Biodiversity and Evolution

Within its own class of second-cycle degrees (LM-6), the Master's degree in Biodiversity and Evolution aims to provide a solid modern grounding in Evolutionary Biology, and thorough knowledge of the most innovative methods of laboratory experimental research and biomolecular analysis, biostatistics and bio-computer science as applied to the three main areas of biodiversity (animal, vegetable and human). The student will pursue state-of-art evolutionary studies and have to reckon with international-level research. Since the a.y. 2009-2010, the teaching plan has been thoroughly reformed and is now the only one of its kind in Italy. The programme includes a limited number of classroom lessons, nearly all scheduled for the first year, while great importance attaches to practical and laboratory work. In the second year the teaching load is lighter than in year 1, and is designed to give study plans free range, providing students with an opportunity to specialise in the three theme areas and to do research in Italy or abroad towards their experimental dissertation. The internship and preparation of the dissertation are seen as fundamental stages of specialization, widening the scope for employment both in the scientific milieu and in the fields of natural resource management and private industry. The Master's degree in Biodiversity and Evolution takes a multidisciplinary, composite, dynamic approach focussing primarily on studying, preserving, managing and safeguarding biodiversity. The curriculum contains two macro-areas of learning: (1) Evolutionary biology of organisms and ecosystems (2) Evolutionary biology of molecules and cells The two areas are designed to provide advanced, specialist, vocational expertise, each with its own expected learning outcomes: Learning area N°1: Evolutionary biology of organisms and ecosystems – In this learning area the Master's degree in Biodiversity and Evolution provides specialist technical and scientific know-how in the subjects covered by the degree class, which are indispensable to evolutionary biology from an organism and ecosystem standpoint. By classroom tuition and practical field and laboratory work, students learn the theories underpinning evolutionary biology, the central issues of biodiversity and evolution, biostatistical analysis and bio-ICT analysis, with reference to structural and functional adaptation by biological organisms, as well as reproduction processes, development and interaction between organisms and the environment. All these are indispensable introductory studies when it comes to planning biodiversity monitoring analysis at various degrees of complexity, or analysis/management of ecosystems and their components. Learning area N° 2: Evolutionary biology of molecules and cells – In this learning area the Master's degree in Biodiversity and Evolution provides specialist technical and scientific know-how as to the molecular, genomic and cellular evolution of living organisms. As well as the theories underpinning evolutionary biology and the central issues of biodiversity and evolution, students will be dealing with biostatistical analysis and bio-ICT analysis of molecular data, the basic concepts of molecular and genomic evolution, methods of molecular philogenesis and evolutionary genetics. Students will gain comprehensive in-depth knowledge of the structure, biodiversity and evolution of life at a molecular level. This may be used in pure science, but also in diagnostic and/or applied science (e.g. molecular diagnostics, massive genomic sequencing (MGS), forensic molecular biology, etc.).

To benefit by a Master's degree programme in Biodiversity and Evolution one needs to have acquired an appropriate degree of knowledge of biology in the bio-evolutionary setting. To join the Master's programme one needs at least one of the following curricular requisites: 1. To have a degree in one of the following classes or possess a qualification gained abroad and recognised as appropriate: ex D.M. 270: - L 13 - L 32 - L 2 ex. D.M. 509/99: Class 12 Class 27 Class 1 Previous five-year system: - Degree in Biological Science - Degree in Natural Science - Degree in Environmental Science 2. To have gained at least 20 credits divided as follows in these scientific subjects: MAT/01-09, FIS/01-08, CHIM/01-12, INF/01 and to have gained at least 30 credits in one or more of these scientific subjects: BIO/01-19, MED/42 Failing possession of the right degree (see point 1 above) and/or the credits mentioned at point 2, admission to the Master's degree programme is conditional on the student possessing the necessary knowledge as ascertained by a special Committee perusing the CV and conducting an interview according to criteria and a procedure set by the Degree Programme Board and posted on the University Portal. As well as possessing the set curricular requirements, one may only join the Master's degree programme if one can demonstrate enough personal background knowledge. This may be ascertained from examination of one's CV, followed possibly by an interview and/or written test, the details and procedures of which will be established by the Degree Programme Board and made known via the University Portal. The second-cycle degree programme may decide on a special session for international students and appoint a Committee to check the suitability of their background knowledge, if the Call for study grant allocation allows time (its deadline is usually in May). If international students have been positively evaluated under the foregoing point, they are exempt from the next step foreseen for the majority of students, viz. a test of their personal knowledge.