Sciences and Teaching of Natural Systems

The course consists of two parts: 1. Ancient DNA - theory and study, discussion and oral presentation of recent case studies. 2. Ancient DNA - practice with visits to modern DNA laboratories in Sapienza and virtual visits to ancient DNA laboratories in Italy and other European countries. OBJECTIVES and LEARNING OUTCOMES of the COURSE. After completing the first part, students are expected to be able to: - explain the peculiarities of ancient DNA and its importance in reconstructions of the past - provide an overview of laboratory and genetic analysis methodologies used in the study of ancient material - present basic theoretical knowledge of the evolutionary and ecological processes that occurred during the last ice age - explain how environments have changed over the past 2.6 million years - relate chronologically the events that occurred during the last 2.6 million years - provide an overview of the processes that have changed environments over the past 2.6 million years - contextualize the evolutionary processes that have occurred in plants and animals through a synthesis of knowledge from the different areas of research covered in the course. After completing the second part, students are expected to be able to: - explain how to extract DNA from ancient fossil specimens and sediments and perform analyses on ancient DNA - explain the peculiarities of an ancient DNA laboratory versus a modern one and how to work in this environment.