Biological Sciences Preparatory to Veterinary Medicine

The general objective of the course is to provide students with basic knowledge on organisms belonging to the five kingdoms of living things: bacteria, fungi, algae, plants, animals. It is particularly noted how plant and animal organisms are closely interlinked with each other, with metabolic functions homologous, if not similar. It also demonstrates the morphological and functional characteristics of the various animal tissues and the general principles of embryonic development with special reference to domestic species.

Knowledge and understanding:
the student will know the structure and main functions of the animal and plant cell, the main morphological and functional characteristics of invertebrate and vertebrate organisms, the innovative plant-based applications in veterinary medicine, environmental sustainability, and animal nutrition, the morphological and functional characteristics of the different animal and plant tissues and the general principles of gametogenesis, embryonic development and placental structure.
Applying knowledge and understanding:
the student will be able to recognize the different invertebrate and vertebrate organisms, the main plant species used in animals, how to use an optical microscope to recognize the tissues that form the different organs, and will consider the species differences that characterize embryonic development and placenta structure.
Making judgments:
the student will be able to produce biological preparations of vertebrate and invertebrate organisms and to analyze them by selecting and using the most suitable technique for each type of sample, will be trained, in the preparation of histological samples, in the choice of the histological techniques most suitable for the various purposes, in the choice of the type of microscope most suited for diagnostic, clinical or research needs, in the use of an optical microscope. The student will integrate skills for the development of critical thinking based on scientific data.
Communications:
the student will acquire appropriate and updated terminology, consistent with that used in other disciplines, both during lessons and during practical classes.
Lifelong learning skills:
the student will acquire the ability to read, interpret and synthesize a specific text and scientific articles.