13520 - Animal Biology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student has (a) basic knowledge in the field of animal biology at a molecular, cellular, organismic, population and species level from an evolutionary perspective, which fosters the study of further fields of biology; (b) basic knowledge to master specialist terminology and understand a medium complexity, non-popular scientific text. They also know how to (c) critically discuss, through formally correct exposures, biological issues related to animal biology and evolutionary aspects derived from different sources; (d) provide suggestions for teaching the various aspects of animal biology in secondary schools.

Course contents

The course aims to examine, together with students, the epistemological structure of animal biology by analyzing its core conceptual foundations. The program primarily focuses on revisiting essential topics in animal biology, selected based on their relevance and accessibility within secondary school education.

the course will address both conceptual foundations and common teaching/communication challenges related to the genome’s role in the cell, classical genetics, population genetics, and reproduction. Various aspects of modern evolutionary theory will be discussed as well, including the significant difficulty of effectively conveying it. Students are expected to have prior knowledge of topics typically covered in high school biology and chemistry courses.

The course will examine the following key areas.

The eukaryotic nucleus and the genome

Classical and population genetics

Reproduction: general and cellular aspects

Biological evolution and systematics

Readings/Bibliography

Teaching materials used during lectures—along with articles, book chapters, and other specialist literature—will be provided during the course by the instructor and/or uploaded to the university’s “Virtuale” platform.

Suggested reference texts

Longo, C. (2014). Didattica della Biologia. Milano: Ledizioni.

Padoa-Schioppa, E. (2018). Metodi e strumenti per l'insegnamento e l'apprendimento della biologia. Napoli: EdiSES.

Sadava, D., Hillis, D. M., Craig Heller, H., Hacker, S. (2021). Principi di Biologia. Quinta edizione italiana condotta sulla undicesima edizione americana. Bologna: Zanichelli.

Morris, J. R., Hartl, D. L., Knoll, A. H., Lue, R. A., Michael, M. (2021). Biologia. Come funziona la vita. Bologna: Zanichelli.

Additional references may be discussed with students during the course.

Teaching methods

The core topics in animal biology will be explored through a workshop-based approach. During the first session, the instructor will introduce the course structure and provide an overview of basic video and audio editing tools. For each selected topic, a two-hour introductory lecture will be followed by group work in which students will collaboratively produce a short video (approximately 10 minutes). These videos will expand on the topic, building on the lecture content while addressing common misconceptions, frequent errors, and less obvious considerations. The videos will then be presented and discussed collectively. Students living away from campus and/or not attending classes are encouraged, where possible, to get in touch and collaborate with those attending in person, distributing tasks in order to participate in the group projects. However, if this is not feasible, it is also possible to complete the work individually. In any case, video editing is not mandatory for the final exam, although it will add to the final grade.

In consideration of the types of activities and teaching methods adopted, the attendance of this training activity requires the performance by all students of Modules 1 and 2 in e-learning mode and participation in Module 3 of specific training on safety and health in the places of study. Indications on the dates and methods of attendance of Module 3 can be consulted in the appropriate section of the course of study website.

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities

Please, contact the responsible office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students) as soon as possible, so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Assessment methods

Each student will be assessed based on the videos they helped to produce. Videos will be graded on a 30-point scale, and the average grade of the videos a student contributed to will count for 50% of the final grade. Videos will be assessed according to content (3–15 points), level of elaboration (2–10 points), and use of language (1–5 points). Video editing is not mandatory for the final exam, although it will add to the final grade; in case, the final grade will take into account oral component only.

The oral component will assess students’ knowledge of the core concepts in animal biology covered during the course. The animal and plant biology modules must be taken during the same exam session.

Teaching tools

Classrooms are equipped with personal computers, projectors, touch-screen digital whiteboards, document cameras for capturing text, drawings, or objects, and cameras for recording the instructor and lectures. The course includes access to classrooms and/or labs (1 CFU/module) equipped for hands-on activities. Students are encouraged to use personal laptops with open-source software OBS and Audacity for video creation and editing.

Office hours

See the website of Federico Plazzi