Generally considered a subset of the study of biology, biodiversity focuses on the role genetics plays in the differences between living things. Programs may also study the effects of genetics along with the influences from policies, the environment and conservation efforts.

Officially known as the Italian Republic, the country is found in southern Europe. The official language is Italian and the cultural rich capital is Rome. Many of the world's oldest universities are located in Italy, in particular the University of Bologna (founded in 1088). There are three Superior Graduate Schools with "university status", three institutes with the status of Doctoral Colleges, which function at graduate and post-graduate level.