Applied Biology to Agricultural Systems
A.Y. 2025/2026
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
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
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.
· 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
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
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
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