Fundamental Biology and Botanics for Agriculture
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
Develop the basic biological preparation suitable for a full understanding of the educational contents of the subsequent teachings. Introduction to the knowledge of the fundamental characteristics of living organisms (prokaryotes and eukaryotes). Knowledge of the basic elements of cell histology cytology and the classification of living beings. Mitosis and Meiosis. Knowledge of the morpho-functional aspects of the main animal types, in particular those of agricultural interest.
Knowledge of the organization of plants, the peculiarities of plant cells, the characteristics that distinguish the different types of tissues, their organization in forming the organs of the plant. Understanding the different reproductive cycles of the main divisions of terrestrial plants and the evolutionary stages. Provide the basic cultural and cognitive tools sufficient for the classification of large plant groups, their chronological succession and the evolutionary relationships between them, with particular attention to some families of Spermatophytes important from the agricultural and forestry point of view.
Knowledge of the organization of plants, the peculiarities of plant cells, the characteristics that distinguish the different types of tissues, their organization in forming the organs of the plant. Understanding the different reproductive cycles of the main divisions of terrestrial plants and the evolutionary stages. Provide the basic cultural and cognitive tools sufficient for the classification of large plant groups, their chronological succession and the evolutionary relationships between them, with particular attention to some families of Spermatophytes important from the agricultural and forestry point of view.
Expected learning outcomes
Capability to recognize and analyze the composition and biological functions of cells and cell division processes. Understanding the morpho-functional aspects and the classification criteria of the main animal types, with particular reference to the types of main agricultural interest. Knowledge of the fundamental principles of plant biology with particular reference to the structure, evolution and reproduction of plant species. Know the diversity of the morphological and functional characters of plants. Knowing how to recognize and describe the main families of agricultural and forestry interest.
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
Botany
Introduction to plants and their use in agriculture
Organic molecules
The cell and cellular reproduction
Tissues and their organization in the root, stem, and leaves
Growth and reproduction
Systematic Botany
Plant evolution
Plant life cycles and their evolution
Bryophytes
Seedless vascular plants
Gymnosperms
Angiosperms will be covered in greater depth, focusing on the study of their reproductive organs, reproductive strategies, and classification criteria. We will also delve into specific families of vascular plants that are significant from an agricultural and forestry perspective.
Animal Biology
This section of the course will provide information on the main types of animals, with a particular focus on those relevant to agricultural interests, such as Nematodes, Annelids, Mollusks, Arthropods, and Vertebrate Chordates. We will also explore minor animal phyla to provide a comprehensive overview of the Animal Kingdom, emphasizing ecology and sustainability.
The course will cover the development of animal organisms and their phylogeny, including topics such as:
Thermal, water, and population homeostasis
Fertilization
Embryonic development
Organogenesis
Description of anatomical and functional systems and apparatuses, including:
The nervous system (CNS, PNS)
The immune system
The digestive, respiratory, circulatory, and excretory apparatuses
Lessons will be conducted in-person and will follow a reference textbook. Additional teaching materials will be shared on ONEdrive and ARIEL.
Evaluation will be based on a written exam with open questions, providing students with the opportunity to describe and draw animal systems or models of development and the relationships between animals and the environment.
Introduction to plants and their use in agriculture
Organic molecules
The cell and cellular reproduction
Tissues and their organization in the root, stem, and leaves
Growth and reproduction
Systematic Botany
Plant evolution
Plant life cycles and their evolution
Bryophytes
Seedless vascular plants
Gymnosperms
Angiosperms will be covered in greater depth, focusing on the study of their reproductive organs, reproductive strategies, and classification criteria. We will also delve into specific families of vascular plants that are significant from an agricultural and forestry perspective.
Animal Biology
This section of the course will provide information on the main types of animals, with a particular focus on those relevant to agricultural interests, such as Nematodes, Annelids, Mollusks, Arthropods, and Vertebrate Chordates. We will also explore minor animal phyla to provide a comprehensive overview of the Animal Kingdom, emphasizing ecology and sustainability.
The course will cover the development of animal organisms and their phylogeny, including topics such as:
Thermal, water, and population homeostasis
Fertilization
Embryonic development
Organogenesis
Description of anatomical and functional systems and apparatuses, including:
The nervous system (CNS, PNS)
The immune system
The digestive, respiratory, circulatory, and excretory apparatuses
Lessons will be conducted in-person and will follow a reference textbook. Additional teaching materials will be shared on ONEdrive and ARIEL.
Evaluation will be based on a written exam with open questions, providing students with the opportunity to describe and draw animal systems or models of development and the relationships between animals and the environment.
Prerequisites for admission
None
Teaching methods
The lessons will be held in-person, based on a specific textbook. Supplementary materials will be available on ARIEL.
Botany Course Credit Breakdown:
Lectures: 7.5 CFU
Outdoor Activities: 0.5 CFU
Animal Biology:
3 CFU Lctures
1 CFU Outdorr
Botany Course Credit Breakdown:
Lectures: 7.5 CFU
Outdoor Activities: 0.5 CFU
Animal Biology:
3 CFU Lctures
1 CFU Outdorr
Teaching Resources
Biology of Plants:
Books:
-Pasqua Abate Forni- Botanica Generale e Diversità Vegetale - Ed.Piccin;
-Raven-Biologia delle piante di Raven - Ed. Zanichelli
-Smith, Coupland, Dolan, Harberd, Jones, Martin, Sablowski, Amey - Biologia delle Piante vol. 1 e vol.2 - Ed. Zanichelli
Other botany books
Animal Biology
Biologia. E. P. Solomon, C. E. Martin, D. W. Martin, L. R. Berg. EDISES
Eserciziario di Biologia Animale Audisio, De Biase, Nicoletti, Scarì EDISES
FONDAMENTI di BIOLOGIA E. P. Solomon, C. E. Martin, D. W. Martin, L. R. Berg. EDISES
and scientific papers shared on ONEdrive.
Books:
-Pasqua Abate Forni- Botanica Generale e Diversità Vegetale - Ed.Piccin;
-Raven-Biologia delle piante di Raven - Ed. Zanichelli
-Smith, Coupland, Dolan, Harberd, Jones, Martin, Sablowski, Amey - Biologia delle Piante vol. 1 e vol.2 - Ed. Zanichelli
Other botany books
Animal Biology
Biologia. E. P. Solomon, C. E. Martin, D. W. Martin, L. R. Berg. EDISES
Eserciziario di Biologia Animale Audisio, De Biase, Nicoletti, Scarì EDISES
FONDAMENTI di BIOLOGIA E. P. Solomon, C. E. Martin, D. W. Martin, L. R. Berg. EDISES
and scientific papers shared on ONEdrive.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Plant Biology
Exam Format: Written.
Optional Ongoing Tests (for class attendees only):
Four tests covering the following topics:
Cellular Biology
Plant Tissues, Organization, and Reproduction
Plant Evolution and Life Cycles
Recognition of Spermatophytes and their Characteristics
Each test consists of 8 questions:
7 multiple-choice questions (1 point each; 4 options, 1 correct answer).
1 image recognition and description question (3 points possible).
Passing score per test: 6 out of 11 points.
All ongoing tests must be passed.
Final Exam Session:
The final exam will be written and will cover the entire Plant Biology program.
It consists of 32 questions:
28 multiple-choice questions (1 point each; 4 options, 1 correct answer).
4 image recognition and description questions (2 points each).
Animal Biology
Evaluation Criteria:
The evaluation is based on the verification of acquired knowledge through a written exam. This exam includes open questions, offering students the opportunity to describe and draw:
Systems or models of animal development.
Relationships between animals and their environment.
Important Information for Students with SLD or Disability Certifications:
Students with SLD (Specific Learning Disorders) or disability certifications are kindly requested to contact the teacher at least 15 days before the date of the exam session to arrange individual exam requirements.
When sending your email, please ensure to CC the relevant offices:
For students with SLD: [email protected]
For students with disabilities: [email protected]
Exam Format: Written.
Optional Ongoing Tests (for class attendees only):
Four tests covering the following topics:
Cellular Biology
Plant Tissues, Organization, and Reproduction
Plant Evolution and Life Cycles
Recognition of Spermatophytes and their Characteristics
Each test consists of 8 questions:
7 multiple-choice questions (1 point each; 4 options, 1 correct answer).
1 image recognition and description question (3 points possible).
Passing score per test: 6 out of 11 points.
All ongoing tests must be passed.
Final Exam Session:
The final exam will be written and will cover the entire Plant Biology program.
It consists of 32 questions:
28 multiple-choice questions (1 point each; 4 options, 1 correct answer).
4 image recognition and description questions (2 points each).
Animal Biology
Evaluation Criteria:
The evaluation is based on the verification of acquired knowledge through a written exam. This exam includes open questions, offering students the opportunity to describe and draw:
Systems or models of animal development.
Relationships between animals and their environment.
Important Information for Students with SLD or Disability Certifications:
Students with SLD (Specific Learning Disorders) or disability certifications are kindly requested to contact the teacher at least 15 days before the date of the exam session to arrange individual exam requirements.
When sending your email, please ensure to CC the relevant offices:
For students with SLD: [email protected]
For students with disabilities: [email protected]
BIO/01 - GENERAL BOTANY - University credits: 8
BIO/04 - PLANT PHYSIOLOGY - University credits: 4
BIO/04 - PLANT PHYSIOLOGY - University credits: 4
Laboratories: 24 hours
Lessons: 84 hours
Lessons: 84 hours
Professor(s)
Reception:
upon request
Office, Building 21070 Via Celoria 2 Milano