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Course
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Credits
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Scientific Disciplinary Sector Code
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Contact Hours
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Exercise Hours
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Laboratory Hours
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Personal Study Hours
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Type of Activity
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Language
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20410727 -
Systematic and Environmental Botany
(objectives)
Perception and ordination of plant biodiversity in a taxonomic hierarchy. Identification of the more significant morphological characters of the vascular plants for systematic purposes. Learning on the main morpho-structural differences of the plant organisms in relation to their adaptations to different environment types. Recognition of the most representative plant species of the in Italy. They will be able to recognize the most representative species of the main plant communities of the Italian landscape. The acquisition of techniques and methodologies to sample and identify plant species and to set up herbarium samples.
-
CESCHIN SIMONA
( syllabus)
Plant biodiversity: importance of its knowledge and its multiple uses. Systematics, taxonomic criteria and categories, nomenclature rules. Illustration of the main techniques of sampling, collection and identification of vascular plants. Methods for the preparation of herbarium samples. Analyses of the main characters with taxonomic value: roots, stem, leaves, flowers, pollen, fruits, seeds. General and systematic characters of ancestral and fossil Pteridophytes, actual Pteridophytes, Gimnospermae, Angiosperms-Dicotyledons, Angiosperms-Monocotyledons. Main morpho-structural differences of plant organisms in relation to their adaptations to different environment types (mountain, coast, dune, lake, river, rock, wall, city). Definition of the most representative and dominant species of the main plant communities of the Italian landscape.
Laboratory activities on the use of dichotomous keys, and exploration of the plant biodiversity by analysing spontaneous species for officinal and food use. Didactic excursions within Rome city and Lazio.
( reference books)
Pdfs of the lessons performed during the course and the using of the following books:
Judd, Campbell, Kellogg, Stevens, Donoghue. Botanica sistematica. Un approccio filogenetico. PICCIN
Pasqua, Abbate, Forni. Botanica generale e Diversità vegetale. PICCIN
The teacher receives Mon, Wed, Fri from 12.00 to 13.00 by appointment via email: simona.ceschin@uniroma3.it
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6
|
BIO/02
|
40
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
Core compulsory activities
|
ITA |
|
20410728 -
Biodiversity of Vertebrates and Fauna of Italy
(objectives)
This course is aimed at completing and consolidating the basic zoological knowledge acquired by students within the framework of the Bachelor's Degree courses in biological, natural and environmental sciences. The primary educational objective is to provide students with a detailed knowledge of animal biodiversity, with particular reference to Vertebrates, through an evolutionary, adaptive, ecological, behavioural and phylogenetic approach. A comparative study of the Italian Invertebrates and Vertebrates communities of the main terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems will also be studied in depth, as will the study of the fundamental ecological role they play in natural ecological networks. This knowledge will be useful to students both for direct professional application in the management and protection of animal biodiversity (e.g. in natural parks, public and private agencies responsible for the census and monitoring of wildlife, exotic and invasive species), and as a cultural background for a post-graduate training in advanced zoological research. At the end of the course, the student must demonstrate his ability to identify the main orders and families of Vertebrates, with examples of species of the European fauna (especially those of conservation or economic interest), describing their morpho-functional features, the ecological role and phylogenetic relationships. Knowledge of the composition, relationships, adaptations and ecological role of the Invertebrate and Vertebrate communities of the various terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems will also be assessed.
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6
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BIO/05
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40
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-
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-
|
-
|
Core compulsory activities
|
ITA |
|
20401643 -
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS FOR ECOLOGY AND SYSTEMATICS
(objectives)
Cultural skills (knowledge of): - Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics - Hypothesis formulation and verification - Statistical models in ecology - Outline of multivariate analysis.
Methodological skills (knowing how to perform): - Practical use of statistical software R - Knowing how to collect, organize and interpret ecological data - Knowing how to perform hypothesis tests and choose appropriate tests - Knowing how to correctly report statistical results - Knowing how to interpret and understand statistical analyzes in scientific articles.
-
CARBONI MARTA
( syllabus)
Statistical Analysis in Biology and Ecology – Descriptive, inferential and predictive statistics – Measures of dispersion – Mean and median – Probability distributions – Formulating and testing hypotheses – Null hypothesis – One-tailed and two-tailed tests – Parametric and non-parametric tests – t test and non-parametric analogues – Analysis of frequency data- Analysis of variance (ANOVA) – Analysis of covariance – Statistical power and robustness – Correlations and regressions – Generalized linear models – Advanced statistical models in ecology (mixed effects models, model selection, testing model performance) – Multivariate analysis (PCA, discriminant analysis) – Advanced methods (given sufficient time: Matrix analysis and Mantel tests, Monte Carlo methods) – Introduction to the statistical software R – Types of variables – Graphic functions – Performing analyses in R – Advanced methods in R (given sufficient time: for loops, writing functions, randomizations).
( reference books)
Materials, PDFs of lecture slides and scripts are made available during the course
Suggested textbooks:
Crawley, M.J. (2007) The R Book. Wiley.
Gotelli & Allison. A Primer in Ecological Statistics, Sinauer Ass. Inc.
Software:
R Core Team (2014). R: A language and environment for statistical computing. R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria. URL http://www.R-project.org/.
Office hours by appointment via email: marta.carboni@uniroma3.it
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6
|
SECS-S/02
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24
|
30
|
-
|
-
|
Core compulsory activities
|
ITA |
|
20410729 -
Applied ecology
(objectives)
The course deals with the environmental assessment and management of complex problems that have significant implications for human society and anthropogenic activities. Four main training objectives are proposed: 1) to analyze the big picture of the implications of ecological processes for humanity, having as reference the main international directives and conventions as guidelines; 2) to study a series of ecological phenomena and biogeochemical processes that are the basis of important ecosystem services, emphasizing their quantitative aspects; 3) verify the relevance of some of these processes on a local / regional scale; 4) analyze the general guidelines for the sustainable management of living natural resources.
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SCALICI MASSIMILIANO
( syllabus)
The role of man in the alteration of ecosystems. Ecology of the disorder. Stress and stress. Pollution, definition and classification: origin, diffusion, nature and effects of pollutants in the main environmental compartments (atmosphere, soil, water). Resilience and Resistance. Types and levels of threats, rarity and vulnerability criteria. Diagnosis and analysis of threats: SWOT; DPSIR (determinants, pressures, state, impacts, responses) as an approach to environmental problems; BACI. Principles of meteorology in relation to climate and its changes. The greenhouse effect and global warming. Main greenhouse gases. The erosion of the ozone layer. The greenhouse effect and global warming. Consequences on species and ecosystems. Acid depositions. Hydrological cycle and water supply. Metabolic pathways and regulation of the biogeochemical cycles of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus: alterations caused by various types of pollution (chronic and point). Terrestrial and aquatic carbon sinks. Evaluation of the trophic load. Eutrophication process. Waste water purification technologies. Water collection systems and evaluation of minimum viable and acceptable water flows. Noise and light pollution. Erosion, salinization and desertification. Mechanical alteration of the main terrestrial and aquatic habitats. Biomanipulation of the habitat. Impact of livestock and agricultural activities. Bioturpation. Eco-friendly agriculture. Extensive, semi-intensive and intensive aquaculture. Principles of bioindication and environmental monitoring, toxicology and eco-toxicology, bioconcentration, and biological magnification. Identification of biological early warning systems for environmental and human health. Principles of environmental biotechnology: Gray biotechnology for the protection of biodiversity, protection from environmental threats and bioremediation and environmental recovery activities. Introduction of organisms into the environment and biological pollution. Causes and effects of introductions. Control of introductions and verification of the local and national socio-economic impact. Biological fight. Frankenstein effect. Delivering Alien Invasive Species Inventories for Europe (D.A.I.S.I.E.). Verification of the local and national socio-economic impact. Control of introductions: Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (C.I.T.E.S.). Removal of organisms. Restocking / reintroduction actions for the conservation of populations. Relationship between inbreeding and fitness. Principles of urban ecology and perception of environmental problems in society. Principles of Citizen Science. The use of smart technology in the management of natural resources. History on the exploitation of living natural resources: from Gordon's Theory to HORIZON 2020 and Agenda 2030. Uses, conflicts and sustainability of living natural resources. Natural Capital, Sustainable Development, and eco-environmental information. The impact of advanced technology societies on environmental resources and the degradation of the biosphere. Urbanization and eco-sustainable cities (Green City and Smart Economy). The Millenium Ecosystem Assessment as a context for the analysis of ecosystems and ecosystem services. Ecosystem services (A.R.C.S.): from procurement to support. Traditional and renewable energy sources. Main national institutions for environmental research. Calls and funding.
( reference books)
BATTISTI C., CONIGLIARO M., POETA G., TEOFILI C., 2013. Biodiversità, Disturbi, Minacce – Dall’Ecologia di Base alla Gestione e Conservazione degli Ecosistemi. Forum Editrice Universitaria Udinese, 238 PP.
GALASSI S., FERRARI I., VIAROLI P. 2014. Introduzione alla Ecologia Applicata. Città Studi Edizioni.
PRIMACK R.B. & BOITANI L. 2012. Biologia della Conservazione. Zanichelli Editore
BARGAGLI R. 2018. Ecologia applicata. Per un uso consapevole dell'aria, dell'acqua e del suolo. AMON Editore.
PROVINI A., GALASSI S., MARCHETTI R. 1998. Ecologia Applicata. Città Studi Editore.
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6
|
BIO/07
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40
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Core compulsory activities
|
ITA |
Optional group:
OPZIONALI AFFINI ED INTEGRATIVI - (show)
 |
12
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20401081 -
ETHOLOGY AND ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR
(objectives)
PROVIDING STUDENTS WITH CONCEPTUAL BASIS FOR: (a) UNDERSTANDING BIOLOGICAL BASIS OF BEHAVIOR (b) UNDERSTANDING BEHAVIOR AS AN EMERGENT PROPERTY OF THE SYSTEM “ORGANISM” (c) AN EVOLUTIONARY APPROACH TO THE STUDY OF BEHAVIOR. PROMPTING STUDENTS’ CRITICAL THINKING BY MEANS OF APPROPRIATE READINGS AND DISCUSSIONS. THEREFORE STUDENTS WILL BE GIVEN TOOLS TO CORRECTLY EVALUATE A SCIENTIFIC HYPOTHESIS, CHOOSE APPROPRIATE TOOLS OF INVESTIGATION AND INTERPRET RESULTS.
-
CAROSI MONICA
( syllabus)
SYLLABUS
Ethology: historical outline. Classic and operant conditioning. The three Nobel awards, founders of modern ethology: K. Lorenz, K. Von Frisch, and N. Tinbergen. The evolutionary approach to the study of behaviour. Levels of analysis in the study of behaviour: questions on “how” and “why”. The study of causation and ontogenesis (proximate causes), survival value and evolution (ultimate causes).
(1) Behavioural control. Exogenous factors and endogenous factors. Sensory filtering. Stimuli and signals. Fixed action patterns, evocative stimuli, innate triggering mechanism. Biorhythms. The biological clock. The hormonal state. The behavioural decision: the motivation. Spatial orientation. Compasses. The olfactory map.
(2) Ontogenesis of behaviour. Role of genes and the environment. Behavioural endocrinology. The interactive theory of development, the organisational-activational hypothesis: development organization and sexualisation of the brain. Non-associative, associative, and complex learning. Imprinting. Behavioural control: nervous system and hormonal system.
(3) The adaptive value of behaviour. The comparative approach to the study of behaviour. Signal evolution and communication. Communication: definitions, honest communication and deception. Ritualisation. Natural and artificial selection. Predatory and anti-predatory strategies: the arms race. Reproductive and social behaviour. Optimal strategies, fitness and reproductive success. Sexuality and innovation. Darwininan and post-Darwinian sexual selection. Sexual dimorphism. Conflict strategies between sexes. Parental investment. Mating systems and social life. Sociality and group life: costs and benefits of socializing; the kin selection; altruism and evolution. Game theory.
( reference books)
RECOMMENDED TEXTBOOKS:
- AA.VV. 2022. Etologia. Lo studio del comportamento animale. UTET Università
- Alcock, J. 2007. Etologia, un approccio evolutivo. Zanichelli
TEXTBOOKS FOR FURTHER READINGS:
- Manning, A. e Stamp Dawkins, M. 2003. Il comportamento animale. Bollati Boringhieri.
- Krebs J.R. e Davies N.B. 2002. Ecologia e comportamento animale. Bollati Boringhieri
- Bolhuis, J.J. & Giraldeau, l. 2005. The behavior of animals: mechanisms, function and evolution.
- Campan, R. & Scapini, F. 2004. Etologia. Zanichelli
- Nelson, N.J. 2002. An introduction to behavioral endocrinology. Sinauer Associates, Sunderland
- Andersson, M 1994. Sexual selection. Princeton University Press
- Mainardi, D. 1992. Dizionario di etologia. Einaudi
- Martin, P. & Bateson, P. 2003. La misurazione del comportamento. Una guida introduttiva. Liguori editore
All textbooks can be found in the library
The professor receives by appointment via email: monica.carosi@uniroma3.it
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6
|
BIO/05
|
40
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Related or supplementary learning activities
|
ITA |
|
20410291 -
TECNICHE CARTOGRAFICHE E GIS NELLE APPLICAZIONI ECOLOGICHE
(objectives)
Cultural skills (knowledge of): spatial attributes of ecological processes - spatial ecology: concepts and applications - GIS: functionality, data model and types of software
Methodological skills (knowing how to perform): practical use of GIS software - retrieval, analysis and interpretation of spatial data - identification and evaluation of ecological spatial patterns
-
CARBONI MARTA
( syllabus)
Theory
- Intro to spatial ecology and cartography
- GIS: functions, geographical approach and modeling of reality
- Types of GIS software: open source and proprietary software
- Data models: vectorial (points, lines and polygons) and raster (pixel)
- Principles and methods in remote sensing: electromagnetic reflectance, remote sensed image resolution, active and passive sensors, remote sensing platforms
- Species distributions and biodiversity mapping
Practicals (software: QGIS and R)
- Visualization of geographical objects(features) on a map
- Preparation of plant and animal maps
- Preparation and analysis of environmental maps (land use/land cover, habitat maps, photosynthetic activity, etc.) in time and in space
- Principles and methods of cartographic extraction of bio-environmental features
- Introduction to Species Distribution Modeling (SDM)
( reference books)
Materials, PDFs of lecture slides and scripts are made available during the course
Software:
QGIS.org, 2022. QGIS Geographic Information System. QGIS Association. http://www.qgis.org
R Core Team (2014). R: A language and environment for statistical computing. R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria. URL http://www.R-project.org/.
Office hours by appointment via email: marta.carboni@uniroma3.it
|
6
|
BIO/03
|
40
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
Related or supplementary learning activities
|
ITA |
|
20410485 -
Biologia vegetale dei beni culturali
(objectives)
The course will provide the necessary knowledge, methodologies, and instruments:
a) for the analysis of problems regarding the biodeterioration of artworks (of bacterial, fungal, algal, lichen and plant origin), and on their phenomenology;
b) for techniques for the prevention and control of biological damage in the museum environment as well as at heritage and archaeological sites; for the recognition of the intangible heritage patrimony connected to the natural environment;
c) for the analysis of biological material in a heritage context to carry out investigative sampling and environment reconstruction;
It will also give some remarks on conservation issues and the enhancement of historical gardens and parks, monuments, and archaeological sites.
-
CANEVA GIULIA
( syllabus)
Knowledge, methodologies, and instruments:
for the analysis of problems regarding the biodeterioration of artworks (of bacterial, fungal, algal, lichen and plant origin), and on their phenomenology;
for techniques for the prevention and control of biological damage in the museum environment as well as at heritage and archaeological sites;
for the recognition of the intangible heritage patrimony connected to the natural environment
for the analysis of biological material in a heritage context to carry out investigative sampling and environment reconstruction;
It will also give some remarks on conservation issues and the enhancement of historical gardens and parks, monuments, and archaeological sites.
( reference books)
La Biologia vegetale per i beni culturali (vol.I e II), 2005 G. Caneva (a cura). Ed. Nardini, Firenze
and references on case-studies
|
6
|
BIO/03
|
40
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Related or supplementary learning activities
|
ITA |
|
20410730 -
Evolutionary anthropology
(objectives)
The course aims to provide the student with fundamental knowledge for understanding the place of humans in nature in the context of modern evolutionary biology. In this regard at the conclusion of the course the student will be expected to (a) understand morphology, physiology, ethology and cognition of human and non-human primates using a comparative approach, (b) to appreciate the adaptive significance of morphological and behavioral variation in human and non-human primates from an ecological perspective (c) to know the evolution of apes in light of phylogenetic relationships between living and extinct groups of primates, and (d) to understand major trends in hominin evolution through the fossil evidence for the origins of modern humans. The course aims to stimulate the student's critical sense through discussion of scientific articles and to introduce the student to the central themes of anthropocentrism.
-
CAROSI MONICA
( syllabus)
SYLLABUS
Introduction to the order of primates: distinctive characters compared to other mammals, anatomy, ecology and evolution. Geographical distribution of primates and introduction to behavioral, social, ecological and life cycle characteristics. Primate origin and adaptive radiation. Major evolutionary trends and phylogenetic relationships of primates with emphasis to the evolutionary lineage of Hominoidea. Paleoanthropology, human evolution and phylogeny of the genus Homo: from fossil apes to the early hominins and modern humans. Bipedalism, diet, sexual dimorphism, encephalization, tool use. Migrations and relationships between H. sapiens and other congeneric species. Biogeographic models and the origin of H. sapiens. Recent discoveries in the genus Homo. Insights from invited seminars.
( reference books)
RECOMMENDED TEXTBOOK:
Fleagle, J. G. (2013). Primate adaptation and evolution. Third Edition. Academic press.
Manzi G. (2013). Il grande racconto dell'evoluzione umana. Bologna: Il Mulino
The professor receives by appointment via email: monica.carosi@uniroma3.it
|
6
|
BIO/08
|
40
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
Elective activities
|
ITA |
|
20410733 -
Conservation biology
(objectives)
General aims of the course are to provide a sound scientific understanding of the global threats affecting biodiversity and the main techniques to halt or reverse the loss of biodiversity.
Particularly, at the end of the course attendants are expected to have theoretical and practical knowledge on the IUCN red listing procedure, on the assessment of the conservation status of flora and fauna, on the monitoring of threatened species and on the main conservation techniques (e.g. legal protection, protected areas, reintroduction, etc.).
-
CAROSI MONICA
( syllabus)
SYLLABUS
1) Threats to biodiversity from a zoological perspective.
a. Levels of biodiversity and the species concept
b. Degradation, destruction and fragmentation of natural habitats
c. Alien species, the biology of invasions.
d. Extinctions-mass extinctions in the past, current extinction rate
2) Conservation genetics
a. Problems in the conservation of genetic diversity
b. Minimum viable populations and PVA (population viability analysis).
c. Habitat fragmentation and population fragmentation (island biogeography theory, metapopulation biology theories)
d. Vulnerability of populations and extinction processes
3) Animal species threats assessment– IUCN Red Lists
a. Red lists (general information), global, European and Italian red lists
b. Guidelines for Using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria
c. Application of the Guidelines to real cases
4) In situ conservation in animal species
a. Translocations, reintroduction techniques: generalities, genetics and conservation
b. Monitoring of endangered species (general monitoring techniques and monitoring under Directive 92/43/EEC)
5) Ex situ conservation in animal species.
a. Zoos and aquariums - ex situ and in situ conservation interface.
b. Reproduction in captivity and effects on genetics. Adaptation to captivity.
c. Ex-situ conservation and animal welfare.
6) Emerging trends in conservation biology.
a. Key questions in conservation biology and emerging issues in conservation biology
b. Trends in conservation biology.
( reference books)
RECOMMENDED TEXTBOOK:
- Groom, M. J., Meffe, G. K., Carroll, C. R., & Andelman, S. J. (2006). Principles of conservation biology. Sunderland: Sinauer Associates.
- Hunter Jr, M. L., & Gibbs, J. P. (2006). Fundamentals of conservation biology. John Wiley & Sons.
The professor receives by appointment via email: monica.carosi@uniroma3.it
|
| 3
|
BIO/03
|
20
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
Attività formative affini ed integrative
|
| 3
|
BIO/05
|
20
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Attività formative affini ed integrative
|
|
ITA |
|
20410737 -
Legislation and Environmental Protection
(objectives)
Knowledge of the fundamental lines of national, european and international environmental legislation.
Knowledge of the main sectoral legislation (water, energy, waste, electromagnetic pollution).
|
6
|
IUS/10
|
48
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Related or supplementary learning activities
|
ITA |
|
20410734 -
Vegetation and Habitat
(objectives)
The main targets are the development of the ability to analyze the landscape through the study of vegetation and its diversifications on a regional scale. A further goal is the development of knowledge for the recognition, management and conservation of habitats starting from vegetation.
-
CUTINI MAURIZIO
( syllabus)
Natural regions and landscape diversification. Potential Natural Vegetation and main characterictics of the regional climate and soil. The vegetation of Latium.
Vegetation and Habitat interpretation (EUNIS classification and Annex I of the Habitat Directive). Habitats and monitoring plan on a regional scale. Habitat management and conservation (case studies).
Vegetation and Habitat maps. Global changes and effect on plant communities and landscape. Anthropization, natural, semi-natural and artificial environments. Vegetation and ecosystems services.
( reference books)
ANGELINI P., CASELLA L., GRIGNETTI A., GENOVESI P., (Eds.) 2016. Manuali per il monitoraggio di specie e habitat di interesse comunitario (Direttiva 92/43/CEE) in Italia: habitat. ISPRA, Serie Manuali e linee guida, 142/2016.
BIONDI E., BLASI C., BURRASCANO S., CASAVECCHIA S., COPIZ R., DEL VICO E., GALDENZI D., GIGANTE D., LASEN C., SPAMPINATO G., VENANZONI R., ZIVKOVIC L., 2009. Manuale Italiano di interpretazione degli habitat della Direttiva 92/43/CEE.
BLASI C. & BIONDI E. (Eds.) La Flora in Italia. Ministero dell’Ambiente e della Tutela del Territorio e del Mare. Sapienza Università Ed.
CRISTEA V., GAFTA D., PEDROTTI F., 2015. Fitosociologia. Temi Ed.
KEITH D.A., FERRER-PARIS J.-R., NICHOLSON E., KINGSFORD R.T. (Eds.) 2020. IUCN Global Ecosystems Typology 2.0. Description profiles for biomes and ecosystems funcional groups.Gland, Switzerlnd, IUCN.
GUBBAY S., et al., 2016. European Red List of Habitats. Part 1. Marine Habitats. EU
LUCCHESE N., Atlante della Flora Vascolare del Lazio. Cartografia, ecologia e biogeografia. Voll. 1 e 2.
JANSSEN J.A.M., et al., 2016. European Red List of Habitats. Part 2. Terrestrial and freshwater habitats. EU
|
6
|
BIO/03
|
40
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Related or supplementary learning activities
|
ITA |
|
20410736 -
EcoCitoToxicology
(objectives)
The main educational purposes are to provide knowledge on:
1) impacts of contaminants in the ecosystem with particular reference to different classic and emerging chemical classes;
2) assessment methods to establish when a contaminant becomes a pollutant;
3) forecasting methods for establishing the exposure and effects of pollutants and estimating the environmental risk.
This course aimed to provide to students (1) knowledge and main methods to develop scientific criteria essential to the pollutants’ management by institutional authorities for the ecosystem safeguarding, and (2) basic knowledges to study the effects of toxicant in cells and higher levels of complexity - individual, population, community - and their environmental fate.
Prerequisiti
Basic knowledge of Ecology, Citology, Botany, Zoology
-
CESCHIN SIMONA
( syllabus)
Introductory concepts: Classical Toxicology, Ecotoxicology and differences between them. Different classes of contaminants: known and emerging. Exposure to pollutants: Resistance, Resilience, Bioconcentration, Biomagnification and abiotic Degradation Processes, Biodegradation and Metabolism. Exposure Prediction: environmental monitoring and predictive models. Risk estimation: risk index formulation. Prediction of resistance to degradation: qualitative and quantitative models. Prediction of pollutant effects: QSAR (Toxicity based on molecular properties, partition coefficients) and Environmental Quality Criteria. Effects of toxic substances at various levels of complexity (cell, individual, population, community); acute and chronic toxicity; toxicity and ecotoxicity tests and use of different model organisms. (Eco-)toxicological testing in active biomonitoring. Different types of tests based on matrix to be analyzed (water, soil, air), mode of contaminant administration (static, periodic, continuous), time of contaminant administration (acute, chronic), type of biomarker response (molecular, physiological, cytological, morphological). Embryonic ecotoxicology and teratogenesis tests: effect of toxicants at embryonic level. Standardized and experimental tests. OECD and ISO guidelines. Case studies and applications of ecotoxicological research. Experimental activities in the laboratory.
( reference books)
Marco Vighi e Eros Bacci, Ecotossicologia, UTET, 1998.
Additional teaching material will be provided during the course
|
| 2
|
BIO/02
|
8
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
Attività formative affini ed integrative
|
| 2
|
BIO/06
|
8
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
Attività formative affini ed integrative
|
| 2
|
BIO/07
|
8
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
Attività formative affini ed integrative
|
|
ITA |
|
20410738 -
Plant-environment interactions and environmental sustainability
(objectives)
The growing anthropogenic pressure, the ongoing climate changes and the intensification of extreme events, expose plants to unusual and unpredictable environmental conditions, subjecting them to abiotic stresses that are atypical in intensity, frequency and duration. As a result of non-optimal growth conditions, plants develop an increased vulnerability to pathogens and weeds. Moreover, the increasingly advanced process of globalization facilitates the accidental introduction of alien species of potentially harmful and invasive pests and pathogenic microorganisms which creates significant damage to agricultural production, as well as representing a concrete threat to native biodiversity. Understanding plant responses to environmental stresses provides a fundamental knowledge for the development of innovative strategies for sustainable agriculture in a context of strong climatic variations, which protects food security, health, ecosystem and both native and agronomical plant biodiversity. The aim of this course is to provide the necessary skills to understand the effects of abiotic and biotic stresses on plants and their responses to environmental changes, also considering the effects that these responses have on the environment.
|
6
|
BIO/04
|
40
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
Related or supplementary learning activities
|
ITA |
|
|
Optional group:
OPTIONAL CHARACTERIZING - (show)
|
12
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20410485 -
Plant biology of cultural heritage
(objectives)
The course will provide the necessary knowledge, methodologies, and instruments:
a) for the analysis of problems regarding the biodeterioration of artworks (of bacterial, fungal, algal, lichen and plant origin), and on their phenomenology;
b) for techniques for the prevention and control of biological damage in the museum environment as well as at heritage and archaeological sites; for the recognition of the intangible heritage patrimony connected to the natural environment;
c) for the analysis of biological material in a heritage context to carry out investigative sampling and environment reconstruction;
It will also give some remarks on conservation issues and the enhancement of historical gardens and parks, monuments, and archaeological sites.
|
6
|
BIO/03
|
40
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Core compulsory activities
|
ITA |
|
20401081 -
ETHOLOGY AND ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR
(objectives)
PROVIDING STUDENTS WITH CONCEPTUAL BASIS FOR: (a) UNDERSTANDING BIOLOGICAL BASIS OF BEHAVIOR (b) UNDERSTANDING BEHAVIOR AS AN EMERGENT PROPERTY OF THE SYSTEM “ORGANISM” (c) AN EVOLUTIONARY APPROACH TO THE STUDY OF BEHAVIOR. PROMPTING STUDENTS’ CRITICAL THINKING BY MEANS OF APPROPRIATE READINGS AND DISCUSSIONS. THEREFORE STUDENTS WILL BE GIVEN TOOLS TO CORRECTLY EVALUATE A SCIENTIFIC HYPOTHESIS, CHOOSE APPROPRIATE TOOLS OF INVESTIGATION AND INTERPRET RESULTS.
-
Derived from
20401081 ETOLOGIA in Biodiversità e Tutela dell'Ambiente LM-6 N0 CAROSI MONICA
( syllabus)
SYLLABUS
Ethology: historical outline. Classic and operant conditioning. The three Nobel awards, founders of modern ethology: K. Lorenz, K. Von Frisch, and N. Tinbergen. The evolutionary approach to the study of behaviour. Levels of analysis in the study of behaviour: questions on “how” and “why”. The study of causation and ontogenesis (proximate causes), survival value and evolution (ultimate causes).
(1) Behavioural control. Exogenous factors and endogenous factors. Sensory filtering. Stimuli and signals. Fixed action patterns, evocative stimuli, innate triggering mechanism. Biorhythms. The biological clock. The hormonal state. The behavioural decision: the motivation. Spatial orientation. Compasses. The olfactory map.
(2) Ontogenesis of behaviour. Role of genes and the environment. Behavioural endocrinology. The interactive theory of development, the organisational-activational hypothesis: development organization and sexualisation of the brain. Non-associative, associative, and complex learning. Imprinting. Behavioural control: nervous system and hormonal system.
(3) The adaptive value of behaviour. The comparative approach to the study of behaviour. Signal evolution and communication. Communication: definitions, honest communication and deception. Ritualisation. Natural and artificial selection. Predatory and anti-predatory strategies: the arms race. Reproductive and social behaviour. Optimal strategies, fitness and reproductive success. Sexuality and innovation. Darwininan and post-Darwinian sexual selection. Sexual dimorphism. Conflict strategies between sexes. Parental investment. Mating systems and social life. Sociality and group life: costs and benefits of socializing; the kin selection; altruism and evolution. Game theory.
( reference books)
RECOMMENDED TEXTBOOKS:
- AA.VV. 2022. Etologia. Lo studio del comportamento animale. UTET Università
- Alcock, J. 2007. Etologia, un approccio evolutivo. Zanichelli
TEXTBOOKS FOR FURTHER READINGS:
- Manning, A. e Stamp Dawkins, M. 2003. Il comportamento animale. Bollati Boringhieri.
- Krebs J.R. e Davies N.B. 2002. Ecologia e comportamento animale. Bollati Boringhieri
- Bolhuis, J.J. & Giraldeau, l. 2005. The behavior of animals: mechanisms, function and evolution.
- Campan, R. & Scapini, F. 2004. Etologia. Zanichelli
- Nelson, N.J. 2002. An introduction to behavioral endocrinology. Sinauer Associates, Sunderland
- Andersson, M 1994. Sexual selection. Princeton University Press
- Mainardi, D. 1992. Dizionario di etologia. Einaudi
- Martin, P. & Bateson, P. 2003. La misurazione del comportamento. Una guida introduttiva. Liguori editore
All textbooks can be found in the library
The professor receives by appointment via email: monica.carosi@uniroma3.it
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6
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BIO/05
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40
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Core compulsory activities
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ITA |
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20410291 -
CARTOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUES AND GIS IN ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
(objectives)
Cultural skills (knowledge of): spatial attributes of ecological processes - spatial ecology: concepts and applications - GIS: functionality, data model and types of software
Methodological skills (knowing how to perform): practical use of GIS software - retrieval, analysis and interpretation of spatial data - identification and evaluation of ecological spatial patterns
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Derived from
20410291 TECNICHE CARTOGRAFICHE E GIS NELLE APPLICAZIONI ECOLOGICHE in Biodiversità e Tutela dell'Ambiente LM-6 CARBONI MARTA, Giulio Silvia
( syllabus)
Theory
- Intro to spatial ecology and cartography
- GIS: functions, geographical approach and modeling of reality
- Types of GIS software: open source and proprietary software
- Data models: vectorial (points, lines and polygons) and raster (pixel)
- Principles and methods in remote sensing: electromagnetic reflectance, remote sensed image resolution, active and passive sensors, remote sensing platforms
- Species distributions and biodiversity mapping
Practicals (software: QGIS and R)
- Visualization of geographical objects(features) on a map
- Preparation of plant and animal maps
- Preparation and analysis of environmental maps (land use/land cover, habitat maps, photosynthetic activity, etc.) in time and in space
- Principles and methods of cartographic extraction of bio-environmental features
- Introduction to Species Distribution Modeling (SDM)
( reference books)
Materials, PDFs of lecture slides and scripts are made available during the course
Software:
QGIS.org, 2022. QGIS Geographic Information System. QGIS Association. http://www.qgis.org
R Core Team (2014). R: A language and environment for statistical computing. R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria. URL http://www.R-project.org/.
Office hours by appointment via email: marta.carboni@uniroma3.it
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6
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BIO/03
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40
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-
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10
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Core compulsory activities
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ITA |
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20410733 -
Conservation biology
(objectives)
General aims of the course are to provide a sound scientific understanding of the global threats affecting biodiversity and the main techniques to halt or reverse the loss of biodiversity.
Particularly, at the end of the course attendants are expected to have theoretical and practical knowledge on the IUCN red listing procedure, on the assessment of the conservation status of flora and fauna, on the monitoring of threatened species and on the main conservation techniques (e.g. legal protection, protected areas, reintroduction, etc.).
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Derived from
20410733 Biologia della conservazione in Biodiversità e Tutela dell'Ambiente LM-6 CAROSI MONICA, CUTINI MAURIZIO
( syllabus)
SYLLABUS
1) Threats to biodiversity from a zoological perspective.
a. Levels of biodiversity and the species concept
b. Degradation, destruction and fragmentation of natural habitats
c. Alien species, the biology of invasions.
d. Extinctions-mass extinctions in the past, current extinction rate
2) Conservation genetics
a. Problems in the conservation of genetic diversity
b. Minimum viable populations and PVA (population viability analysis).
c. Habitat fragmentation and population fragmentation (island biogeography theory, metapopulation biology theories)
d. Vulnerability of populations and extinction processes
3) Animal species threats assessment– IUCN Red Lists
a. Red lists (general information), global, European and Italian red lists
b. Guidelines for Using the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria
c. Application of the Guidelines to real cases
4) In situ conservation in animal species
a. Translocations, reintroduction techniques: generalities, genetics and conservation
b. Monitoring of endangered species (general monitoring techniques and monitoring under Directive 92/43/EEC)
5) Ex situ conservation in animal species.
a. Zoos and aquariums - ex situ and in situ conservation interface.
b. Reproduction in captivity and effects on genetics. Adaptation to captivity.
c. Ex-situ conservation and animal welfare.
6) Emerging trends in conservation biology.
a. Key questions in conservation biology and emerging issues in conservation biology
b. Trends in conservation biology.
( reference books)
RECOMMENDED TEXTBOOK:
- Groom, M. J., Meffe, G. K., Carroll, C. R., & Andelman, S. J. (2006). Principles of conservation biology. Sunderland: Sinauer Associates.
- Hunter Jr, M. L., & Gibbs, J. P. (2006). Fundamentals of conservation biology. John Wiley & Sons.
The professor receives by appointment via email: monica.carosi@uniroma3.it
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| 3
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BIO/03
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20
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-
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5
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Core compulsory activities
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| 3
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BIO/05
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20
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-
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Core compulsory activities
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ITA |
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20410734 -
Vegetation and Habitat
(objectives)
The main targets are the development of the ability to analyze the landscape through the study of vegetation and its diversifications on a regional scale. A further goal is the development of knowledge for the recognition, management and conservation of habitats starting from vegetation.
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Derived from
20410734 Vegetazione e Habitat in Biodiversità e Tutela dell'Ambiente LM-6 CUTINI MAURIZIO
( syllabus)
Natural regions and landscape diversification. Potential Natural Vegetation and main characterictics of the regional climate and soil. The vegetation of Latium.
Vegetation and Habitat interpretation (EUNIS classification and Annex I of the Habitat Directive). Habitats and monitoring plan on a regional scale. Habitat management and conservation (case studies).
Vegetation and Habitat maps. Global changes and effect on plant communities and landscape. Anthropization, natural, semi-natural and artificial environments. Vegetation and ecosystems services.
( reference books)
ANGELINI P., CASELLA L., GRIGNETTI A., GENOVESI P., (Eds.) 2016. Manuali per il monitoraggio di specie e habitat di interesse comunitario (Direttiva 92/43/CEE) in Italia: habitat. ISPRA, Serie Manuali e linee guida, 142/2016.
BIONDI E., BLASI C., BURRASCANO S., CASAVECCHIA S., COPIZ R., DEL VICO E., GALDENZI D., GIGANTE D., LASEN C., SPAMPINATO G., VENANZONI R., ZIVKOVIC L., 2009. Manuale Italiano di interpretazione degli habitat della Direttiva 92/43/CEE.
BLASI C. & BIONDI E. (Eds.) La Flora in Italia. Ministero dell’Ambiente e della Tutela del Territorio e del Mare. Sapienza Università Ed.
CRISTEA V., GAFTA D., PEDROTTI F., 2015. Fitosociologia. Temi Ed.
KEITH D.A., FERRER-PARIS J.-R., NICHOLSON E., KINGSFORD R.T. (Eds.) 2020. IUCN Global Ecosystems Typology 2.0. Description profiles for biomes and ecosystems funcional groups.Gland, Switzerlnd, IUCN.
GUBBAY S., et al., 2016. European Red List of Habitats. Part 1. Marine Habitats. EU
LUCCHESE N., Atlante della Flora Vascolare del Lazio. Cartografia, ecologia e biogeografia. Voll. 1 e 2.
JANSSEN J.A.M., et al., 2016. European Red List of Habitats. Part 2. Terrestrial and freshwater habitats. EU
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6
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BIO/03
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40
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-
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-
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Core compulsory activities
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ITA |
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20410738 -
Plant-environment interactions and environmental sustainability
(objectives)
The growing anthropogenic pressure, the ongoing climate changes and the intensification of extreme events, expose plants to unusual and unpredictable environmental conditions, subjecting them to abiotic stresses that are atypical in intensity, frequency and duration. As a result of non-optimal growth conditions, plants develop an increased vulnerability to pathogens and weeds. Moreover, the increasingly advanced process of globalization facilitates the accidental introduction of alien species of potentially harmful and invasive pests and pathogenic microorganisms which creates significant damage to agricultural production, as well as representing a concrete threat to native biodiversity. Understanding plant responses to environmental stresses provides a fundamental knowledge for the development of innovative strategies for sustainable agriculture in a context of strong climatic variations, which protects food security, health, ecosystem and both native and agronomical plant biodiversity. The aim of this course is to provide the necessary skills to understand the effects of abiotic and biotic stresses on plants and their responses to environmental changes, also considering the effects that these responses have on the environment.
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Derived from
20410738 Interazioni pianta-ambiente e sostenibilità ambientale in Biodiversità e Tutela dell'Ambiente LM-6 FRAUDENTALI ILARIA
( syllabus)
Acclimatative and adaptive responses to environmental stresses. Tolerance, defense and homeostasis. Avoidance and contrast strategies. Phenotypic plasticity. Physiological and metabolic responses to environmental stresses.
Secondary metabolism in plant-environment interaction. Main classes of secondary metabolites. Functional and ecological roles of secondary metabolism.
Typology of abiotic stresses and their impact on plants. Plant responses to abiotic stresses. Adaptations and acclimations to water deficit. Adaptations and acclimations to water excess and oxygen deficiency. Adaptations and acclimations to saline stress. Adaptations and acclimations to high and low temperatures. Adaptations and acclimations to different light conditions. High irradiance stress. Ultraviolet radiation stress.
Type of pollutants and their impact on plants. Plants responses to environmental pollutants. Nitrogen oxides. Tropospheric ozone. Heavy metals. Effects of high atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide.
Plant biotic interactions. Negative interactions between plants and other organisms. Constitutive defenses. Elicited defenses. Resistance and priming. Beneficial interactions between plants and other organisms. Nitrogen fixers, mycorrhizae and pollinators.
Biopesticides, bioherbicides, biostimulants from agri-food chain waste as starting material for the extraction of natural bio-active compounds.
( reference books)
1. Interazioni Piante-Ambiente. Luigi Sanità di Toppi; Piccin Editore
2. Biologia delle Piante Vol. 2: Interazioni con l’ambiente e Domesticazione. Smith A. M. et al; Zanichelli Editore
3. Fondamenti di Patologia Vegetale. Alberto Matta et al; Patron Editore, Bologna
4. Scientific articles and power point slides provided by the professor.
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6
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BIO/04
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40
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10
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Core compulsory activities
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ITA |
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Optional group:
CFU A SCELTA DELLO STUDENTE - (show)
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12
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20410076 -
CFU A SCELTA DELLO STUDENTE
(objectives)
Students may select courses and/or other practical activities in order to strengthen their knowledge either with even more specific competences in the biology area or with transversal knowledge (by acquiring CFUs from other sectors) aimed at deepening a multidisciplinary preparation.
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12
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Elective activities
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ITA |
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20410742 -
Molecular Techniques Laboratory for Nature Conservation
(objectives)
The main objective of the course is to provide students with basic theoretical and practical knowledge to be able to apply the principles of conservation genetics and molecular biology techniques to the management and conservation of nature.
Students will learn the principles of molecular evolution and their implications in conservation genetics, as well as the processes for transforming genetic material into computer data both through the more classic DNA sequencing techniques and through the most modern applications of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). The bases for the interpretation of the data will also be provided through appropriate software.
Most of the course will be devoted to practical activity with laboratory experiences and classroom exercises in which each student will have the opportunity to: (i) learn how to extract genomic material from samples provided by the teacher; (ii) amplify specific genetic markers via Polymerase chain reaction (PCR); (iii) verify the success of the experiment by gel electrophoresis; (iv) analyze and interpret the data obtained from the sequencing of the genetic material with appropriate software.
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RICCIERI ALESSANDRA
( syllabus)
1. General theoretical introduction: main threats to nature and biodiversity. Principles of molecular evolution and how genetics and molecular biology can intervene in the conservation of nature and biodiversity (DNA Barcoding and metabarcoding; Population genetics; Genomics; Transcriptomics).
2. Molecular biology techniques: DNA extraction, PCR, Gel electrophoresis, Sanger Sequencing, Next Generation Sequencing.
3. Practical activities: DNA extraction from samples provided by the teacher; amplification of one or more molecular markers through PCR; Gel electrophoresis of the amplified products. Cleaning, alignment and analysis of DNA sequences with specific software. Exercises on: DNA Barcoding, Phylogenetic reconstruction, Phylogeography and Population Genetics.
( reference books)
Allendorf et al., 2022. Conservation and the genomics of populations. Oxford university press.
The lecturer will provide additional didactic material.
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| 1,5
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BIO/02
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-
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15
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Elective activities
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| 1,5
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BIO/05
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15
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Elective activities
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ITA |
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Università Roma Tre