Classification and phylogeny of animals. Introduction
to the taxonomically sound morphological characters and phylogenetic reconstructions
(cladistic methods and cluster analysis). Homology vs. analogy (the evo-devo perspective). Zoological nomenclature
(elements). Taxonomic categories and taxa (the Linnean hierarchy). Taxonomic
identification (tools and applications). Relationships between living
organisms: intraspecific associations (parental care; differences between
colonies and societies; eusociality in insects), interspecific associations
(different levels of symbiosis; parasitism and parasitoidism), mimicry,
aposematism. Geographical distribution of extant organisms, with particular
reference to terrestrial habitats. Island biogeography (principles and
applications). Major extinctions and "explosive" radiation events
from the Precambrian (Ediacaran) to the Cenozoic, an overview.

An overview of the body plan of arthropods,
echinoderms, hemichordates and chordates. Body segments and tagmosis, skeleton,
digestive system, circulation and gas exchange, excretion and osmoregulation,
nervous system and sense organs, reproduction and development.

The “Italian fauna” – Environments and their
wildlife (overview on morphological and physiological adaptations): coasts,
caves, forests, grasslands, freshwaters, the perennial snow and glaciers. The
soil and interstitial fauna.

Systematic section – The level of detail is
generally that of class, with further insights into orders, as follows:

Arthropods (overview of all classes), with
insights into:

1. Arachnids – scorpions, spiders,
pseudoscorpions, harvestmen and mites;

2. Insects – dragonflies,
"orthopteroids", earwigs, true bugs, sucking lice, beetles,
butterflies and moths, true flies and relatives, fleas, ants, bees and wasps.

Echinoderms (overview of all classes),

Hemichordates (overview of all classes),

Chordates (overview of all subphyla and
classes), with insights into Craniata:

1. amphibians (with detailed descriptions of frogs,
newts and salamanders, with notes on the Italian fauna);

2. extant archosaurs (birds and crocodiles);

4. "reptiles" (with detailed
descriptions of chelones, Squamata, with notes on the Italian fauna;

5. mammals (with notes on the groups
represented in the Italian fauna).

Practicals:

Morphology, anatomy and taxonomic
identification of the following taxa:

- Arthropods: chelicerates, myriapods,
crustaceans and insects.

- Echinoderms, hemichordates, and chordates.

Field expeditions: Collection and sorting of freshwater arthropods.