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.