Language and Attendance
Classes are delivered in English if there is at least one non-Italian-speaking student. Students are encouraged to attend in person and are actively involved during classes. Slides and video recordings will be made available so that students can prepare for the exams. The textbook is available at: https://www.marcocrescenzi.it/index.php?view=category&id=29

Aims of the Course
The Scientific Method and its Applications in Biology (SMAB). Epistemological foundations of science; conceptual and experimental approaches in biology. The course emphasizes scientific reasoning—in its many forms and applications—rather than the mere transmission of notions. Students will be introduced to selected scientific papers and asked to comment on and discuss them, with the goal of strengthening their scientific reasoning skills. In-class discussions are a key teaching tool.

Exams
Students will be examined on all topics covered in the course, including both the material provided by the teacher (videos, presentations) and the contents of the textbook. The exam consists of an interactive oral examination in which students will be assessed on their actual understanding of the course material and on their ability to present and critically re-elaborate it in a personal way

Schedule (Academic Year 2025–2026)
The course begins on Thursday, 25 September. Classes are held Tuesdays 16:00–18:00 and Thursdays 16:00–18:00, Aula 5, Via dei Marsi 78.

Contacts
For further information, please write to: franco.cardone@uniroma1.it; franco.cardone@iss.it