Applied Biology to Agricultural Systems
A.Y. 2023/2024
Learning objectives
The general objective of the course is to outline the morphological and functional bases of the plants and animals used in agricultural systems.
Expected learning outcomes
Recognize the components of plants: from subcellular structures, cell types, tissues, up to the organization of leaves, stems and roots in the different plant groups to which the agricultural species belong. Identify how the plant grows and the differences between annual, biennial and perennial plants. Measure the photosynthetic process, water balance and responses to stress conditions in the field. Describe the different types of plant reproductive strategies and how these are used in the different applications related to agriculture.
Acquire the basic notions on the structural organization of domestic mammals, considering the skeleton, cavities and apparatuses. Knowledge of digestion, reproduction and lactation processes will be provided, indicating the main differences between domestic species. The main physiological mechanisms underlying endocrinology and immunology will be learned. The most relevant external morphological characteristics for technological applications in the zootechnical field will be understood.
Acquire the basic notions on the structural organization of domestic mammals, considering the skeleton, cavities and apparatuses. Knowledge of digestion, reproduction and lactation processes will be provided, indicating the main differences between domestic species. The main physiological mechanisms underlying endocrinology and immunology will be learned. The most relevant external morphological characteristics for technological applications in the zootechnical field will be understood.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Plant biology
- How plant cells and tissues are made;
- what are the tissues of the plants, how they are organized into leaves, stems and roots;
- tissue growth patterns in annual, biennial and perennial plants
- plant reproduction from flowers to seeds and germination
- the main families of plants of agricultural interest and their characteristics
- Photosynthesis in higher plants and its ecophysiological relevance
- the concept of stress, and the main responses to stress involving the photosynthetic apparatus
- photosynthetic efficiency and plant water balance monitoring techniques
Animal biology
- Organization of the animal body and anatomical terminology
- The skeleton and muscles: structure and functions
- The cavities of the trunk: the organs they contain and their relationships
- The digestive system and digestive processes
- Urinary tract, renal function and hydro-saline homeostasis
- Male and female reproduction and reproduction
- Lactation
- Principles of endocrinology
- Principles of immunology
- How plant cells and tissues are made;
- what are the tissues of the plants, how they are organized into leaves, stems and roots;
- tissue growth patterns in annual, biennial and perennial plants
- plant reproduction from flowers to seeds and germination
- the main families of plants of agricultural interest and their characteristics
- Photosynthesis in higher plants and its ecophysiological relevance
- the concept of stress, and the main responses to stress involving the photosynthetic apparatus
- photosynthetic efficiency and plant water balance monitoring techniques
Animal biology
- Organization of the animal body and anatomical terminology
- The skeleton and muscles: structure and functions
- The cavities of the trunk: the organs they contain and their relationships
- The digestive system and digestive processes
- Urinary tract, renal function and hydro-saline homeostasis
- Male and female reproduction and reproduction
- Lactation
- Principles of endocrinology
- Principles of immunology
Teaching methods
The lectures will be accompanied by dedicated educational workshops:
· observation of plant cells, tissues and structures characteristic of the different types of plants cultivated;
· recognition of anatomical structures of different species of domestic animals
Practical activities will also be carried out on:
· monitoring of the photosynthetic process and the water balance of the plant in response to stress factors and the basis for statistical analysis and data interpretation will be introduced;
· observation of certain physiological functions in animals under farming conditions.
· observation of plant cells, tissues and structures characteristic of the different types of plants cultivated;
· recognition of anatomical structures of different species of domestic animals
Practical activities will also be carried out on:
· monitoring of the photosynthetic process and the water balance of the plant in response to stress factors and the basis for statistical analysis and data interpretation will be introduced;
· observation of certain physiological functions in animals under farming conditions.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The learning will be verified through a written exam of 33 multiple choice questions (4 alternatives of which only one correct) on all the topics covered during the course (plant and animal biology). You will assign one point for each correct answer while the wrong answers will be worth zero points. Who will reach a score of at least 18 points can take the oral exam that, for the part of plant biology will provide for the recognition of plant structures of agricultural interest while for the animal part will provide a short interview on the activities carried out in the educational laboratories.
BIO/01 - GENERAL BOTANY - University credits: 3
BIO/04 - PLANT PHYSIOLOGY - University credits: 1
BIO/05 - ZOOLOGY - University credits: 2
BIO/04 - PLANT PHYSIOLOGY - University credits: 1
BIO/05 - ZOOLOGY - University credits: 2
Field activity: 12 hours
Practicals: 12 hours
Laboratories: 8 hours
Lessons: 32 hours
Practicals: 12 hours
Laboratories: 8 hours
Lessons: 32 hours
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
Every day by appointment via phone or email
Office (building 21090) at the "Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali - Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia"
Reception:
From Monday to Friday upon appointment
Office or after the lectures