PRINCIPLES OF ANIMAL AND PLANT BIOLOGY - PLANT MODULE

The course Principles of Animal and Plant Biology pertains to the disciplinary groups of biological and ecological sciences, and is one of the core courses of the Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Sciences which aims at developing a scientific and holistic approach to the study of ecosystem structure and functions, in both natural and anthropogenic contexts. The course aims at providing students with the basic knowledge on the structure and functions of animal and plant organisms and the mechanisms at the basis of their diversity. The module Plant Biology is specifically intended to offer a broad and integrated overview of plant biology, the diversity of the plant kingdom, and the complex relationships between plants and their environment. It provides students with a solid theoretical foundation concerning the structure and function of plant organisms, with particular emphasis on higher plants. By exploring key evolutionary and adaptive processes that have shaped the plant kingdom, the course highlights the essential role of plants within ecosystems. In parallel, it seeks to foster a critical approach to the study of plant biology, encouraging the development of scientific reasoning as a fundamental tool for observing, analyzing, and interpreting biological phenomena.
The knowledge acquired will serve as an essential basis for further studies in the fields of plant biology and ecology, approached with both scientific rigor and awareness.

By the end of the course, students will have acquired fundamental knowledge and skills in the field of plant biology, developing the ability to understand, analyse, and communicate key concepts related to the structure, function, and diversity of plant organisms. In particular, the learning outcomes are articulated according to the following five descriptors:
Knowledge and Understanding: Ability to acquire, comprehend, and critically elaborate the foundational knowledge concerning the structure, function, and diversity of plant organisms, with a particular focus on higher plants, as well as on their evolution and interactions with the environment.
Skills: Ability to apply the acquired knowledge to analyse and interpret biological and adaptive processes in plants; ability to connect theoretical concepts to practical examples and to integrate knowledge from different areas of biology.
Judgment Skills: Development of a critical approach to the study of plant biology, with the capacity to autonomously evaluate and interpret information, data, and biological processes, including those related to environmental issues and the ecological role of plants.
Communication Skills: Ability to clearly, accurately, and coherently express learned concepts, using appropriate scientific terminology.
Learning Skills: Ability to learn independently, selecting and critically integrating various types of educational materials (presentations, lecture notes, textbooks), and to effectively use self-assessment tools with awareness and scientific rigor.

Being a basic course, students are not requested to possess particular prerequisites. However, it is advisable that students have some basic notions in biology and scientific method acquired in the high schools.

The course is structured around three main thematic areas:
1. Plant Diversity – Study of the diversity of plant organisms, with particular attention to vascular plants, approached from an evolutionary perspective that highlights the major stages in the evolutionary history of the plant kingdom.
2. Structure, Function, and Development – Analysis of the structure and functions of plant organisms, from the cellular level to the whole organism, including cells, tissues, and anatomical organization. Fundamental physiological processes—such as photosynthesis and the transport of substances—are explored in depth, with reference to environmental conditions.
3. Ecology and Evolution – Study of the morphological and physiological adaptations of plants to their environment, plant–animal interactions, and key elements of biogeography and plant evolution.

The course is thematically and methodologically connected to the Biodiversity Laboratory – Plant Diversity, which represents the practical complement to the topics covered in the classroom

The study materials supporting learning and exam preparation include lecture notes and PowerPoint presentations, which are made available on the University’s Moodle e-learning platform.
Recommended textbook: Pasqua G., Abbate G., Forni C. (2010) - Botanica generale e Diversità vegetale. Piccin Ed., Padova. (Parts I-IV)

Student learning will be assessed through a written exam consisting of three open-ended questions covering the main topics addressed during the course. Students will have 90 minutes to develop complete and coherent responses.
Each answer will be graded on a scale of 30 points; the final grade will be the arithmetic mean of the scores obtained for the three questions.
The exam is designed to evaluate: 1) understanding and critical elaboration of the course content; 2) the ability to structure responses clearly, logically, and concisely; 3) appropriate use of scientific terminology.
Evaluation Criteria. The maximum score for each question is divided as follows:
1. Depth and critical analysis of the topic – up to 20 points
2. Clarity of exposition – up to 5 points
3. Correct use of scientific terminology – up to 5 points
Some class sessions will be dedicated to reviewing and discussing exam questions from previous sessions.

written

The final evaluation will take into account both the level of knowledge acquired and the ability to critically elaborate on knowledge, as well as communication skills, particularly regarding the correct and appropriate use of scientific terminology.
Grading Scale:
• Score range 18–22: sufficient knowledge of the content, generally clear exposition, and an adequately appropriate use of scientific terminology.
• Score range 23–26: fair level of knowledge, good organisation and coherence in exposition, generally appropriate use of terminology.
• Score range 27–30: good to excellent mastery of the content, fluent, precise, and well-structured exposition, confident and appropriate use of scientific language.
• 30 cum laude: outstanding knowledge and critical elaboration of the content, rigorous and effective exposition, complete and conscious mastery of scientific terminology.

To support the learning process, the course is delivered through lectures, during which the topics discussed are accompanied by visual materials, including images, diagrams, and schematic representations presented in PowerPoint slides to aid in the conceptual understanding of the subject matter. Selected topics are further illustrated with the use of videos and animations.
To encourage active and engaged learning, classroom discussions will be promoted, sometimes based on guiding questions or examples drawn from past exam sessions, in order to stimulate critical thinking and peer-to-peer interaction.
In addition, group activities will be proposed, such as practical exercises on how to construct well-structured responses to open-ended questions, and self-assessment tests will be provided to help students monitor their understanding of the course content and strengthen their preparation for the final exam.
Communication skills will be enhanced through class discussions and working groups.

Support Services for Students with Disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs)
In accordance with Italian legislation (Law 17/1999; Law 170/2010), Ca’ Foscari University provides support services for students with disabilities or specific learning disorders (SLDs).
Students with motor, visual, auditory, or other disabilities, or with officially recognized SLDs, who require support (e.g., classroom assistance, assistive technologies for exams, personalized exam formats, accessible materials, note-taking services, specialized tutoring, interpreting services, or other accommodations) are invited to contact the Disability and SLD Office at: disabilita@unive.it.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Natural capital and environmental quality" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development