OVERVIEW

This class concerns the functional anatomy of vertebrate systems, with maximum emphasis on the ontogenetic and phylogenetic context. The approach, strongly focused on the evolution of the structures, is fundamental in the formation of the biologist and characterizes it, providing the right perspective on every aspect of biology.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

First part of the course aims to provide students with elements of descriptive Embriology, from the single cell (zygote) to a multicellular organism. Then, the course aims to provide students with the knowledge of anatomical structures of vertebrates, describing similarities, differences, and highlighting evolutionary and functional aspects. With the practical activity in the laboratory part, students will learn the bases to investigate vertebrate anatomy.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

1 - The student will be able to illustrate the phylogenetic relationships between the major taxa of living and extinct chordates.

2 - The student will be able to describe, using appropriate language, the main events in the embryonic development of vertebrates.

3 - The student will be able to describe, using appropriate language, the main vertebrate systems.

4 - The student will be able to compare the structures in the different vertebrates, underlining the homologies and, where possible, the evolutionary paths, the plesiomorphic and apomorphic ones.

5 - The student will acquire the ability to observe anatomical diagrams, photographs of macroscopic and microscopic biological preparations, managing to apply the theoretical notions on the description of the images.

6 - The student will be able to perform some operations of image analysis and schematic digital drawing of anatomical structures.

PREREQUISITES

Basic knowledge of cytology and histology is required to effectively address the class content.

TEACHING METHODS

• 56 hours of lectures delivered alternatively through multimedia presentations or by schematizing on the blackboard.

• 32 hours of laboratory in the classroom with observation of photographic material and video of dissections, samples and anatomical preparations, techniques for the study of anatomy. Demonstrations of the use of software for image analysis and for a schematic drawing of anatomical structures. Discussion of scientific publications.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Evolution of vertebrates. Types of eggs and development. Segmentation, gastrulation, neurulation, organogenesis. Phylotypic stage of vertebrates. Systems or apparatus (integumentary, muscular, skeletal, digestive, excretory, reproductive, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, nervous, sensory) of the various vertebrate groups, with particular attention to phylogeny and ontogeny. Software use for drawing and image analysis.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

All the slides used during the lessons and other teaching material will be available on Aulaweb, after each lesson or topic. In addition, as a support for the study, the text Stingo - Anatomia Comparata Edi-Ermes editions is recommended.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

SARA FERRANDO (President)

SIMONA CANDIANI

LORENZO GALLUS

ALBERTA MANDICH

LESSONS

LESSONS START

To know the timetables, please consult the following link: http: //www.distav.unige.it/ccsbio/orario-lezioni-triennale

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam consists of a practical test and an oral test.

The practical test is assigned during the workshops and is dedicated to the use of software for image analysis and drawing. The procedures for preparing and delivering the assignement are explained during the course. In particular, the individual test consists in the preparation of a digital scheme based on the photograph of a macroscopic or microscopic anatomical preparation. The scheme must be accompanied by information obtained from photography using image analysis software. This part can bring from 0 to 2 points on the final vote.

The oral exam consists of the answers to questions posed by the teacher, in the description and explanation of images and photographs of microscopic and macroscopic anatomy preparations.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Details on how to prepare for the exam and the degree of detail required for each topic are provided during the lessons.

The practical test verifies the ability to use design software and image analysis to digitally schematize anatomical structures and to quantify the information contained in digitally acquired images. These skills are applied to anatomical vertebrate preparations related to the course topics.

The oral exam covers both the topics covered during the lectures and the recognition and description of the photographic material and video used for the laboratories. The ability to expose topics using the correct terminology is also evaluated.

Exam schedule