Botany
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide basic information on the organization of higher plants (Spermatophytes) by referring to the peculiarities of plant cells and the specific characteristics that allow different types of tissues to be distinguished and how these are organized to form plant organs . The course aims to analyze the reproductive cycles of the main land plant divisions by retracing the evolutionary steps that led to the passage of plants from a simple body organization (in which no specialized tissues and organs can be distinguished) to the more specialized organization of "vascular" plants.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the use of this teaching, the student must have understood the main foundations of structural, evolutionary and reproductive biology of plants, the concept of species and biodiversity. The student will develop skills related to the plurality of characters (morphological, structural, molecular), of the adaptations that plants have faced in their evolutionary history, of the ability to colonize terrestrial environments, and relate them to a phylogenetic approach.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The course is addressed to explore the fundamental aspects of plant biology in relation to environmental conditions. These include:
- Fundamental principles of plant biology: the plant cell; structure and functions of cell wall, vacuole, plastids.
- Basic concepts of photosynthesis.
-Body organization of vascular plants.
-Primary and secondary meristematic tissues.
-Characteristic features of different tissues and their organization in organ formation.
- Basic concepts of plant systematics, phylogeny and evolution.
- Plant biodiversity: Anatomical differences between Monocotyledons and Dicotyledons.
- The flower and reproduction in Angiosperms. Fertilization, embryogenesis and seed development. Fruits and their dispersion.
-Characteristics and reproductive strategies of some Algae, lower plants (Bryophytes) and vascular plants (seedless vascular plants, Gymnosperm and Angiosperms).
-The structural and functional differences among the main plant groups will be discussed in relation to the environmental conditions.
- Plant adaptations to the environment: transition from the aquatic to the terrestrial environment, evolution of terrestrial plant: adaptations and strategies for survival.
- Fundamental principles of plant biology: the plant cell; structure and functions of cell wall, vacuole, plastids.
- Basic concepts of photosynthesis.
-Body organization of vascular plants.
-Primary and secondary meristematic tissues.
-Characteristic features of different tissues and their organization in organ formation.
- Basic concepts of plant systematics, phylogeny and evolution.
- Plant biodiversity: Anatomical differences between Monocotyledons and Dicotyledons.
- The flower and reproduction in Angiosperms. Fertilization, embryogenesis and seed development. Fruits and their dispersion.
-Characteristics and reproductive strategies of some Algae, lower plants (Bryophytes) and vascular plants (seedless vascular plants, Gymnosperm and Angiosperms).
-The structural and functional differences among the main plant groups will be discussed in relation to the environmental conditions.
- Plant adaptations to the environment: transition from the aquatic to the terrestrial environment, evolution of terrestrial plant: adaptations and strategies for survival.
Prerequisites for admission
Suggested prerequisites are Biology and Chemistry.
Teaching methods
The course is delivered through interactive lectures supported by projected materials; the lecture slides will be uploaded to the Ariel website.
Students will be encouraged to actively participate in discussions to enhance their critical thinking skills, by reworking acquired concepts and communicating them appropriately.
The teaching is complemented by a practical laboratory component (accounting for 1 CFU of the course), during which students can begin to develop manual skills by preparing samples for analysis under the light microscope, in order to deepen their understanding of the main anatomical features of higher plants.
Some practical sessions will take place at the Città Studi Botanical Garden.
Several seminars will also be organized.
Students will be encouraged to actively participate in discussions to enhance their critical thinking skills, by reworking acquired concepts and communicating them appropriately.
The teaching is complemented by a practical laboratory component (accounting for 1 CFU of the course), during which students can begin to develop manual skills by preparing samples for analysis under the light microscope, in order to deepen their understanding of the main anatomical features of higher plants.
Some practical sessions will take place at the Città Studi Botanical Garden.
Several seminars will also be organized.
Teaching Resources
- J.D. Mauseth "Fondamenti di biologia delle piante", III ed., Idelson-Gnocchi
- G.Pasqua, G. Abbate, C. Forni "Botanica generale e diversità vegetale", IIIed., PICCIN
- R.F. Evert, S.E. Eichhorn La biologia delle piante di Raven, settima ed., ZANICHELLI
The slides will be uploaded to the Ariel website.
- G.Pasqua, G. Abbate, C. Forni "Botanica generale e diversità vegetale", IIIed., PICCIN
- R.F. Evert, S.E. Eichhorn La biologia delle piante di Raven, settima ed., ZANICHELLI
The slides will be uploaded to the Ariel website.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The acquisition of knowledge and the achievement of the expected learning outcomes are assessed through a written exam consisting of 10-11 open-ended questions. An oral exam is available upon the student's request or if the written exam does not provide sufficient information to determine the student's level of preparation. The evaluation also takes into account the student's ability to learn the topics covered, to discuss and comment on issues with the instructor, and their communication skills.
BIO/01 - GENERAL BOTANY - University credits: 8
BIO/02 - SYSTEMATIC BOTANY - University credits: 1
BIO/02 - SYSTEMATIC BOTANY - University credits: 1
Practicals: 16 hours
Lessons: 64 hours
Lessons: 64 hours
Professor(s)