AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Knowledge and understanding - The course has the following learning goals: a) main notions about plant cell, the anatomical plant tissues and structure in the various groups; b) information about developmental mechanisms and the organization of vegetal organisms; c) knowledge about different propagation modes and the reproduction of plant organisms, especially in Angiosperms; d) deepening on evolutionary lines and botanical nomenclature rules; e) definition of the main woody plants of the Italian Flora, including membership of the taxonomic group and specific environmental characteristics; f) understanding of the meaning and value of biodiversity. Competences and skills - Specifically, the student will be able to: a) explain and describe the structure and function of plants, with particular reference to terrestrial plants; b) apply histological and anatomical investigation methods on plant tissues and organs; c) compare the reproductive cycles of the main taxonomic groups of plants; d) describe the structure and functions of the reproductive organs of Spermatophytes; e) distinguish the main taxonomic groups of the plant kingdom; f) identify 20 woody plants of the Italian flora, including the indication of the botanical family and the vegetation belt.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course provides basic knowledge of plant biology, including the importance of plants in ecosystems and for different fields of application .

The above notions are complementary to the course of Biologia Generale and are propedeutic to the courses of Botanica Sistematica e Geobotanica, besides other alternative courses based on botanical topics.

At the end of the course students will be able to:

- describe the features of plant cells;

- make a description and comparison of morphological and anatomical of different plant taxa;

- illustrating the main reproduction processes of Spermatophyta;

- understanding the life processes of Spermatophyta;

- distinguishing the main groups of botanical entities (fungi, algae, mosses, and Spermatophyta);

- identifying the shrubs and trees typical of the main communities of Italian vegetation.

TEACHING METHODS

Class lessons and exercises and field experiences. In class exercises examples of plant organs and their modifications will be shown, and the use of dichotomous keys for plant classification will be illustrated. In field experiences, students will have the opportunity of observing and identifying the main shurbs and trees in their natural environment.

The presence of students to lessons and field experiences is not mandatory, but strongly advised.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The basic features of plants and the role of these latter in natural environments. Structural and functional organization of plants. Affinities and differences between plants and animals. Structure and functions of plant cells: cell wall, vacuoles, and plastids. Plant tissues and anatomy. Organization and growth of plants: stem, leaf, and root. Plant organs and their modifications;  adaptation to environment.  Life processes of spermatophytes: water balance and transport; development; reproduction. The flower and double fertilization of Angiosperms. Elements of plant taxonomy. The Italian plant communities: main phytocoenoses of the Italian land, their species and distinctive features.    

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Solomon et al. 2017. Struttura e processi vitali nelle piante , VII ed. EdiSES

VENTURELLI F., VIRLI L., 1995 - Invito alla Botanica, Zanichelli, Bologna

Altri testi di consultazione
Speranza A. e Calzoni G. L., 1996. Struttura delle Piante in Immagini. Zanichelli. Bologna
GIACOMINI V., FENAROLI L., 1958 - La Flora. Collana "Conosci l'Italia.". Touring Club Italiano,
SIMONETTI G., GOLDSTEIN M., WATSCHINGER M., 1994 - Alberi d'Europa. Mondadori
BANFI E., CONSOLINO F., 1996 - Alberi. De Agostini

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

GIORGIO BAVESTRELLO (President)

GIUSEPPINA ALBINA BARBERIS

MARZIA BO

LAURA CORNARA

GABRIELE CASAZZA (President Substitute)

LUIGI MINUTO (Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

The lessons of the first semester will start from September 23, 2019, and will be completed by January 17, 2020. The lessons of the second semester will start from February 17, 2020 and will end by June 12, 2020. Refer to the detailed timetable below link:

https://easyacademy.unige.it/portalestudenti/

Starting month of Fondamenti di Botanica: November

Class schedule

ELEMENTS OF BOTANY

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The final exam is in oral form. Access to the final exam is subject to passing 2 intermediate exams in written form: (1) General Botany, consisting of a test and identification of plant anatomical parts shown in pictures; (2) Systematic and Applied Botany, consisting in the identifications of 20 wood plants from the Italian flora, including the indication of the botanical family and vegetation belt

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Two written tests (registration by e-mail to the teacher within three working days before the exam date) and oral exam (in common between the two sections of the course). Students will be examined by two teachers, who will accurately verify the level of mastery of the course contents.

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

Attendance at lectures and exercises in the classroom and  in the field is strongly recommended