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Academic year 2016/2017
Master's Degree (MSc) on BIODIVERSITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY
ANIMAL BIODIVERSITY

Coordinator Prof. Cristina Maria Bernardina Salmeri
Class of Master's Degree (MSc) on Biology (LM-6)
2 years
PALERMO
Free access
Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies
Course Code
2196

Course info
he 2nd cycle Degree Course in "Biodiversity and Environmental Biology" completes the training in biological subjects received during the 1st cycle Degree in Biology or other similar degrees, related to natural science and environment topics. The foremost objective is to train expert graduates with advanced and operational competences in the field of biodiversity, seen as an integrated evolving system, from the understanding and defence of which depends the maintenance of the biological and environmental balance, for the sustainable use of biological resources too. Individual teachings use the knowledge of the properties of biological systems acquired in the previous three years, improving the skills about issues related to the interaction organism-environment and to the evolutionary mechanisms generating biodiversity. Particularly important is the acquisition of methodological, instrumental and analytical skills for the: 1. Knowledge of evolution and taxonomic diversity; 2. Characterisation of environment and natural products; 3. determination of biochemical, molecular and genetic markers, including those related to the effects of environmental stress. Utilitarian as well as ethical-moral reasons resulting from a renewed relationship between man and nature require skills which differ from those of ecologists and naturalists, because aiming at understanding the mechanisms by which genetic heritage is expressed in the adaptation environment. The curriculum includes the study of animal and plant biodiversity, of structural and functional adaptations also associated with development and reproduction, behavioural adaptations, interactions between organisms/populations and the environment The course has a comparative and integrated approach and includes the knowledge of the most modern analytical methods that are developed and completed by the choice of the experimental dissertation. The educational process is supported by field or laboratory practice and by internships in qualified research laboratories and is characterized by the acquisition of the skills necessary for accessing research and professional activities. The advancement of knowledge on biodiversity and of its effect in the world show the potentiality in training specialists in the field of biodiversity capable of providing answers to the issues related to environmental change. For this purpose, students are guided to acquire the skills to draw projects based on the latest technologies, useful to develop an overall organic vision, setting goals, techniques, feasibility of projects and reformulating them in relation to the results. Among the specific objectives, it's worth mentioning the interventions for environmental management, the finding of innovative biological resources taking into account new products while respecting the principle of preserving the genetic heritage. The educational programme is also related with the scientific and professional activities carried out at the University,with particular reference to applications in the Mediterranean area, and provides graduates with the skills for working in autonomy also assuming roles of responsibility for projects, facilities and staff management. In addition, the qualification allows continuation to higher education through various PhD. This programme includes: - the completion of the training in zoology and botany under a taxonomic and bio-molecular perspective; - the completion and advancement of thestudy of the mechanisms of biological evolution with particular reference to the genetic structure and; - the study of organisms, populations and species responses for the knowledge of bio-indicators;; - the study of biogeography; - the knowledge of the most uptated methods of analysis of biodiversity, environment and natural products; - the acquisition of specific applied quantitative methods for biology. Learning is counted in credits, according to the provisions of the University's Academic Regulations. The acquisition of competences in the field of plant biology, applied in the fields of bio-ecology, cyto-diagnostics, and of the conservation and enhancement of plant biodiversity. The study of the impact of plant species of agri-food, industrial and commercial interest upon the conservation of biological integrity Each CFU corresponds to a load of activities defined by the academic regulations. The courses are organized for each year of the course in two coordinated cycles, conventionally called semesters, a minimum of 13 weeks each. The course is structured into lectures, in house and/or field practice activities, an internship at the University laboratories, research institutions or companies, the elaboration of an experimental dissertation and seminars. The structure and format of each teaching and other educational activities are specified every year in the Course regulations as well as in the Student's Guide. The type of teachings (single module or integrated course) and of the relevant examination types are described in the course educational regulations. All information about the course may be found in the Course website. The time reserved for personal study and other individual learning activities is approximately 60% of the overall commitment, with smaller percentages possible for individual learning activities with a high experimental or practical content. Making judgments: Graduates in Biodiversity and Environmental Biology acquire conscious independent judgment with respect to responsibility for projects, facilities and personnel, identification of new prospects and strategies, critical review of the relevant scientific literature. To do so, they must be able to integrate knowledge to develop original ideas and proposals and to make assessments enabling them to participate in the international debate, to correctly interpret the information deductible from applied diagnostic methods, to evaluate the effects of environmental risk factors, the degree of alteration of a system and decide the type of intervention. Graduates, through the preparation of the experimental thesis must acquire the ability to analyze and choose the most effective methodological approaches for optimal resolution of the same in a research context. Judgement ability is related not only to the ability to evaluate and interpret experimental data, but also to laboratory safety, to the assessment of teaching and to the principles of professional ethics. The educational methods and tools for assessing the achievement of learning outcomes in terms of judgment entail various occasions for the synchronous and asynchronous interaction among peers and between students and the teacher and the tutor, the simulation of cases and role-playing activities, exercises with semi-structured tests and the preparation of papers aimed at refining and exercise the independent judgment, subject to the joint assessment of tutors and teachers. Communication skills: Graduates must be able to clearly and unambiguously communicate to everyone in written and spoken form the most current scientific findings as well as those obtained from their experimental work; they must also be able to sustain a critical discussion on the topics covered by the course communicating in an understandable way the problematic nature of biological research to a non-specialist audience too; they must be able to present a written and spoken communication in a European Union language by using the specific vocabulary. These capabilities will be developed and verified during the examinations and the preparation and submission of the thesis. The ability to communicate is also related to computer, data processing and presentation skills, to the ability to work in groups, to transmit and disseminate information, to prepare/present a research project. The assessment of communication skills is carried out through intermediate tests, exams and final exam. Learning skills: The Learning skills ascertained during the various types of examination indicated in the academic regulations will be evaluated and interpreted in the light of: - the access to a further level of education (master, doctorate); - the development and organization of self-study enabling a life-long learning process. Ability to learn also covers the consultation of library materials, databases and other information on the net, the basic cognitive tools for the continuous updating of knowledge. The assessment will be carried out in intermediate tests, individual examinations and in the final examination."
Profile: Zoologist Functions: Analysis of animal diversity. Implementation of plans of recovery and preservation, eco-sustainable use of biotic resources and identification of the species of interest as new resources for nutrition and pharmacological interest Skills: 1. Impact Assessment of the products of animal biotechnology on species and of their effects on animal diversity; 2. Study of the animal phylogeny and systematics related to the profession of biologist in public facilities or in self-employment; 3. Evaluation of the sustainable exploitation of zoological resources; 4. Identification of biological models for the development of knowledge transferable to the production of new substances in the food and drug field. 5. Evaluation of the traceability of food of animal origin. 6. Specialisation in the research and in the design, development and evaluation of systems for the control, protection and conservation of the environment by applying procedures to control and collect information on the characteristics and status of natural environments to protect them and keep them in their functionality. Professional opportunities: 1. Public bodies and private enterprises oriented to the analysis and monitoring of natural environments, and the environmental risk evaluation. 2. Public bodies and private companies interested in the conservation and environmental recovery of the natural biological heritage, in the biological control and taxonomical diagnosis. 3. Laboratories and companies for the research of animal and plant species useful for applications in various sectors production. 4. - teaching activities in first and second grade secondary education schools, in accordance with regulations in force. 5. science publishing; 6. Graduates in Biodiversity and Evolution can access to more advanced training; in addition, under the current D.R 328/01, they may access by passing the State examination to the profession of biologist senior. Profile: Botanist Functions: - Highly specialized Professional in project activities in the field of plant biology, in relation to cytological and naturalist aspects, and to the knowledge, use, conservation and development of plant resources in the agro-food, officinal, horticultural and industrial areas. - Manager in wine tourism facilities and protected areas ; - Design activities and application of knowledge to the diagnosis, prognosis, recovery and conservation of natural environments for the improvement of quality of life Skills: - Advanced skills in the field of taxonomy of plant organisms and applied botany. - Special knowledge of the aquatic-terrestrial environments and natural resources exploited for food, medicinal and industrial use, especially in the Mediterranean. - Expertise in evaluating the impact of products of plant biotechnology on the species and of their effects on plant diversity; - Knowledge of plant taxonomy, with respect to the profession of Botanist in public facilities or in self-employment; - Evaluation of sustainable exploitation of botanical biological resources; - Identification of biological models for the development of knowledge transferable to the production of new substances in the food and drug field. Professional opportunities: - Self-employment or employment in private and public organizations with preferential access to the Botanical gardens and natural history museums, Parks management bodies, Sanctuaries, historic gardens and nature tourism and of companies producing goods and services (nurseries, agro-industrial, pharmaceutical and tourist companies). - Research and professional activities on the field and in the laboratory at public and private facilities (hospitals University, CNR, Regional Agencies for Environmental Protection). - Teaching activities in first and second grade secondary education schools in accordance with the regulations in force. - Knowledge promoter in the field of plant biology; - Graduates in Biodiversity and Evolution can access to more advanced training; in addition, under the current D.R 328/01, they may access by passing the State examination to the profession of senior biologist. Profile: Biologist Functions: Highly specialised and responsibility functions in project activities in plant and animal animals, with respect to the field of analysis, environmental management and zoo- and phyto-diagnostic certification. 1. Implementation of analytical and instrumental procedures related to biological investigations; 2. Planning of technical and analytical procedures in the biomolecular field as well as for research activities; 3. Preparation of technical and analytical procedures in the environmental, chemical and genetic fields; Skills: - Recognition and systematic placement of plant and animal species. - Knowledge of animal and plant genetics and of applied molecular biology techniques. - Skills in the area of phyto-diversity, of the response of plant organisms to biotic and abiotic interactions and of conservation biology. - Expertise in the recognition of wild species and their bioactive molecules useful in the food and pharmaceutical or phytotoxic and use of genetic diversity for biotechnology applications - Skills in crop production of commercial and industrial interest. - Skills in the analysis of food substances of plant origin. Professional opportunities: - Professional and project activities in all areas related to the understanding of biological phenomena at the systemic, molecular level, and to the biological and biochemical applications for possible industrial applications; - Management and promotion of scientific and technological innovation in genetics and molecular biology; - Educational and promotional activities aimed at the dissemination of knowledge on biological phenomena at all levels. - In natural history museums and botanical gardens, in the management bodies of parks, reserves and historic gardens and companies producing goods and services, as well as in facilities specialized in plant production and quality control of seeds and plant products. - Research and professional activities, primarily laboratory ones, at public and private agencies (University, Germplasm Bank, CNR, Regional Agencies for Environmental Protection in the areas of competence). - Graduates in Biodiversity and Evolution can access to more advanced training; in addition, under the current D.R 328/01, they may access by passing the State examination to the profession of senior biologist. Profile: Plant ecologist Functions: High responsibility functions related to phyto-ecological and sustainable management of the environment in the following fields: - Formulation of plans for territorial and landscape management in relation to areas of natural interest; - identification of species and plant communities usable as biomarkers in biomonitoring interventions; - Environmental and landscape planning according to sustainable models; - development of interventions of environmental and landscape regeneration; - Executive in wine tourism and protected areas. Skills: -Analysis of the plant populations dynamics and of the relationships between individuals or populations and environmental factors relating to the protection, management and conservation of plant biodiversity; - Recognition of cryptogams and marine and terrestrial phanerogams; - In-depth knowledge of the taxonomy of plant organisms and of applied botany. - Specialisation in the research, design, development and evaluation of systems for the control, protection and conservation of the environment by applying procedures to control and collect information on the characteristics and status of natural environments, in order to protect them and keep them in their functionality. Professional opportunities: - Self-employment or employment in private and public organizations (Parks, Reserves, historic gardens, natural history museums and botanical gardens) and companies producing goods and services (nurseries, agro-industry, pharmaceutics and tourism). - Research and professional activities in private and public agencies (University, CNR, regional agencies for environmental protection, in the areas of competence). - Graduates in Biodiversity and Evolution can access to more advanced training; in addition, under the current D.R 328/01, they may access by passing the State examination to the profession of senior biologist.
The final examination of the course consists of the presentation of a thesis, prepared in an original way and aiming at ascertaining the level achieved in the technical-scientific and professional preparation and also in the discussion of questions possibly placed by committee members. To be admitted to the final examination, students have acquired, at least 20 working days before the date set for the same test, all the credits required by the educational programme, with the exception of credits assigned to the thesis, which are acquired during the final examination. The final work must be original and may have experimental, theoretical and design nature or be an essay on a single or multi-disciplinary issue. The paper, if written in English, must be complemented by a written summary in Italian and English of 1 or 2 pages summarizing objectives, methods and results of the work done. The final work, or part of it, can also be carried out at other institutions and public companies or private Italian or foreign accredited by the University of Palermo.

course outline
Teachings first year
credits Term Val. Area Scientific sector
15279 - BIOGEOGRAPHY WITH PRACTICE Details SARA' (PA) 6.0 1 V B BIO/05
18621 - NATURAL RESOURCES PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT - INTEGRATED COURSE SAJEVA (PA) 6.0 1 V
MANAGEMENT AND CONSERVATION OF SPECIES OF COMMERCIAL INTEREST SAJEVA (PA) 3.0 C BIO/03
FAUNAL PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT LO VALVO (PA) 3.0 C BIO/05
18625 - BIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF ECOSYSTEMS Details NASELLI FLORES (PA) 6.0 1 V B BIO/03
18626 - BIODIVERSITY WITH PRACTICE - INTEGRATED COURSE Details DIA (PQ) 12.0 1 V
ANIMAL BIODIVERSITY ANALYSIS ARIZZA (PO) 6.0 B BIO/05
PLANT BIODIVERSITY ANALYSIS DIA (PQ) 6.0 B BIO/03
02664 - PLANT ECOPHYSIOLOGY Details ODDO (RU) 6.0 2 V B BIO/04
18612 - CONSERVATION BIOLOGY - INTEGRATED COURSE SAJEVA (PA) 6.0 2 V
PRINCIPLES OF CONSERVATION BIOLOGY SARA' (PA) 3.0 C BIO/05
PLANT ECOLOGY SAJEVA (PA) 3.0 C BIO/03
18619 - GENETICS AND GENOMICS - INTEGRATED COURSE Details FEO (PO) 12.0 2 V
MOLECULAR APPLICATIONS AND GMO PALLA (PA) 6.0 B BIO/03
GENETICS APPLICATIONS FEO (PO) 6.0 B BIO/18
18620 - QUANTITATIVE METHODS IN BIOLOGY Details CAMPOBELLO (PA) 6.0 2 V B BIO/05
Teachings second year
credits Term Val. Area Scientific sector
05917 - FINAL EXAMINATION 21.0 1 G E
07553 - PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE 3.0 1 G F
18174 - EVOLUTIONARY ZOOLOGY OF VERTEBRATES ARCULEO (PO) 6.0 1 V B BIO/05
18606 - PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY WITH PRACTICE Details VENTURELLA (RU) 6.0 1 V B BIO/14
18610 - ETHOLOGY AND ZOOLOGICAL RESEARCH LABORATORY - INTEGRATED COURSE Details CAMMARATA (PO) 12.0 2 V
FAUNAL SAMPLING TECHNIQUES LO VALVO (PA) 3.0 C BIO/05
ETHOLOGY CAMMARATA (PO) 6.0 B BIO/05
ZOOLOGICAL RESEARCH LABORATORY CAMPOBELLO (PA) 3.0 C BIO/05
Free subjects (suggested) 12.0 D
Elective activities
Free subjects (suggested) credits Term Val. Area Scientific sector
13995 - APPLIED ENVIRONMENTAL BOTANY WITH PRACTICE Details TROIA (RD) 6.0 2 V D BIO/03
17697 - APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY Details MANACHINI (PA) 6.0 2 V D AGR/11
18645 - PRINCIPLES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY Details 6.0 2 V
APPLIED ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY WITH PRACTICE MACCOTTA (RU) 3.0 D CHIM/12
APPLIED ENVIRONMENTAL BIOCHEMISTRY WITH PRACTICE 3.0 D BIO/10
18648 - PHYTO-GEOGRAPHY AND PHYTO-COENOLOGY WITH PRACTICE Details DIA (PQ) 6.0 2 V D BIO/03
Explaination
Term Term/Semester
Val. Valutation: V = mark in 30/30, G = note
(*) Teaching attended in english
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