OVERVIEW

The course takes into consideration the basic notions of ethnobotany, a discipline that studies the traditions and popular uses related to plant species in various sectors, in particular medicinal and veterinary plants and wild food plants (phytoalimurgy).

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Basics aspects of Ethnobotany, a discipline that studies traditions and popular uses related to plant species, in particular in the medical/veterinary and food fields. Introduction to phytoalymurgy, survey of wild plants for food use and examples of their uses in typical regional dishes. Value of wild plants as functional food, i.e. a healthy supplement to the diet, thanks to the presence of specific components and/or secondary metabolites.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Attendance and participation in the planned activities (lectures and field activities/educational visits) will allow the student to acquire the necessary knowledge to deepen issues related to ethnobotany and phytoalimurgy.

Specifically, the student will be able to:

- know the ethnobotanical investigation methodologies;

-describe and identify the main wild plants of ethnobotanical and phytoalimurgical use in the Mediterranean environment, with examples of their different uses.

-to learn the importance of a correct identification of plants, to avoid confusion with poisonous plants that are a source of intoxication.

- understand the value of wild plants as functional foods that can represent a healthy supplement to the diet;

- understand the value of ethnobotanical heritage also as a cultural and economic resource.

PREREQUISITES

Basic knowledge of general and systematic botany is required to effectively address the teaching content.

TEACHING METHODS

The teaching consists of lectures delivered through multimedia presentations and field activities or educational visits (Museums, Study Center, Company in the sector, etc.) which will be agreed upon during the course. Attending lectures and exercises is strongly recommended.

Please refer to the AulaWeb specific teaching request for any updates.

Students with a disability/DSA certificate (special needs and specific learning disorders) should contact both the Professor and the Department contact person for disabilities (Professor Sara Ferrando:sara.ferrando@unige.it) to ask for compensatory tools and dispensatory measures and other specific support services

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The program includes the presentation and discussion of the following topics:

-Introduction to ethnobotany: materials and sources for ethnobotanical research, methods and data processing. Traditional use and enhancement of wild plants in the Mediterranean environment, with particular reference to species of medicinal, veterinary and food interest.

- Wild plants of medicinal interest and their bioactive compounds; uses in folk medicine (phytotherapy). Interest in the herbal and cosmetic sector.

-Food plants: correct identification of the main wild food plants and examples of their use in typical regional dishes.

- Health properties and importance of spontaneous plants as functional foods, thanks to the presence of specific components and/or secondary metabolites. Typical gastronomic products based on spontaneous plants.

-Examples of ethnobotanical research in diversified contexts.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Lesson slides and other teaching material (texts and selected scientific papers) will be available on the AulaWeb site as .pdf files.

As a support and in-depth text it is suggested:

-Caneva G., Pieroni A. e  Guarrera P.M. “Etnobotanica- Conservazione di un patrimonio culturale come risorsa per uno sviluppo sostenibile". EDIPUGLIA , Bari 2013.

-Camangi F. et al. Piante spontanee d'uso alimentare. Edizioni ETS, 2017.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

For lessons start and timetable go to the link: https://easyacademy.unige.it/portalestudenti/

Please check the module Aulaweb page for timetable updates.

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam consists of a written part (in the form of a presentation or test) and the subsequent oral discussion.

The presentation/test relates to the topics and activities carried out during the course, and will allow to ascertain the degree of knowledge and mastery of the subject.

Please refer to the AulaWeb for any updates.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Details on how to prepare for the exam and the degree of in-depth analysis required for each topic will be provided at the beginning of the course and reiterated during lessons.

Through writing (presentation/test) and oral discussion it will be possible to verify the degree of knowledge of the subject and of the survey methodologies. The student must be able to integrate the knowledge acquired during the lectures with the skills acquired in the course of activities in the field or didactic visits carried out.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Regular attendance at lessons and exercises (field trips and/or educational visits) is strongly recommended.