88848 - Plant Interactions with Global Change

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, students will have acquired knowledge on the main morphological, physiological and molecular responses of higher plants to environmental cues and the basic mechanisms of tolerance and adaptation to adverse conditions. They will learn about how plants contribute to air quality by the release of biotic particulates and by interfering with air pollutants derived from anthropogenic activities. Due to changes in plant distribution in relation to climate change, students shall become acquainted with the contribution of alien species to the release of such biotic particulates. Students will also learn about methods employed in aerobiology for the quantitative and qualitative assessment of pollen and other air-borne allergens. They will gain the capacity to interpret data and critically read scientific literature relating to this topic.

Course contents

Synthetic framing of plant anatomy and cytology. The adaptive strategies of plants to different environmental conditions. Alien plants. Aerobiology. Pollen and pollination. Main airborne bio-allergens: pollens and fungi. Food allergens of plant origin and respiratory allergens of pollen origin. Role of plants as organisms able to monitor the environmental quality and to influence it through the release of aero-dispersed biological material such as pollens. Possible use of plants in environmental phytoremediation

 

Readings/Bibliography

Articles in international specialized journals

Teaching methods

Lectures

Assessment methods

On the day of the examination (there will be several dates in-between semesters), students will have to take (a) a multiple-choice test for module 1 of the course and an oral exam either for module 1 (Prof. Del Duca) and for module 2 (Prof Ferri). Then students must also send to Prof. Ferri or Prof Del Duca a written report (4-5 pages maximum) on a topic of choice inherent to the course and based on a recent scientific article (the article should be approved beforehand by the lecturer). The report must be sent by e-mail one week before the examination date

Teaching tools

Power point lessons will be available online on VIRTUALE

Office hours

See the website of Stefano Del Duca

See the website of Maura Ferri