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  1. Science
  2. Master Degree
  3. Marine Sciences [F7502Q]
  4. Courses
  5. A.A. 2024-2025
  6. 2nd year
  1. Coastal and Marine Botany
  2. Summary
Insegnamento Course full name
Coastal and Marine Botany
Course ID number
2425-2-F7502Q017
Course summary SYLLABUS

Course Syllabus

  • Italiano ‎(it)‎
  • English ‎(en)‎
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Obiettivi

Contenuti sintetici

Programma esteso

Prerequisiti

Modalità didattica

Materiale didattico

Periodo di erogazione dell'insegnamento

Modalità di verifica del profitto e valutazione

Orario di ricevimento

Sustainable Development Goals

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Aims

Knowledge and understanding:

- Knowledge of the diversity of species and structures of costal vegetation and marine algae and plants.

- Understanding the role of costal vegetation and marine algae and plants in their own ecosystems.

Applying Knowledge and understanding:

- Acquiring skills in identifying costal plants and marine algae and seagrasses

- Providing basic concepts about the applications of marine algae and plants

Making judgements:

- Favouring group sessions, debate and discussions (for instance after watching videos or reading scientific articles)

Communication and learning skills:

- Conducting interactive lessons with a learner-centred approach: students will present thematic seminars

Contents

This subject will focus on algae and plants of both marine submerged and emerged environments and particularly on marine microalgae, macroalgae and seagrasses and on terrestrial plants belonging to costal vegetation, with a special emphasis on those typical of Mediterranean and tropical regions. In the introductory part of the course attention will be paid in analysing the main evolutionary stages which have led to the actual biodiversity of marine algae and plants and in deeping in the knowledge on the major taxonomic groups of algae and plants that can be found in Mediterranean and tropical marine and costal environments. The following lessons will focus on the systematics of marine algae and seagrasses; a taxonomic classification will be conducted in an evolutionary key, based on the different kinds of photosynthetic pigments. Furthermore, the main morphological, biological and ecological features will also be described for the most important groups, as well as their environmental importance. The second part of the course, instead, will focus on costal vegetation of Mediterranean and tropical regions. Initially, a general characterization will be conducted, considering the main taxonomic groups of coastal plants, prior to describe in detail the vegetation of the most particular habitats (cliffs, estuaries, mangrove forests, etc.).

The third part of the course will be dedicated to analyse the main environmental and human problems related to marine algae, such as biological invasions and harmful algal blooms. Finally, the last lessons will be organized as workshops, during which small groups of students will be asked to deep in their knowledge on the main uses of marine algae and plants and to share them with their mates.

Detailed program

INTRODUCTION TO COSTAL AND MARINE BOTANY

- Plant evolution and biodiversity (from Cyanobacteria to Angiosperms).

- Main taxonomic groups of algae and plants living in costal and marine environments.

SYSTEMATICS OF MARINE ALGAE AND PLANTS IN TERMS OF EVOLUTION

- Microalgae: Chrysophyceae, Dinoflagellata, Bacillariophyceae, Chlorophiceae, Pelagophiceae.

- Macroalgae: Rhodophyta, Ulvophyceae, Phaeophyceae.

- Tracheophyta.

COASTAL VEGETATION AND FLORA

- Salt and brackish marshes.

- Sand dunes.

- Mangrove swamps and forests.

- Coastal cliffs.

PROBLEMS RELATED TO MARINE ALGAE AND PLANTS (Main topics)

- Alien species and biological invasions.

- Harmful algal blooms.

- Toxic algae.

USES OF MARINE PLANTS (Students’ workshops)

- Bio-indicators.

- Phytoremediation.

- Biofuel.

- Fertilizers.

- Food/pharmacy.

Prerequisites

None

Teaching form

- 14 two-hour lectures, in person, Delivered Didactics

- 2 two-hour lectures n person, Interactive Teaching

- 1 two-hour practical classes, in person, Interactive Teaching

- 2 eight-hour field activities, in person, Interactive Teaching

Textbook and teaching resource

- Slides

- Textbooks and References:

“Marine Botany”, by Dawes C.J., John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

“Diatoms: Biology and Morphology of the Genera”, by Round et al., Cambridge

“Marine Benthic Dinoflagellates: Unveiling Their Worldwide Biodiversity”, by Horiguchi et al., Schweizerbart

“Chrysophyte algae: ecology, phylogeny and development”, by Sandgren et al., Cambridge “An Introduction to Phytoplanktons: Diversity and Ecology”, by Pal & Choudhury, Springer “Seaweed Ecology and Physiology”, by Hurd et al., Cambridge “Global Seagrass Research Methods”, by Short & Coles, Elsevier

“Alghe e Fanerogame del Mediterráneo”, by Rodríguez-Prieto et al., Il Castello (edizione italiana); “Algaebase”, Guiry & Guiry,www.algaebase.org

“Mangrove Ecosystems: A Global Biogeographic Perspective. Structure, Function and Ecosystem Services.”, by Rivera-Monroy V.H., Springer

“Coastal dunes, ecology and conservation” by.Martínez M.L and Psuty N.P., Springer

Semester

First semester

Assessment method

Oral examination with a discussion of the topics covered during course and includes a presentation of a scientific article.

During the exam the candidate must demonstrate his ability to address and critically discuss the topics.

The examination consists of three parts:
A) 2 open questions of which 1 on coastal vegetation and 1 on seaweed / seagrasses.
B) 3 closed questions (test-like) for which students have to choose the right answer out of three options
C) a PowerPoint presentation of a scientific article (to be agreed with the teacher)
Article selection. Once you have chosen the article, please send it to the teacher for approval. The rules (timing) and suggestions for the presentation are uploaded on the e-learning of the course. As a general rule, the following aspectes are evaluated: (a) graphical aspects, (b) insights into the article, and (c) clarity of the presentation.

Mark range: 18-30/30

Office hours

Monday 14.00-15.00 (to be requested by email)

Sustainable Development Goals

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Key information

Field of research
BIO/01
ECTS
6
Term
First semester
Activity type
Mandatory to be chosen
Course Length (Hours)
52
Degree Course Type
2-year Master Degreee
Language
English

Staff

    Teacher

  • Sarah Caronni
    Sarah Caronni
  • Rodolfo Filippo Gentili
    Rodolfo Filippo Gentili

Students' opinion

View previous A.Y. opinion

Bibliography

Find the books for this course in the Library

Enrolment methods

Manual enrolments
Self enrolment (Student)

Sustainable Development Goals

CLIMATE ACTION - Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
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