Applied Biology to Agricultural Systems
A.Y. 2026/2027
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 can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Plant biology
- How plant cells and tissues are made 0,5 CFU;
- what are the tissues of the plants, how they are organized into leaves, stems and roots 0,5 CFU;
- tissue growth patterns in annual, biennial and perennial plants 0,5 CFU;
- plant reproduction from flowers to seeds and germination 0,5 CFU;
- the main families of plants of agricultural interest and their characteristics 0,5 CFU.
- the photosynthetic process: the light-dependent phase, the reactions involved in carbon assimilation, and the photosynthetic responses to different environmental conditions. 0.5 CFU
Laboratory Activities - 16 hours (1 CFU)
- sample preparation and identification of plant cellular structures (4 hours; 0.25 CFU).
- sample preparation and identification of tissues in annual and perennial plants, including vegetative and reproductive tissues (4 hours; 0.25 CFU).
- in vivo measurements of photosynthetic and transpiration activities, and determination of water potential (4 hours; 0.25 CFU).
- quantitative and qualitative determination of photosynthetic pigments and assessment of starch content in leaves (4 hours; 0.25 CFU).
Photosynthesis and water balance module
- Photosynthesis in higher plants and its ecophysiological relevance
- the concept of stress, and the main responses to stress involving the photosynthetic apparatus
- photosynthetic efficiency and plant water balance monitoring techniques
Animal Biology
Lectures and practical exercises: 20 hours (1 lecture CFU, 0.75 practical CFU)
· Anatomical terminology and organization of the animal body (2 hours)
· Main characteristics of animal tissues and anatomical terminology (4 hours)
· Skeleton and muscles: structure and functions (2 hours)
· Trunk cavities: the organs they contain and their relationships (1 hour)
· Digestive system and digestive processes (3 hours)
· Urinary system, renal function, and water-salt homeostasis (1 hour)
· Reproductive system and male and female reproduction (3 hours)
· Lactation (2 hours)
· Principles of endocrinology (1 hour)
· Principles of immunology (1 hour)
· Educational field trip to Cascina Baciocca at the "Angelo Menozzi" Educational and Experimental Agricultural Company - Landriano (PV): 4 hours (equivalent to 0.25 CFU)
- How plant cells and tissues are made 0,5 CFU;
- what are the tissues of the plants, how they are organized into leaves, stems and roots 0,5 CFU;
- tissue growth patterns in annual, biennial and perennial plants 0,5 CFU;
- plant reproduction from flowers to seeds and germination 0,5 CFU;
- the main families of plants of agricultural interest and their characteristics 0,5 CFU.
- the photosynthetic process: the light-dependent phase, the reactions involved in carbon assimilation, and the photosynthetic responses to different environmental conditions. 0.5 CFU
Laboratory Activities - 16 hours (1 CFU)
- sample preparation and identification of plant cellular structures (4 hours; 0.25 CFU).
- sample preparation and identification of tissues in annual and perennial plants, including vegetative and reproductive tissues (4 hours; 0.25 CFU).
- in vivo measurements of photosynthetic and transpiration activities, and determination of water potential (4 hours; 0.25 CFU).
- quantitative and qualitative determination of photosynthetic pigments and assessment of starch content in leaves (4 hours; 0.25 CFU).
Photosynthesis and water balance module
- Photosynthesis in higher plants and its ecophysiological relevance
- the concept of stress, and the main responses to stress involving the photosynthetic apparatus
- photosynthetic efficiency and plant water balance monitoring techniques
Animal Biology
Lectures and practical exercises: 20 hours (1 lecture CFU, 0.75 practical CFU)
· Anatomical terminology and organization of the animal body (2 hours)
· Main characteristics of animal tissues and anatomical terminology (4 hours)
· Skeleton and muscles: structure and functions (2 hours)
· Trunk cavities: the organs they contain and their relationships (1 hour)
· Digestive system and digestive processes (3 hours)
· Urinary system, renal function, and water-salt homeostasis (1 hour)
· Reproductive system and male and female reproduction (3 hours)
· Lactation (2 hours)
· Principles of endocrinology (1 hour)
· Principles of immunology (1 hour)
· Educational field trip to Cascina Baciocca at the "Angelo Menozzi" Educational and Experimental Agricultural Company - Landriano (PV): 4 hours (equivalent to 0.25 CFU)
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
· determination of biochemical parameters useful for evaluating photosynthesis
· recognition of anatomical structures of different species of domestic animals
Practical activities will also be carried out on:
· in vivo monitoring of the photosynthetic process and the plant's water balance in response to stress factors will be introduced, along with the foundations for statistical analysis and data interpretation.
· 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
· determination of biochemical parameters useful for evaluating photosynthesis
· recognition of anatomical structures of different species of domestic animals
Practical activities will also be carried out on:
· in vivo monitoring of the photosynthetic process and the plant's water balance in response to stress factors will be introduced, along with the foundations for statistical analysis and data interpretation.
· observation of certain physiological functions in animals under farming conditions.
Teaching Resources
Plant Biology:
· Pasqua, Abate, Forni - General Botany and Plant Diversity - Piccin Ed.
or
· Raven - Biology of Plants - Zanichelli Ed.
or
Other botany books available to you may also be suitable.
· For topics related to plant physiology, please contact the course lecturer.
Animal Biology:
Title: Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals (ISBN: 9788850653119)
Authors: Bortolami - Callegari - Beghelli
Publisher: Edagricole
· Pasqua, Abate, Forni - General Botany and Plant Diversity - Piccin Ed.
or
· Raven - Biology of Plants - Zanichelli Ed.
or
Other botany books available to you may also be suitable.
· For topics related to plant physiology, please contact the course lecturer.
Animal Biology:
Title: Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals (ISBN: 9788850653119)
Authors: Bortolami - Callegari - Beghelli
Publisher: Edagricole
Assessment methods and Criteria
Learning will be assessed through a written exam consisting of 33 multiple-choice questions (4 options, only one correct) for the animal biology section, and an equal number of questions for the plant biology section, covering all topics addressed during the course.One point will be awarded for each correct answer, while incorrect answers will receive zero points. Students who achieve a score of at least 18 points will be eligible to take the oral exam. For the plant biology section, the oral exam will involve the identification of structures from agriculturally relevant plants. For the animal biology section, it will consist of a brief interview regarding the activities carried out in the teaching laboratories.
BIOS-01/A - General Botany - University credits: 3
BIOS-02/A - Plant Physiology - University credits: 1
BIOS-03/A - Zoology - University credits: 2
BIOS-02/A - Plant Physiology - University credits: 1
BIOS-03/A - Zoology - University credits: 2
Field activity: 12 hours
Exercises: 12 hours
Laboratories: 8 hours
Lessons: 32 hours
Exercises: 12 hours
Laboratories: 8 hours
Lessons: 32 hours
Shifts:
Professor(s)
Reception:
by appointment to e-mail
Reception:
From Monday to Friday upon appointment
Office or after the lectures