12818 - Plant Biology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student has: (a) basic knowledge to master specialist terminology and understand a medium complexity non-popular scientific text; (b) basic knowledge in the field of plant biology at a cellular, organismic and population level from an evolutionary perspective, useful for implementing knowledge in further fields of biology; also knows how to: (c) critically discuss, through formally correct exposures, biological issues related to plant biology and evolutionary aspects derived from different sources; (d) provide suggestions for teaching didactically the various aspects of plant biology in secondary school classes.

Course contents

The program aims at acquiring foundational scientific concepts of Biology, selected on the basis of their relevance and accessibility in the secondary school context, including awareness of the existence of a complex and ecosystemic nature, highlighted by the interdependent relationships between living things and the chemical-physical environment; in addition, knowledge and teaching skills related to the various interconnected scientific disciplines will be acquired (learning to identify structuring scientific concepts and their connections, to develop possible integrated educational activities and paths, and to develop a systemic view).
In detail, the integrated program of the plant part will cover the following topics:

1. General aspects of biology

2. Photosynthesis and cellular metabolism

3. Histology with educational applications

4. Relationships between plants and humans

5. How to teach biology at school

For both modules, the different topics covered will be discussed for the teaching aspects needed in secondary school classes.
Prerequisite is knowledge of the topics covered in the secondary school chemistry and biology courses.

Readings/Bibliography

Lecture materials used for lectures, as well as articles, book chapters and other materials from the specialized literature will be provided during the course by the lecturer and/or deposited on the Virtuale platform (https://virtuale.unibo.it/.)

Suggested reference texts:
Longo C. Didactics of Biology. Ledizioni, 2014.
E. Padoa Schioppa. Methods and tools for teaching and learning biology. Edises
Sadava et al. Principles of Biology. Zanichelli (5th Italian edition out of 11th American edition)
Morris et al. Biology. How life works. Volume Plants and Fungi first Italian edition and Volume Cell, Genetics, Evolution, Animal Biology, Human Body first Italian ediz. Zanichelli.
Any additional references will be discussed with students

Teaching methods

Methodologically, the presentation of different concepts will be coupled with their evolutionary contextualization, taking care to emphasize the experimental nature of biology. Frontal and dialogic lectures supported by presentations (ppt) with diagrams and graphic illustrations. Practical activities involve group activities, while some topics will be supplemented or corroborated by means of individual activities.


In detail, the workshop mode of the course includes the use of some technical tools for video and audio editing. For each selected topic, after an introductory meeting held by the lecturer lasting two hours, students will work in groups in the following lessons with the aim of constructing together a short video (10-15 minutes) that addresses the topic in question, further elaborating on what the lecturer has said, especially taking into account common misconceptions, frequent mistakes and less immediate considerations. The videos will then be presented and discussed together. The suggestion for off-site and/or non-attending students is to, as much as possible, get in touch and collaborate with the students present in the classroom, distributing the work so that they can take part in the realization of the projects; if this is not possible, however, it is possible to do the work independently. The creation of videos is not strictly mandatory, but it adds value to the exam assessment .

In view of the types of activities and teaching methods adopted, attendance at this training activity requires that all students take Modules 1 and 2 in e-learning mode [https://www.unibo.it/it/servizi-e-opportunita/salute-e-assistenza/salute-e-sicurezza/sicurezza-e-salute-nei-luoghi-di-studio-e-tirocinio] and participate in Module 3 of specific training on safety and health in the workplace. Directions on dates and mode of attendance of Module 3 can be found in the appropriate section of the course of study website."

Assessment methods

The videos in the making of which each student will have participated will be subject to a starting grade on the final exam for the course. The videos will be graded in thirtieths; the average grade of the videos in which a student has participated will weigh for half of the final grade. Videos will be graded on their content (3 to 15 points), level of reworking (2 to 10 points) and language used (1 to 5 points). The production of videos is not strictly compulsory, but it adds value to the exam assessment. If no videos are made, the assessment will be based entirely on the oral exam. The oral exam will include questions to ascertain the basic knowledge on the foundational building blocks of plant biology provided in the course, which will weigh for the other half of the final assessment. The two animal and plant modules are to be taken in the same roll call.

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

Classrooms equipped for teaching with: personal computer, projector, touch-screen with role of digital whiteboard, document camera for filming texts, object drawings, video cameras for filming the lecturer. Classrooms/laboratories (1 CFU/module) are attached to teaching, equipped for conducting practical activities.

Office hours

See the website of Stefano Del Duca