The Plant
Diversity Course is developed in 3 modules.

The first
is dedicated to basic concepts of botany and plant ecology, in which the
student lays the knowledge sources necessary for the development of the
following modules.

Plant
physiology and plant structure will be handled in a basic way, but sufficient
to understand important characteristics that have a direct impact on the design
and planning of urban spaces using plants. Ecology will also be addressed and
therefore the relationship between plants and the environment, emphasizing the
peculiarities of the urban ecosystem.

 1) Introduction to biology, plants and
botany.

Overview of
Plants structure and metabolism.

Plant cell
structure: structure and function of cell wall, central vacuole and
chloroplasts.

Basic Types
of Cells and Tissues. Stems and primary tissues.

Plant
anatomy: stem, leaves, roots, flowers, and fruits.

2) Plant Diversity and Evolution

General
characteristics of the Plant kingdom.

The ancient
life forms - cyanobacteria and endosymbiotic theory.

Main stages
of evolution.

Algae,
lichens, mosses, and ferns.

The
importance and the different types of photosynthesis.

The
characteristics of gymnosperms and angiosperms

Influence
of plants on Earth during geological Eras.

3) Plant Ecology

What is
ecology? What is an ecosystem?

Temperature,
Light, Soil, Nutrients, Biological interactions:

Effects of
ecological factors on plants and vegetation.

The
influence of climate on the distribution of plants.

The
influence of plants on site conditions.

Community,
habitats, and biomes.

Raunkiaer’s
life forms.

Urban
ecology.

In the
second module we will consider with broader concepts, which could be applied to
other biological components (such as animals), but that will be declined on the
plant world. We will examine systematics and taxonomy, plant biodiversity and
the characteristics of the European flora and vegetation. Then we will learn
how biodiversity is important for the functioning of ecosystems and how its
conservation is essential to ensure the ecosystem services.

We will
know and recognize the species that best adapt to the urban ecosystem and that
can be used in the design and implementation of ecosystem services.

4) Biodiversity

Definition
of species.

Various
definitions and facets of biodiversity.

Environmental
Controls of Biodiversity.

Biodiversity
and Ecosystem Functioning. Functional traits.

Global
Ecology and Ecosystem services - definition and classification.

5)  Systematics 

                Principles of Systematics and
taxonomy

6) Flora

Definition
of flora.

Studying
the flora.

Flora in
the world and in Europe. The description of the Italian flora.

Important
trees and species of conservation interest

Plants of
interest for urban regeneration

The alien
species.

7) Vegetation

Definition
of vegetation.

Vegetation in Europe and in Italy. 

Finally, in
the third module, the application fields of the knowledge and skills developed
in the first part of the course will be defined. We will therefore see how the
knowledge of plant diversity is fundamental in landscape ecology, for the
conservation and development of the network of European protected natural areas
(Natura 2000 Network) and green infrastructures.

8) Landscape ecology

Principles
of landscape ecology.

Landscape
analysis.

Fragmentation
and loss of biodiversity.

The
ecological networks.

Geographical
Information System and landscape analysis.

9) Conservation and sustainable
development.

Global
awareness and sustainable development.

The
European Directives and the goals for biodiversity in Europe.

The Natura
2000 Network. EU Environmental Law.

10) Green infrastructure

Definitions and relationship
with ecosystem services.

Role of plants in urban
environments, from road trees to parks.

Urban
forests, green roofs and walls, rain gardens and bioswale, tiny forests, Flower
strips and hedgerows.

Phytoremediation.