FUNDAMENTALS OF ZOOLOGYModule INVERTEBRATES
Academic Year 2026/2027 - Teacher: OSCAR PAOLO VINCENZO LISIExpected Learning Outcomes
In summary: Ability of critical knowledge and classification of the main groups of invertebrates; knowledge of their characteristics and understanding of the pertinent anatomo-functional and evolutionary weight.
1. Knowledge and understanding
Acquire in-depth knowledge of the biodiversity of protists and invertebrates (excluding Hemichordates and Chordates).
Understand the criteria underlying animal taxonomy and systematics.
Grasp the basic principles for understanding the general evolutionary pathways associated with the origin and radiation of Metazoa.
Gain a deeper understanding of basic methodologies for the taxonomic identification of invertebrates (excluding Hemichordates and Chordates).
2. Ability to apply knowledge
Independently apply the learned principles of taxonomic identification to any animal (belonging to the taxa covered in lectures and laboratories) encountered in the future.
Use bibliographic sources to independently deepen taxonomic skills and methodologies at more detailed systematic levels.
Conduct general faunistic analyses (integrating skills derived from other disciplines).
3. Independent judgment
Be able to critically evaluate (integrating skills from other disciplines where necessary) faunistic and animal taxonomy data (for the taxa covered), and compare older analyses with more recent ones, critically understanding the differences.
Interpret—integrating skills from other disciplines—experimental results obtained through faunistic analysis for purposes such as taxonomic revisions, environmental assessments, etc.
4. Communication skills
Clearly and rigorously express concepts regarding animal evolution, taxonomy, and systematics (for the taxa covered in the course), in both written and oral forms.
Use appropriate scientific terminology and communicate effectively to present and discuss the results of faunistic reports or taxonomic revisions (for the taxa covered in the course). Communicate effectively with both specialists and non-specialists in the field of zoology regarding the relevant taxa covered in the course.
5. Learning skills
Develop an independent study method to deepen understanding of the discipline and its applications in cultural, educational, and environmental analysis/conservation contexts.
Be able to keep up to date with new technologies for zoological taxonomic and faunistic analysis (integrating skills derived from other disciplines as well).
Invia commenti
Course Structure
Required Prerequisites
Attendance of Lessons
Detailed Course Content
Textbook Information
Learning Assessment
Learning Assessment Procedures
The oral exam involves the identification of dry or liquid-preserved specimens; students are also required to draw simple diagrams and key cross-sections of animals, as demonstrated during the lectures. Should current regulations require the exam to be conducted remotely, the identification of physical specimens and the drawing tasks will be replaced by the identification of images of animals and diagrams taken from the lecture slides.
The assessment—whether the midterm or the final exam—aims to evaluate: mastery of the subject matter; the ability to integrate acquired knowledge (including knowledge from previously attended courses); communication skills (lexical, logical, and scientific); and command of the discipline-specific terminology.
Upon the student's request, a midterm test covering the content of the Invertebrates module may be taken after the lectures for that module have concluded.