The 2nd cycle Degree Course in "Biodiversity and Evolution" completes the training in biological subjects received during the 1st cycle Degree in Biology and with other similar degrees, related to natural science and environment topics. The foremost objective is to train graduate experts with advanced and operational competences in the field of biodiversity, as an integrated evolving system, from the understanding and defence of which depends the maintenance of the biological and environmental balance, for the sustainable use of biological resources too. Courses use the knowledge of the properties of biological systems acquired in the previous three years, improving the sills about issues related to evolutional mechanisms and dynamics at the base of biodiversity ay gene and genotype and specifically the various evolutionary mechanisms generating biodiversity. Particularly important is the acquisition of methodological, instrumental and analytical skills for the determination of biochemical, molecular and genetic markers, including those related to the effects of biotechnologies and environmental stress. In this context, biodiversity is treated as a genetic heritage in evolution .. In particular, we intend to deepen the knowledge of evolutionary genetics, of the mechanisms of microevolution, of the responses of organisms, populations and species to environmental stress. Biodiversity is treated as a genetic heritage in evolution.
This objective is motivated by utilitarian as well as ethical-moral reasons resulting from a renewed relationship between man and nature. This requires skills which differ from those of ecologists and naturalists, because aiming at understanding the mechanisms by which genetic heritage is expressed in the adaptation environment. The curriculum includes the study of animal and plant biodiversity, including structural and functional adaptations associated with the development and reproduction, behavioral adaptations, interactions between organisms / populations and the environment and themes of evolutionary biology. The approach is comparative and integrated and includes the knowledge of modern analytical methods that are developed and completed by the choice of the experimental dissertation.
The second phase of the educational process is strongly supported by field or laboratory practice and by internships in qualified research laboratories and is characterized by the acquisition of the skills necessary for accessing research and professional activities.
The advancement of knowledge on biodiversity and of its effect in the world show the potentiality in training specialists in the field of biodiversity capable of providing answers to the issues related to environmental change. For this purpose, students are guided to acquire the skills to develop projects based on the latest technologies, useful to develop an overall organic vision, setting goals, techniques, feasibility of projects and reformulating them in relation to the results.
Among the specific objectives, it's worth mentioning the interventions for environmental management, the retrieval of innovating biological resources taking into account new products while respecting the principle of preserving the genetic heritage. Further, the preparation obtained allows further development of scientific theories and mechanisms of biological evolution.
The educational programme is related with the scientific and professional activities carried out on site with particular reference to applications in the Mediterranean area and provides graduates with the skills for working in autonomy also assuming roles of responsibility for projects, facilities and staff management.
In addition, the qualification allows continuation to higher education through various PhD.
This programme includes:
- completion of the training in zoology and botany in key phylogenetic;
- -completion and in-depth study of the mechanisms of biological evolution with particular reference to the genetic structure and functional genomics;
- the study of organisms, populations and species responses for the knowledge of bio-indicators;;
- the study of biogeography;
- knowledge of modern methods of analysis of biodiversity;
- the acquisition of specific computer tools for data processing.
Learning is counted in credits, structured according to the provisions of the University's Academic Regulations.
Each CFU corresponds to a load of activities defined by the academic regulations.
The courses are organized for each year of the course in two coordinated cycles, conventionally called semesters, a minimum of 13 weeks each. They provided lectures, in house and/or field practice activities, an internship at the University laboratories or research institutions, the elaboration of an experimental dissertation and seminars.
The structure and format of each course and other educational activities are specified annually in the Course programme as well as in the Student's Guide.
The type of teachings (single module or integrated course) and the relevant examination types are described in the course educational regulations, All activities are supported by a e-learning platform at the Zoology Museum "P.Doderlein"
