65928 - Plant Biology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student will possess basic knowledge on the anatomy, morphology, growth and reproduction of different groups of plants, on the evolutionary aspects and on the relationships of plants with the surrounding environment. The student will be able to evaluate the biodiversity and classification of plant to the highest levels. He/She will have knowledge of the morphological and physiological adaptations of plants to environmental variables and the main stress and will learn how some physiological processes can affect the environment. The student will have basic notions on various applications of plants.

Course contents

Peculiar characteristics of plant organisms. Anatomy of the plant cell with description of its specific organelles: cell wall, plastids, vacuole. Base concepts of evolution and classification of photosynthetic organisms. Morphological characteristics, life cycles and ecological relevance of algae, briophytes, pteridophytes and spermatophytes with outline of systematics. Plant tissue organization and description of the anatomy of stem, leaf, root, flower with hints on the characters useful for plant classification. Basic concepts of main physiological processes (photosynthesis, water transport) and of adaptations to environmental stresses in regard to their specific biome.

Readings/Bibliography

Mauseth J.D.: Botany - An introduction to plant biology

Teaching methods

The course consists of:

• 5 CFU of lectures
• 1 CFU of practical exercises

Part of the exercises are carried out in a laboratory with 15 microscopes, and a microscope with a camera in which the teacher can display and explain the section to all students.

The purpose of the practical part is to let the student learn the use of the optical microscope and how to prepare sections of plant tissues. The sections will be viewed under the microscope and different types of cells will be recognized, even through specific stainings. Other observations under the microscope will concern photosynthetic microorganisms, in particular cyanobacteria and microalgae.

Some exercises aimed at the attribution of plants to a specific botanical family or to specific taxonomic groups will be performed in "quiz" mode. 
The course includes an educational trip to the Botanical Garden of Padua or Bologna where students can observe live plants belonging to different taxa even in typical reconstructed environment.

In consideration of the types of activities and teaching methods adopted, the attendance of this training activity requires all students to complete the e-learning modules 1, 2 and 3 on specific training on safety and health in the places of study [https://www.unibo.it/it/servizi-e-opportunita/salute-e-assistenza/salute-e-sicurezza/sicurezza-e-salute-nei-luoghi-di-studio-e-tirocinio].

Assessment methods

The final examination aims to the following objectives evaluation:

• Knowledge of the role of the different plant groups in the environment relatively to: carbon cycle, resourses utilization (light, water, CO2, inorganic nutrients), interactions with microorganisms and adaptive responses.
• Knowledge of the anatomy, growth and reproduction aspects of the main taxa and of peculiar aspects related to their identification.

The vote will be assigned following the delivery of a short report on a plant species, choosen by the student, and the positive result of a written test. The written exam consists of six open-ended questions on topics covered in class, one of which will include the identification and description of a microscopic section. The exam can be passed even if you did not participate in the exercises. Evaluation of the report will contribute to the final grade. Each answer is scored +5 if complete, detailed, revised, and free of inaccuracies or errors; +4 if complete, detailed, and free of inaccuracies/errors; +3 if partially complete (>70%), with some inaccuracies; +2 if there are inaccuracies/errors and the answer is incomplete (50-70%); +1 if there are inaccuracies/errors and the answer is incomplete (<50%); 0 if the answer is incorrect or missing. The maximum score achievable for providing all correct and complete answers is therefore 30 cum laude. The exam is passed with a minimum score of 18/30. The time allotted for the written exam is 2 hours. The use of support materials such as textbooks, notes, computer media, cell phones, or tablets is not permitted during the test.

As for testing learning, the use of AI is banned for tests taken in uncontrolled settings, which will be validated after analyzing the work materials produced and that must be submitted, even through a possible oral interview.

Examples of the written test and of the plant report are available in the Teaching material site of the teacher.

The dates of the exams will be published on the almaesami website. Students could book for the exams using the methods provided by the online almaesami system.

Teaching tools

Frontal lectures are supported by PowerPoint slides available through the teaching material site of UNIBO, attainable through username and password given by the University to the enrolled students. The teacher will utilize also live material or replicas.

For microscope observations freshly collected plant materials will be used. The participation to the practicals is highly recommended but not mandatory. Picture of the sections observed will be delivered through the teaching material.

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.

Office hours

See the website of Laura Pezzolesi