Applied Biology to Agricultural Systems

A.Y. 2025/2026
6
Max ECTS
64
Overall hours
SSD
BIO/01 BIO/04 BIO/05
Language
Italian
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.
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

Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Plant Biology
The structure of plant cells and tissues

The plant tissue types, and how they are organized in leaves, stems, and roots

Growth modes of plant tissues in annual, biennial, and perennial plants

Plant reproduction: from flowers to seeds and germination

The main plant families of agricultural interest and their characteristics

Photosynthesis in higher plants and its ecophysiological significance

The concept of stress, and the main responses to stress involving the photosynthetic apparatus

Techniques for monitoring photosynthetic efficiency and the water balance of the plant

Animal Biology
Organization of the animal body and anatomical terminology

The skeleton and muscles: structure and functions

The body cavities: the organs they contain and their relationships

The digestive system and digestive processes

The urinary system, kidney function, and water-salt homeostasis

The reproductive system and male and female 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.
Teaching Resources
Bibliography for the Exam:
Plant Biology:

Pasqua, Abate, Forni - Botanica Generale e Diversità Vegetale - Piccin Edition
or

Raven - Biologia delle piante di Raven - Zanichelli Edition
or

Other botany textbooks available to you or found in the library can also be used

Animal Biology:

Title: Anatomia e Fisiologia degli Animali Domestici (ISBN: 9788850653119)

Authors: Bortolami, Callegari, Beghelli

Publisher: Edagricole, 3rd Edition, 2009, 674 pages
Assessment methods and Criteria
The learning will be verified by oral tests with the three teachers involved in the course.
BIO/01 - GENERAL BOTANY - University credits: 3
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
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