identification. The course will provide a framework for understanding current issues related to algae and marine fungi and their potential applications (eg their importance for other marine organisms, their potential in biotechnology, the harmful algae blooms). The course will provide the necessary insights to understand the ecological peculiarities of algae and marine fungi.
b) LEARNING RESULTS
Knowledge and understanding (ability). To get the knowledge regarding the basic principles of biology, physiology and ecology of algae and marine fungi and their potential in biotechnology.
Applying knowledge and understanding (Ability to apply knowledge and understanding). To understand the main ecosystem issues concerning algae and marine fungi with particular regard to interactions with theother biotic components including humans. To acquire the basic knowledge regarding the experimental approach to study the fungal and algal communities.
Making judgement (Independent judgement). The ability to construe the results obtained by the various studies in phycology and marine micology. The ability to understand the role of the studied organisms in the environment and their influence on the biology of other organisms.
Communication skills. Ability to describe scientific topics related to phycology and marine micology both in written and oral forms by a specific scientific/technical language.
Learning skills. Ability to use the methods acquired for studied organisms 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.
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pasqualetti Marcella
( syllabus)
Introduction to the course, knowledge verification test of plant biology.
Algae definition; photosynthesis in aquatic environments: problems and solutions. The role of algae in biogeochemistry and technological applications. The diversification of eukaryotic algae: endosymbiosis.
Cellular organization, anatomy, sexual and asexual reproduction, biochemistry, biotechnology and ecology of the major algal phyla:
Cyanobacteria (Cyanophyceae )
Glaucophyta
Rhodophyta (Cyanidophyceae, Porphyridiophyceae, Rhodellophyceae, Compsopogonophyceae, Bangiophyceae, Florideophyceae )
Chlorophyta: Prasinophhyceae, Chlorophyceae, Ulvophyceae, Trebuxiophyceae class and Charophycean algae.
Chromophyta: (Chrysophyceae, Synurophyceae, Tribophyceae, Eustigmatophyceae, Raphydophyceae, Bacillariophyceae, Phaeophyceae)
Cryptophyta, Prymnesiophyta, Dinophyta, Euglenophyta, Chlorarachniophyta.
Phytoplankton, macroalgal and periphyton ecology.
Introduction to the marine fungi: biology, ecology, biotecnology.
Macroalgae: collection, classification and preparation of dry macroalgae samples (Exsicata).
Microalgae: collection, microscopic observations, taxonomical classification.
Marine fungi: collection of algal samples, Isolation of algicolous fungi, microscopic observations, taxonomical classification.
Screening for the production of metabolites / enzymes of industrial interest.
( reference books)
Barsanti L., Gualtieri P. 2006. Algae, anatomy, Biochemistry and Biotecnology. Taylor & Francis. NW.
Graham L.E., Graham J.M., Wilcox L.W. 2009.Algae (second edition) Pearson Benjamin Cummings. San Francisco.
Hoek C., Mann D.G., Jahns, H.M. 1995. Algae. An introduction to phycolgy. Cambridge University press.
Rodriguez-Prieto et al., 2015. Alghe e Fanerogame del Mediterraneo. Il Castello
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7
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BIO/02
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48
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8
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Core compulsory activities
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118910 -
Marine microbiology and laboratory
(objectives)
The course will enable students to understand the peculiar morphological, physiological and metabolic characteristics of marine microorganisms (with particular reference to prokaryotes), their role in the marine environment and interactions with other organisms. Furthermore it will allow to know the basic techniques for their sampling and manipulation in the laboratory. The course will provide a framework for understanding current issues related to marine microorganisms and their potential applications (eg the importance of microorganisms for other marine organisms, their potential in biotechnology, the danger of some microorganisms and the necessary countermeasures to cancel potential damages of these). The course will provide the necessary insights to understand the ecological peculiarities of marine microorganisms, in particular those of some extreme marine environments.
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Module A - Marine microbiology and laboratory
(objectives)
Learning results
The course will permit the comprehension of the morphological, physiological and metabolic characteristic of marine microorganisms (mainly prokaryotes); their role in marine environments and the interactions with other organisms. The course will permit to understand the principal interactions between marine microorganisms and the environment (with particular attention to some extreme marine environments) in relation with the bio-geochemical cycles. The course will supply a reference framework to comprehend modern aspect related to the marine microbial world and the potential applications of useful microorganisms.
Knowledge and understanding ability. To get the knowledge regarding the peculiarities of the marine microbial biology, their metabolism, their role in the marine environment, their interaction with other organisms, and their potential in biotechnology.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding. To understand the issues related to the relationships between marine microorganism and environment (including other organisms). To acquire the knowledge regarding the experimental approach to study the marine microbial world.
Independent judgement. The ability to construe the results obtained by the various studies in marine microbiology. The ability to understand the role of the marine microorganisms in the environment and their influence on the biology of other organisms.
Learning ability. Ability to describe scientific topics related to marine microbiology both in written and oral forms by a specific scientific/technical language. Ability to use the methods acquired for microorganism sampling, recognition/identification and cultivation. This ability will be developed also trough the active involvement of the students in discussions during the lectures, by laboratory experiences and field activities.
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FENICE Massimiliano
( syllabus)
1) Theory (40 hours, 5 cfu)
Introduction. Marine microbiology among the Microbiological disciplines. Topics of marine microbiology, history and objectives. Marine environments and microorganisms. The physico-chemical marine environment (notes). Methods and techniques of marine microbiology (reminders of General microbiology). Microscopy and flow cytometry. Sampling, cultivation and characterization of marine microorganisms. Identification of marine microorganisms (PCR, FISH,sequencing, etc.) Sudy of marine communities: DGGE, TRFLP, PLFA, clone libraries (notes). NGS, metagenetic and metagenomic. Diversity of marine microorganisms. Phototropic (oxygenic and anoxygenic) bacteria. Nitrifyng, anammox, S- and Fe- oxidizing bacteria. Sulfate reducing, luminescent, halophilic, methanogenic and methanotroph bacteria. Marine Archaea: Euryarchaeota, Crenarchaeota, etc. Hyperthermophilic, Hyperhalophilic and Hyperacidophilic archaea Marine microbial ecology. The microbial loop. The bio-geochemical cycles (reminders from general microbiology). Marine snow. Relationship between marine microrganisms and other marine organisms. Symbiosis, parasitism, pathogenicity. Microbiology of extreme or peculiar marine environments: estuaries and other transition zones. The deep seas, the hyperhaline environments. Marine microrganisms and human being. Biofouling and biodeterioration, Marine biotechnology. Production of enzymes bio-polymers, biodegradation. Human pathogens and marine environments. waterborne diseases and microbiological analysis of water.
2) Practical lectures and laboratory (they could vary in relation also to the possibility to make sea excursions) (8 hours, 1 cfu). Sampling of marine microorganisms. Microbial counts. Isolation, cultivation and classification of marine microorganisms. Study of marine bacterial diversity. Screening for industrial microbial metabolites. Microbiological analysis of water.
( reference books)
Brock, Madigan, Martino, Parker, "Brock biologia dei microrganismi", CEA Ambrosiana, terza edizione 2007, volume 1 e 2.
Biologia dei microrgamismi di G. Dehò e E. Galli, Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, 2018.
Barbieri, Bestetti, Galli, Zannoni- Microbiologia ambientale ed elementi di ecologia microbica - Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, edizione 2008
Colin Munn - Marine Microbiology: ecology and applications – Garland Science, Taylor & Francis Group, 2nd edition (2011)
http://www.nature.com/nrmicro/focus/marinemicrobiology/index.html
The lectures slides (PDF) are available on line.
During the course, some scientific publications will be distributed and discussed.
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6
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BIO/19
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40
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8
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Core compulsory activities
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ITA |
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Module B - Marine microbiology and laboratory
(objectives)
The course will enable students to understand the peculiar morphological, physiological and metabolic characteristics of marine microorganisms (with particular reference to prokaryotes), their role in the marine environment and interactions with other organisms. Furthermore it will allow to know the basic techniques for their sampling and manipulation in the laboratory. The course will provide a framework for understanding current issues related to marine microorganisms and their potential applications (eg the importance of microorganisms for other marine organisms, their potential in biotechnology, the danger of some microorganisms and the necessary countermeasures to cancel potential damages of these). The course will provide the necessary insights to understand the ecological peculiarities of marine microorganisms, in particular those of some extreme marine environments.
Learning results
The course will permit the comprehension of the morphological, physiological and metabolic characteristic of marine microorganisms (mainly prokaryotes); their role in marine environments and the interactions with other organisms. The course will permit to understand the principal interactions between marine microorganisms and the environment (with particular attention to some extreme marine environments) in relation with the bio-geochemical cycles. The course will supply a reference framework to comprehend modern aspect related to the marine microbial world and the potential applications of useful microorganisms.
Knowledge and understanding ability. To get the knowledge regarding the peculiarities of the marine microbial biology, their metabolism, their role in the marine environment, their interaction with other organisms, and their potential in biotechnology.
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding. To understand the issues related to the relationships between marine microorganism and environment (including other organisms). To acquire the knowledge regarding the experimental approach to study the marine microbial world.
Independent judgement. The ability to construe the results obtained by the various studies in marine microbiology. The ability to understand the role of the marine microorganisms in the environment and their influence on the biology of other organisms.
Learning ability. Ability to describe scientific topics related to marine microbiology both in written and oral forms by a specific scientific/technical language. Ability to use the methods acquired for microorganism sampling, recognition/identification and cultivation. This ability will be developed also trough the active involvement of the students in discussions during the lectures, by laboratory experiences and field activities.
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BARGHINI Paolo
( syllabus)
Introduction to the course, verification test of general microbiology knowledge. Recombinant DNA technology; restriction enzymes: definition and properties; restriction maps; DNA cloning. Cloning vectors: definition and applications; cloning vectors of first, second and third generation; phage and cosmid vectors. Vectors for special purposes: expression vectors, description and salient features; secretion vectors, description and salient features; shuttle carriers, description and salient features; integration vectors, description and salient features; vectors for the study of promoters, description and salient features. Artificial chromosomes. Mutations: origins and effects of mutations. Recombination as mutual exchange of genetic information. Transposable genetic elements. Technique for the isolation and sequencing of genes: the use of transposons. The plasposon. Description and use of the plasposon. Introduction to PCR; the stages of PCR; detailed description of the polymerase chain reaction; cloning of amplicons. PCR evolution; Reverse Transcription-PCR; Real Time-PCR. Monitoring the reaction. Amplification efficiency concept. Quantitative PCR; DNA quantification, Crossing point and calibration curve. Quantification principles. Melting Curve analysis. Pathogen research. Sequencing with Sanger method. Automatic sequencing and related problems. New massive sequencing technologies (NGS). New DNA editing technology: CRISPR-Cas. Classification and nomenclature of microorganisms: Classic characters (morphological, physiological / metabolic, ecological, genetic analysis) and molecular characters (comparison of proteins, composition in DNA bases, hybridization of nucleic acids, sequencing of nucleic acids). Southern Blotting. 16S-rDNA sequencing, comparison in database. Affiliation: physiological methods (Biolog) and molecular methods. Identification workflow. Phylogeny and phylogenetic trees. How to build a phylogenetic tree: choice of sequences, algorithm and outgroup. Bootstrapp. Critical analysis of the results. Case study: arctic bacteria. Taxonomic identification. Comparison of molecular and metabolic methods. General aspects on the analysis of microbial communities. Quorum Sensing (QS): definition and physiological aspects of QS. Molecular mechanisms underlying QS. Ecological meaning of the QS. Main classes of QS signal molecules in Gram + and Gram-. Polyglot bacteria. QS in competition and collaboration. Inter-Kingdom communication. Biofilm: definition, structure, modalities and mechanisms of biofilm formation. Biofilm and antibiotics. Use of furanoni against biofilm. Biofouling: definition, structure, modalities and mechanisms of biofouling formation. Problems related to biofouling. TBT in antifouling paints. Experimental project: identification of molecules with antifouling action. Chromatography. Bases of the chromatographic process. Display of separation. Concepts of: retention time; theoretical plates and height of theoretical plates; optimal separation. Solute-phase interaction. Separation mechanisms and related chromatography: adsorption; spreading; ion exchange; exclusion; affinity. Planar and column chromatography. HPLC.
( reference books)
Colin Munn. Marine Microbiology: Ecology and Applications. Garland Science
Brock Biologia dei microorganismi: microbiologia generale, ambientale e industriale. 14° edizione (2016). Casa Editrice Ambrosiana.
Roberto Danovaro - Biologia Marina: biodiversità e funzionalità degli ecosistemi marini. CittàStudi Edizioni.
Barbieri, Bestetti, Galli, Zannoni - Microbiologia ambientale ed elementi di ecologia microbica - Casa Editrice Ambrosiana, edizione 2008.
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5
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CHIM/11
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40
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Core compulsory activities
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ITA |
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18176 -
ECOLOGIA, ETOLOGIA ED EVOLUZIONE DEGLI ORGANISMI MARINI
(objectives)
The main goal of the course is to provide a solid knowledge of the ecological, ethological and evolutionary processes at the basis of the functioning of marine environment; a particular focus is on the mechanisms that shape the distribution, abundance and relationship of the marine organisms with the biotic and abiotic environment. A second goal is to emphasize the multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary nature of the issues, in order to stimulate the students to a correct approach to multi-scale and complex disciplines and questions, including the variety of methodologies needed to investigate them.
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MODULE A
(objectives)
The course aims to provide solid knowledge on the ecological, ethological and evolutionary processes that regulate the functioning of marine environmental systems
Knowledge and understanding
The knowledge acquired will concern the general principles on which the mechanisms that determine the distribution, abundance and relationships with the biotic and abiotic environment of marine organisms are based
Applied knowledge and understanding
The application of knowledge will be focused on understanding the multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary and integrative nature of the topics covered.
Autonomy of judgment
The ability to formulate autonomous assessments can be exercised in the interpretation phase of the results, using the critical reading of the scientific literature to independently investigate eco-evolutionary issues.
Communication skills
These skills will be developed through the exercise of self-expression (interventions in class) to address research questions on the causes of global change.
Ability to learn
The deepening of knowledge will allow you to deal with complex and multi-scalar disciplines and problems, and with the variety of investigation methods inherent to them, to formulate solid and evidence-based scientific questions.
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CANESTRELLI Daniele
( syllabus)
Ecology and evolutionary biology. Fields of study, methodological approaches, temporal and spatial scales of enquiry.
Marine communities. Ecological factors and biodiversity patterns. The tidal range: causes and consequences of the zonation. Adaptations. Biological interactions, community structure, metacommunity.
Molecular and evolutionary ecology. Principles, methods and fields of investigation. Mechanisms of the evolutionary change. Species and speciation. Phylogeography and biogeography. Diversity and divergence. Dispersal, migration, gene flow. Landscape genetics.
Population and metapopulation. Structure, diversity and demographic changes. Census size, effective size. Historical demographic survey: methods based on demographic and genetic data.
Biological invasions. Causes, vectors and invasion paths. Factors behind successful invasions. Evolution of the invaders. Eco-evolutionary consequences of invasions. Lessepsian invasions.
Variations of the coastline. Causes, time scales, magnitude of changes, effects on biodiversity at the level of population, species, communities.
Evolutionary history of the Mediterranean basin and its shores. Tectonic evolution, climate evolution, impact on biodiversity.
( reference books)
Bertness, Bruno, Silliman, Stachowicz, 2014. Marine Community Ecology and Conservation. Sinauer Associates.
Freeland, Kirk, Petersen, 2011. Molecular Ecology. Wiley.
Losos, 2013. The Princeton guide to Evolution. Princeton University Press.
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6
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BIO/07
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32
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16
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Core compulsory activities
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ITA |
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MODULE B
(objectives)
The course aims to provide solid knowledge on the ecological, ethological and evolutionary processes that regulate the functioning of marine environmental systems
Knowledge and understanding
The knowledge acquired will concern the general principles on which the mechanisms that determine the distribution, abundance and relationships with the biotic and abiotic environment of marine organisms are based
Applied knowledge and understanding
The application of knowledge will be focused on understanding the multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary and integrative nature of the topics covered.
Autonomy of judgment
The ability to formulate autonomous assessments can be exercised in the interpretation phase of the results, using the critical reading of the scientific literature to independently investigate eco-evolutionary issues.
Communication skills
These skills will be developed through the exercise of self-expression (interventions in class) to address research questions on the causes of global change.
Ability to learn
The deepening of knowledge will allow you to deal with complex and multi-scalar disciplines and problems, and with the variety of investigation methods inherent to them, to formulate solid and evidence-based scientific questions.
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CARERE Claudio
( syllabus)
Fundamentals of ethology. History of the study of animal behaviour and its transversality; the four questions of Tinbergen. Imprinting; maternal effects. Neuroendocrine substrates of behaviour. Stress response. Role of genes and the environment. Behavioural plasticity. The role of behaviour in evolution. Partner choice and reproductive systems. Prey and predators. Migration, orientation and navigation. Aggression, territoriality, animal personality. Collective behaviours. Behavioural ecology and hypothesis testing. Behavioural evolutionary convergences and divergences; Cognitive ethology. Animal welfare.
Behavioural ecology of marine organisms. Behavioural adaptations: insular coastal fauna, pelagic environment; diving in marine mammals, life in depth; social behaviour; schooling, group dynamics and self-organization; coloniality; parental care, territoriality, aggression; sexual inversion; foraging strategies. Orientation, migration and homing. Outline of bioacoustics; chemical communication; bioluminescence; electrolocation
Study methodologies. Methods of capture and marking; experimental designs, hypothesis evaluation; measurement of behaviour in the field and under controlled conditions: esemoi., Tracking methods: satellite tracking, geolocalizers, accelerometers. Radar and sonar.
Conservation and management. Behavioural ecotoxicology; endocrine disruptors; effects of anthropogenic disturbance. Effects of climate change. The behaviour of invasive species. Importance of behavioural studies in the conservation and management of marine biodiversity. Behaviour and aquaculture
( reference books)
J.R. Krebs, N.B. Davies (eds) 2012 Behavioural Ecology. An Evolutionary Approach- Blackwell
M. Bateson, P. Martin 2021 (Fourth Edition) Measuring behaviour: an introductory guide.Cambridge University Press
J. Alcock 2013 Animal Behaviour. An Evolutionary Approach. Oxford University Press
A. Manning, M.S. Dawkins 2012 An Introduction to Animal Behaviour. Cambridge University Press
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5
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BIO/05
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32
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8
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Core compulsory activities
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ITA |
