Ecobiology

General objectives The course aims to give an integrated view of some biochemical-physiological aspects of primary and secondary metabolism in the interaction of plants and algae with the environment and in particular in the response to the most common biotic and abiotic stress factors. Knowledge of the processes underlying the adaptation and acclimation to a range of environments and situations will be extended and consolidated by illustrating the main methodological approaches used in the field. Specific objectives A. Knowledge and understanding - Specific language and terminology; - The sensory systems that allow plants to face environmental changes and challenges; - Mechanisms of acclimation. - Carbon, nutrient and water balances; - Responses of plants to abiotic stress (water; temperature; light; pollutants; - Beneficial interactions (mycorrhiza, nodulating bacteria); - Biotic stress (parasitic plants, pests and diseases); - Host-parasite interactions; - Basis of the control of biotic interactions (anatomical and chemical barriers, molecular, cellular and systemic responses); - Stress evaluation and screening for resistance; - Cross-talk in plant stress responses; - Plant-plant communication - Methods in Plant Ecophysiology. B. Applying knowledge and understanding - Ability to use specific terminology - Ability to outline the appropriate conceptual and methodological paths to address problems and questions in the field of plant ecophysiology. - Ability to use bibliographic resources, software and biological resources available through the Web to address and interpret specific problems related to the aspects object of this course. C. Making judgements - Critical judgment skills, through the study of reviews and scientific articles on key aspects and through in-depth collective discussions; - Ability to evaluate correctness and scientific rigor through analysis and collective discussion of the experimental and methodological part of recent high quality scientific articles. D. Communication skills - Acquisition of adequate skills and tools useful for communication, through the use of graphic and formal languages, with particular regard to scientific language, through discussions and seminars that are an integral part of the oral exam. E. Learning skills The student will possess: - the ability to set up an independent and flexible study method, which allows to conduct personal research and analysis and to continue effectively the advancement of knowledge; - confidence in self-directed learning - the ability to identify problematic, unresolved and innovative aspects in biological issues - the ability to find and use cognitive tools for the continuous updating of knowledge - the ability to compare oneself for the progress, consolidation and improvement of one's own knowledge. Results Possession of the fundamental contents of the specific discipline, and the ability to master the procedures and methods in the frame of different professions connected with environment and its protection in the broad sense of view.