OVERVIEW

The module of Botany and Marine Mycology provides the foundational knowledge for studying plant and fungal diversity in the coastal marine environment. It also provides the skills to understand and evaluate the structure and distribution of marine plant associations, as well as the characteristics of their life cycles.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to marine plants and their biology and ecology . The course will include training in the identification of the algae and seegrasses with emphasis on the major groups and species of Mediterranean Sea.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The module has the following learning goals:

- basic knowledge of plant organisms and marine fungi;

- knowledge of biology and ecology;

- tools for the recognition of the main species or groups of species, with particular regard to the most common and/or important groups of species in the Mediterranean.

Specifically, the student will be able to:

- describe the characteristics and indicate examples of the main groups of plants and marine fungi;

- identify the main fungal taxa;

- know the nomenclature and the most important diagnostic elements for the use of dichotomous keys for the identification of marine plant organisms;

- understand the biology of plant and fungal organisms with particular reference to the physiology of marine plants, at the cellular and organism level;

- illustrating the planes of marine vegetation, indicating the ecological characteristics, the indicator species and the most characteristic phytocoenosis;

- describe the main marine ecosystems and growth substrates where fungi can be or are present.

PREREQUISITES

Students are required to have a basic knowledge Concepts and basic mechanisms of biology (cell, mitosis, meiosis, cell cycles, metagenetic cycles) and of plant biology (in particular cellular organelles, tissues and plant organs).

TEACHING METHODS

The course consists of lectures, a part of laboratories and a field exercise. Attendance at lectures is not mandatory but is strongly recommended, while attendance at exercises and laboratory activities is mandatory at 75%. The lectures in the classroom are delivered through multimedia presentations. The exercises are carried out in the laboratory. The course also includes a field trip along the Ligurian coast.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

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

- Notes on Cyanophyta.

- Biology and diversity in Rhodophyta (main groups).

- Characteristics and diversity of Heterokontophyta, in particular Diatoms and Phaeophyceae.

- Biology, structure, systematics and importance of Chlorophyta.

- Overview of the other main phytoplankton taxa.

- Characteristics of marine Angiosperms with particular attention to the morphology, biology and importance of the species present in the Mediterranean Sea.

- Notes on the structure and function of marine plant communities.

- Notes on coastal vegetation (beaches, brackish swamps, mangroves, etc.).

- Notes on marine fungi, general characteristics and hints of fungi systematics with particular reference to taxa present in marine and coastal ecosystems

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Presentation slides

Available up to June on AulaWEB.

Main texts:

The notes taken during the lecturess may constitute the main study basis for the preparation of the final exam.

Reference texts:

It is advisable to consult the texts of Algology and Marine Botany to verify the completeness and correctness of the notes themselves and for any further study of the topics covered:

Graham L.E., Graham J.M, Wilcox L. W., Cook M.E. 2016. Algae 3rd edition. LJLM Press. In electronic format (pdf) http://www.ljlmpress.com/algae.html

Dawes C.J., 1998 - Marine botany. John Wiley & Sons, New York. (also available at the Library of the School of Sciences MFN).

Van den Hoek C., Mann D.G., Jahns H.M., 1995 - Algae. An Introduction to phycology. Cambridge University Press. (Also available at the MFN School of Sciences Library)

Gareth J., Ka-Lai Pang, 2012. Marine Fungi: and Fungal Like Organisms. De Gruyter, Berlin.

Useful guides and scientific- disseminating atlases:

Cabioc'h J., Floc'h J.Y, Le Toquin A., Boudouresque C.F., Meinesz A., Verlaque M., 1992 - Guide des Algues des Mers d'Europe. Delachaux et Niestlé. Neuchâtel, Paris.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

For lessons start and timetable visit:  https://easyacademy.unige.it/portalestudenti/

Class schedule

MARINE BOTANY AND MYCOLOGY

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Written final test on Esami AulaWeb and/or oral. Both examinations include questions on all topics of the syllabus, with the recognition of a sample of one of the most important and / or common marine species or taxa.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Details on how to prepare for the exam and the level of depth required for each topic will be provided during the lessons. The exam will primarily focus on the topics covered during lectures and exercises, aiming to assess whether the student has achieved an adequate level of knowledge. The ability to present topics clearly and accurately using correct terminology will also be assessed.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Regular attendance at lectures and lab activities  is strongly recommended.

Students who have valid certification of physical or learning disabilities declared to the University and wish to request compensatory instruments, dispensative measures or other for lessons, assignments and examinations, should contact both the lecturer and Professor Sara Ferrando (sara.ferrando@unige.it), the Department’s disability referent.