- Docente: Roberto Feuda
- Credits: 6
- SSD: BIOS-04/A
- Language: Italian
- Teaching Mode: In-person learning (entirely or partially)
- Campus: Bologna
- Corso: First cycle degree programme (L) in Natural Sciences (cod. 5823)
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from Sep 21, 2026 to Nov 25, 2026
Learning outcomes
This course provides students with the basic knowledge in vertebrate anatomy and biology from both functional and evolutionary points of view. Students also gain knowledge about fundamental steps in vertebrate development from fertilization to organogenesis. The students will be able to describe the vertebrate structures and relate morphology, funcion and evolution.
Course contents
Prerequisites
Knowledge of the main morphological and functional characteristics of vertebrate tissues is an important prerequisite for a better understanding of the topics covered in this course. This knowledge is provided by the Cytology and Histology course.
Course content- Introduction to the course: functional and evolutionary approaches to comparative anatomy
- Vertebrate phylogeny and diversity
- Introduction to developmental biology
- Biomechanics
- The integument
- The cranial skeleton
- The postcranial skeleton
- The muscular system
- Locomotion
- Sensory organs
- The nervous system (brain and spinal cord)
- The evolution of the vertebrate brain
- Endocrine integration
- Sex determination in vertebrates
Readings/Bibliography
KF Liem, WE Bemis, WF Walker e L Grande, Anatomia Comparata dei Vertebrati. Una visione funzionale ed evolutiva, EdiSES, Napoli, 2011
Materiale didattico sarà scaricabile da Virtuale.
Assessment methods
The final examination aims to assess whether students have acquired the knowledge specified in the course learning outcomes. It covers all topics addressed during lectures and laboratory activities.
The examination consists of a written test comprising theoretical questions and the identification of anatomical specimens. The use of supporting materials, including textbooks, notes, or electronic devices, is not permitted during the examination.
Depending on the score obtained in the written test:
- A score below 18/30 results in failure of the examination.
- For scores between 18/30 and 24.5/30, the oral examination is compulsory.
- For scores of 25/30 or higher, the oral examination is optional: students may either accept the grade obtained in the written test or take the oral examination.
The oral examination may result in either an increase or a decrease in the grade obtained in the written test.
Students must register online through AlmaEsami in strict compliance with the specified deadlines. Those unable to register by the deadline must promptly report the issue to the Student Administration Office and, in all cases, before the official registration list closes.
Office hours
See the website of Roberto Feuda