Biology of Animal Development
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The course will lead the graduate students towards the understanding of the biology of animal development. To this end, different biological models will be considered (Invertebrates/ Vertebrates), of which the various stages of development will be analyzed, starting from the genes, from the molecular and cellular mechanisms that characterize such stages, up to the acquisition of the definitive forms of the organism. It will also be an objective of the course "reading" the biology of animal development through evolutionary lenses (EvoDevo).
Expected learning outcomes
The course will allow the student to acquire the fundamental notions concerning the phases characterizing animal development using selected model organisms. The cultural baggage of the learner will be enriched by the knowledge of the way genetic information rules the cellular and molecular mechanisms that govern cell differentiation and animal development and how this function must be integrated with information brought by the environment. Furthermore, the course aims to educate the student about the links between development and evolutionary processes.
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
The teaching will focus on a series of topics such as:
- 'internal' and 'external' forces that regulate embryonic development (developmental genetics, environmental integration)
- stages of embryonic development, from fertilization to the full development of an organism
- equivalence of the genome and differential gene expression
- model organisms for the study of developmental biology (eg. Amphibians, fish)
- development and evolution
- 'internal' and 'external' forces that regulate embryonic development (developmental genetics, environmental integration)
- stages of embryonic development, from fertilization to the full development of an organism
- equivalence of the genome and differential gene expression
- model organisms for the study of developmental biology (eg. Amphibians, fish)
- development and evolution
Prerequisites for admission
Genetics, Molecular Biology
Teaching methods
The interaction between the teacher and the students is based on frontal lessons supported by the production of material (taken from the reference text books and from the scientific literature) in the form of electronic slides which will be presented during classes and made available for download on the dedicated Ariel website. The use of the educational material made available is strongly recommended. In the classroom context, the students will be actively involved in the discussion of the topics concerning the program, so as to develop their critical skills, rework the acquired concepts and communicate them appropriately.
Finally, constant attendance at lessons is highly recommended.
Finally, constant attendance at lessons is highly recommended.
Teaching Resources
· Menegola E., Bonfanti P., Colombo A., Del Giacco L: Biologia dello sviluppo, EdiSES.
· Gilbert SF, Barresi M, Developmental Biology, Sinauer.
· Gilbert SF, Epel D, Ecological Developmental Biology, Sinauer.
· The scientific publications examined during classes represent a main part of the study program.
· Gilbert SF, Barresi M, Developmental Biology, Sinauer.
· Gilbert SF, Epel D, Ecological Developmental Biology, Sinauer.
· The scientific publications examined during classes represent a main part of the study program.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of an oral test.
Day and time of the exam are always published on the SIFA website, the place not necessarily. In the event that SIFA does not provide this information, please consult the 'EXAMS OF THE DAY' list posted in the hall of the Department of Biosciences (DBS), via Celoria 26, on the day of the test.
Nevertheless, it will be the teacher's concern to send an email, close to the exam, containing all the necessary information (place, day, and time of the exam).
Day and time of the exam are always published on the SIFA website, the place not necessarily. In the event that SIFA does not provide this information, please consult the 'EXAMS OF THE DAY' list posted in the hall of the Department of Biosciences (DBS), via Celoria 26, on the day of the test.
Nevertheless, it will be the teacher's concern to send an email, close to the exam, containing all the necessary information (place, day, and time of the exam).
BIO/06 - COMPARATIVE ANATOMY AND CYTOLOGY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Professor:
Del Giacco Luca Pasquale Carmelo
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
Ask for an appointment via email
Biosciences Dept, building (torre) B, 7th floor