OVERVIEW

Botany studies the various aspects of plant life, including the plant cell, the different levels of organization, the morphological and anatomical structure of plants, developmental and reproductive mechanisms, highlighting the relationships between structure and function. It also deals with plant diversity in natural environments, illustrating the evolutionary lines and plant taxa, with particular reference to terrestrial plants.

Course organization

The module (10 CFU) is subdivided into two parts each provided by laboratory and field experiences (4 + 1 CFU each). The final examination and evaluation of the two parts are cumulative.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Knowledge and understanding       

The module has the following learning goals:

• main notions about plant cell, the anatomical plant tissues and structure in the various groups;
• information about developmental mechanisms and the organization of vegetal organisms;
• knowledge about different propagation modes and the reproduction of plant organisms, especially in Angiosperms;
• deepening on evolutionary lines and botanical nomenclature rules;
• definition of taxonomic groups, including the characteristics of the main families of the Italian Flora;
• understanding of the meaning and value of biodiversity.

Competences and skills

Specifically, the student will be able to:

• explain and describe plant structure and function, with particular reference to terrestrial plants;
• apply methods of histological and anatomical investigations of plant tissues and organs;
• compare the reproductive cycles of the main plant taxonomic groups;
• describe the structure and functions of reproductive organs of spermatophytes;
• distinguish the main taxonomic groups of plant kingdom;
• identify the main Angiosperm families and their use in daily human activities;
• use the dichotomous recognition keys for spermatophytes identification;
• describe the floral characteristics with floral diagram and formulas.

PREREQUISITES

Students are required to have a basic knowledge of cytology.

TEACHING METHODS

Frontal or/and on-line lectures plus final on-line tests (60 h)

Experiments in Laboratory or/and on-line (16 h)

On the field experiences (16 h)

Please refer to the AulaWeb platform for any specific updates to the teaching due to changes in the health and epidemiological situation.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

LAURA CORNARA (President)

MARIA GUERRINA

PAOLA MALASPINA

LUIGI MINUTO (President Substitute)

LESSONS

Class schedule

BOTANY AND LABORATORY

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Examination methods

Due to changes in the health and epidemiological situation, please refer to the AulaWeb platform for any specific updates to the module.

During June and July calls, the examination includes a written test in the form of a pre-selection test (online or in a computer room), which is useful for access to the oral examination. The test will cover topics from both modules: general botany, systematic botany, and related laboratory exercises. The oral examination involves the recognition of an anatomical image and the discussion of a small herbarium, but covering all the topics of the program. The pre-selection test evaluations are valid for the summer session only (June, July and September) of the current academic year.

From September onwards, students who do not take or fail the pre-selection test by July must take an oral examination on the complete syllabus.

Evaluation matrix

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The written/oral exams will aim to assess not only if the student has reached an adequate level of knowledge, but also if he has acquired the ability to link structure and functions in plants.

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

Frequency is strongly recommended. Attendance at the theoretical course (Plant Biol. and Systematic Bot.) will be sometimes monitored in order to check the interest to the course. To take the final written test of the Laboratory it is essential to attend classes at least 75%