Field Activity, Training Activity and Laboratories
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The aim of the field activity is to provide an in-depth, interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary knowledge of the structural and functional components of ecosystems in the present and in the geological past.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding of the biotic and abiotic components of ecosystems.
Ability to independently describe, analyze and critically evaluate the data collected in the in the field.
Ability to independently describe, analyze and critically evaluate the data collected in the in the field.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Giudizio di approvazione
Assessment result: superato/non superato
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
Second semester
Course syllabus
Nature campaigns consist of field and/or laboratory activities aimed at exploring specific aspects of natural sciences, both in the field of life sciences and earth sciences. In each nature campaign, students will have the opportunity to engage in specific practical activities useful for acquiring knowledge and skills in the field of natural sciences. By way of example, the activities offered may cover the following topics:
· ecology of high-altitude vegetation;
· study of geological structures, minerals, and rocks formed as a result of magmatic and volcanic processes;
· monitoring of animal and plant species;
· basic techniques for excavating and surveying stratigraphic sections and identifying micro- and macro-mammal fossils;
· osteological and physical anthropological analysis of skeletal remains in archaeological and forensic contexts;
· fossil preparation, laser scanner digitization, and 3D model production;
· outreach activities on topics related to sustainability.
Since each nature campaign has its own specific characteristics, for more information, please visit: https://www.campagnenaturalistiche.unimi.it/.
· ecology of high-altitude vegetation;
· study of geological structures, minerals, and rocks formed as a result of magmatic and volcanic processes;
· monitoring of animal and plant species;
· basic techniques for excavating and surveying stratigraphic sections and identifying micro- and macro-mammal fossils;
· osteological and physical anthropological analysis of skeletal remains in archaeological and forensic contexts;
· fossil preparation, laser scanner digitization, and 3D model production;
· outreach activities on topics related to sustainability.
Since each nature campaign has its own specific characteristics, for more information, please visit: https://www.campagnenaturalistiche.unimi.it/.
Prerequisites for admission
Fundamentals of disciplines in the biotic and abiotic field in addition of knowledge of mathematics, statistics, computer science, physics and chemistry.
Teaching methods
The field activities will follow didactic methodologies typical of the various disciplines addressed (geological, geomorphological, lithological survey, sampling of plants and animals and subsequent identification; laboratory activities) following a "learning by doing" approaches. Materials will be provided illustrating theoretical concepts underlying the practical field activity (lectures), which include references to safety regulations in the field. To this will be added practical activities in which the teacher will show how to collect samples and store them or how to produce cartographic drawings. Furthermore, the students will be followed in the activity of classifications and laboratory analyzes of the collected material (statistical analysis, use of the optical microscope) even after the field activities.
Teaching Resources
For each activity, didactic material useful for dealing with field activities (bibliography, cartography) will be provided and sampling or analysis equipment will be made available for shared use in compliance with health regulations.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Credits are awarded after collective drafting and presentation of a report for each campaign carried out during the "Presentations of Nature Campaign Reports" event or, alternatively, through individual reports in the cases specified in the regulations https://www.campagnenaturalistiche.unimi.it/. A positive evaluation is expressed by a special commission with the rating "Approved."
- University credits: 8
Field activities and internships: 48 hours
Professors:
Azzoni Roberto Sergio, Bollati Irene Maria, Caccianiga Marco Stefano, Dapiaggi Monica, Ficetola Gentile Francesco, Fumagalli Patrizia, Iurino Dawid Adam, Lotti Paolo, Manenti Raoul, Marinoni Nicoletta, Pennati Roberta
Shifts:
turno 1
Professor:
Bollati Irene Mariaturno 2
Professor:
Lotti Paoloturno 3
Professor:
Ficetola Gentile Francescoturno 4
Professor:
Manenti Raoulturno 5
Professor:
Caccianiga Marco Stefanoturno 6
Professor:
Azzoni Roberto Sergioturno 7a
Professor:
Iurino Dawid Adamturno 7b
Professor:
Dapiaggi Monicaturno 8a
Professor:
Marinoni Nicolettaturno 8b
Professor:
Pennati Robertaturno unico
Professor:
Fumagalli PatriziaProfessor(s)
Reception:
Upon appointment arranged through e-mail
Room 54 or 59, First Floor
Reception:
Monday-Friday on appointment
2 floor building C Department of Biosciences
Reception:
anytime, just send an email with the request
office, first floor, via Botticelli 23
Reception:
Monday-Friday with appointment
Via Botticelli 23 - office first floor
Reception:
send an e-mail for appointments
Via Botticelli 23 or videocall on MS Teams