ECTS credits ECTS credits: 4.5
ECTS Hours Rules/Memories Student's work ECTS: 74.5 Hours of tutorials: 2 Expository Class: 18 Interactive Classroom: 18 Total: 112.5
Use languages Spanish, Galician
Type: Ordinary Degree Subject RD 1393/2007 - 822/2021
Departments: Botany
Areas: Botany
Center Higher Polytechnic Engineering School
Call: Second Semester
Teaching: Sin docencia (Extinguida)
Enrolment: No Matriculable | 1st year (Yes)
The main objective is to provide a general overview of the main groups of cormophytes to the student, with special focus on the following aspects:
• To know, understand, and use the identification and characterization keys of plant species.
• To be able to take decisions using the available resources in order to work in multidisciplinary groups
• To be able to transfer technology, understand, interpret, communicate and take progress in the agricultural field.
Other complementary objectives are:
• To know the evolutionary and systematic position of the main groups
• To recognize the importance and role of plants in agricultural systems and ecosystems
• To promote interest and familiarity on plants, mainly on their applicability and utility in Agronomy
• To understand and use basic botanical terminology related to vascular plants
• To raise awareness of environmental and conservational matters
The degree report includes the following content for the course:
• Systematic: diversity and plant classification.
• Gymnosperms: morphological variability, characterization and identification of plants with unprotected seeds.
• Angiosperms: morphological variability, characterization and identification of plants with protected seeds.
• Ethnobotany: agricultural, ornamental plants and plants of agro-industrial interest. Invasive plants.
• Plant communities of agricultural and scenic interest.
These contents will be presented at the explain activities that will follow list of topics:
EXPOSITORY HOURS (18)
TOPIC BLOCK I: Diagnostic features of plants (6 contact hours, 18 self-study)
BASIC CONCEPTS. Introduction to Botany. Classification fundamentals and criteria. Phylogeny and nomenclature. General classification and introduction to the APG System. (1h).
VEGETATIVE STRUCTURES OF PLANTS: Structures, typology, and modifications. Diagnostic criteria in roots, stems, and leaves. Other diagnostical criteria. (2h).
REPRODUCTIVE STRUCTURES. Sporangia and strobili. Flowers: morphology and classification criteria. Inflorescences. Seeds. Fruits: origin and classification. Asexual reproduction (2h).
PLANT ADAPTATIONS TO THE ENVIRONMENT. Life cycle and seasonal cycle (Phenology). Life forms. Parasitism and other nutrition strategies. Invasions. (1h)
TOPIC BLOCK II: Main plant groups (8 contact hours, 24 self-study)
SEEDLESS VASCULAR PLANTS. Div. Pteridophyta. General chararacteristics. Systematics (Classes Psilotopsida, Lycopodiopsida, Equisetopsida & Filicopsida). (1h)
PLANTS WITH UNPROTECTED SEEDS. GYMNOSPERMS. Div. Spermatophyta. General chararacteristics. Systematics (Classes Cycadopsida, Ginkgopsida & Pinopsida). Taxa of interest. (1h)
PLANTS WITH PROTECTED SEEDS. ANGIOSPERMS I: Basal angiosperms, Magnolids, and Lilids, (Monocotyledoneae). General characteristics, most important groups, and taxa of interest. (2h)
PLANTS WITH PROTECTED SEEDS. ANGIOSPERMS II: Rosids and allied groups. . General characteristics, most important groups, and taxa of interest. Detailed study of the families Fabaceae, Rosaceae & Brassicaceae. (2h)
PLANTS WITH PROTECTED SEEDS. ANGIOSPERMS III: Asterids and allied groups. General characteristics, most important groups, and taxa of interest. Detailed study of the family Asteraceae. (2h)
TOPIC BLOCK III: Usefulness and distribution of plants (4 contact hours, 12 self-study)
ETHNOBOTANY: Concept and definition. Traditional uses of plants in different cultures. Diversification hotspots. Ethnobotany, conservation, and sustainable development. Industrial uses of plants: sectors. (2h)
GEOBOTANY. Definition and study objects. Plant formations and plant communities. Chorology. Classification and focuses on vegetation studies. Biomes: characteristics and distribution. Natura 2000 network. (2h)
INTERACTIVE HOURS (20)
Additionally, a series of interactive activities that include practices and seminars will be carried out. The practice sessions will be achieved through five lab sessions and one field session related to the recognition of the main morphological and reproductive attributes of the main study families; the observed characteristics will also be used to identify species using dichotomous keys. The expected contents of the practices are:
Lab and field practices (14)
LABORATORY PRACTICES (10 contact hours, 10 self-study)
Practice 1: Diagnosis and typology of attributes used for species identification: morphologic variability of organs. Usage of identification keys and other resources for plant species identification
Practice 2: Plants with rudimentary flowers. Study of the family Poaceae. Other families of wind pollinated plants (e.g Fagaceae, Betulaceae, Salicaceae…)
Practice 3: Plants with free petals. Study of the families of agricultural importance: Rosaceae, Brassicaceae & Fabaceae, and other families of interest (e.g. Ranunculaceae, Caryophyllaceae…)
Practice 4: Plants with fused petals. Study of families of interest of both Monocotyledoneae (eg. Liliaceae, Iridaceae, Amaryllidaceae…) and Dycotyledoneae (e.g. Lamiaceae, Ericaceae, Boraginaceae, Scrophulariaceae…)
Practice 5: Plants with flowers in heads (capitula): Study of the family Asteraceae
FIELD PRACTICE (4 contact hours, 1,5 self-study)
Practice 6: Trip for in situ observation and characterization of several genera, families and plant formations in a representative territory along a geographic gradient in inland Galicia; this trip will involve the use of mobile apps and other tools previously presented (4 hours)
Seminars (4) (4 contact hours, 6 self-study)
Seminars are aimed at disseminating and discuss current issues related to Botany, in order to achieve a more detailed knowledge.
These seminars will undergo a dual complementary approach: On the one hand, the professor will present topics of interest in relation to the seminar subject. On the other hand students, in small groups, will review some information on the topic that will be provided by the professor. This documentation will be used to develop the explanatory guidelines, which will be presented. After the exposure of each presentation, the professor will formulate some questions on the topic.
Seminar 1: Flora and vegetation of Galicia
Seminar 2: Invasive plants
TUTORSHIPS (2)
BASIC BIBLIOGRAPHY
General texts
IZCO, J. et al., Botánica, 2ª ed. Ed. McGraw-Hill Interamericana, Madrid, 2004.
NABORS, M.W. Introducción a la Botánica. Ed. Pearson. 2005
STRASBURGER, E. et al., Tratado de Botánica, 35ª ed., Ed. Omega, Barcelona, 2002.
AIRA, M.J; VÁZQUEZ, R.e IZCO, J. (eds.). Manual de prácticas de Botánica. Laboratorio y campo. Servizo de Publicacións e Intercambio Científico. Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 2014.
http://www.mobot.org/MOBOT/research/APweb/
http://www.worldfloraonline.org/
Identification keys and field guides
AIZPURU, C. et al., Flora del País Vasco y territorios limítrofres, Serv. Central de Publicaciones del Gobierno Vasco, Vitoria-Gasteiz, 1999.
GARCIA, X.R. Guía das plantas de Galicia, Ed. Xerais. 2007
COMPLEMENTARY BIBLIOGRAPHY
FONT QUER, P., Diccionario de Botánica, Ed. Labor, Barcelona, 1985.
HEYWOOD, V.H., Las plantas con flores, Ed. Reverté, Barcelona, 1985.
LÜTTGE, U. et al., Botánica, ed. McGraw-Hill Interamericana, Madrid, 1993
http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/
http://www.floraiberica.es/
http://www.theplantlist.org/
Electronic resources will be available along the course, according to the needs imposed by the ongoing scenario.
Students will achieve generic and specific abilities related to the degree. Within the framework of competencies designed, this subject will work the following:
Basic, general and transversal competences:
CG1 - Knowledge in basic materials science and technology to enable continuous learning and an ability to adapt to new situations and changing surroundings.
CG5 - Ability to develop their activities, assuming a social, ethical and environmental commitment in tune with the reality of the human and natural environment
CT5 Ability to seek adequate, diverse and updated information
CT6 Ability to develop and present an organized and understandable text
CT7 - Ability to develop a public speech clear, concise and consistent manner
CT10 - Use of bibliographic information and the Internet.
Specific skills:
CR1 - Ability to recognize, understand and use the principles of identification and characterization of plant species
Teaching methodology can vary according to the Scenario determined by the academic authorities (Scenario 1 – Adapted normal; Scenario 2 – Social distancing; Scenario 3 – Lockdown).
The expository activities will be carried out according to the following methodology:
• Participatory Lectures. Seminars and conferences (Competences CG1, CT5, CT6)
• Using classic and digital boards. Using the virtual classroom (Competence CG5)
• Making presentations by computer (Competence CG5)
• Individualized and group tutorials (Competence CT5)
• Assessment of skills through exercises control (Competences CG1, CT5, CT6)
Under Scenario 1, expository lessons will be held in the classroom, and online resources (mainly Online Campus) will be mainly a tool to be used as a repository, as well as for certain complementary activities.
The interactive activities will be carried out according to the following methodology:
• Lab or field practices (Competences CG7, CR1)
• Using the Virtual Classroom (Competence CG7)
• Individualized and group tutorials (Competence CT5)
• Group work and cooperative learning. Active discussion sessions (Competences CG5, CT5, CT6, CT7, CT10)
Interactive activities will be held in the lab, field, or classroom under Scenario 1.
The non-contact work (practices and seminars reporting, etc.) will be launched according to the following methodology:
• Self work and independent study (Competences CG5, CT5, CT6, CT7, CT10)
Tutorship will be held both in the office and online under Scenario 1.
Students will need to independently pass the tests for continuous assessment for each part of the subject (theory, practices, and seminars). The final qualification (once each part has been passed), will be obtained out of the following ratios:
• Objective oral and / or written tests: 60%. Contents will be assessed for each topic block (20%, 25%, and 15%, respectively). In addition, theoretical contents must be satisfactorily completed in order to pass the whole subject. (Competence CG7)
• Attendance and active student’s participation in classroom activities and/or virtual classroom: 5% (Competence CG1)
• Active participation, achievement, and quality of reports during practices: 25% (Competence CT6, CR1)
• Work achievement in seminars: 10% (Competences CT5, CT7, CT6)
Assessment activities will also be modified according to the three potential scenarios.
Under Scenario 1, continuous assessment will mainly involve in-person tests, although some complementary activity could be held in the Online Campus; final test will be held in the classroom.
Students who did not attend to the practical lessons or elaborate their reports will need to pass the activities not attended in a final test. Under Scenario 1, this will involve a practical exam at the laboratory on the same date as the final examination. This exam will consist of the description and identification of plant species corresponding to the practices the student has not passed.
As regards seminars, students who did not attend will be required to complete some activities in the Online Campus, which will be related to some readings provided by the professor, and available in the virtual classroom. In this case, the procedure will be the same for the three scenarios.
The methodology for the assessment of practices and seminars will be the same for the first and second calls.
Prior students who passed practices and seminars within the last two previous academic years will keep these qualifications, but they will need to pass a theoretical examination; nevertheless, they can repeat these activities for a new qualification. After two years, student will be required to pass each part. Students who can keep previous qualifications will be informed at the beginning of the course.
Waiver for attendance, only in justified cases, will be just given for expository activities. In such cases, their evaluation will be provided by the final exam, which will account for 65% of the final qualification. Interactive activities will be assessed in the same way as the rest of the students.
In the case of fraudulent tests or exercises, the present regulation at the USC for academic assessment and qualifications will be applied.
Contact work:
Expository hours (theory): 18
Interactive hours:
- practices: 14
- seminars: 4
- tutorials: 2
Examinations: 2
Total contact hours: 40
Self-study hours:
Expository: 54 hours
Interactive: 18,5 hours
Total self-study: 72.5
Total 40 + 72.5 = 112.5
Under Scenarios 2 and 3, the amount of non-contact hours will be proportionally increased. Activities in the Online Campus will be accordingly considered.
We highly recommend to regularly work on the subject, and consult the recommend literature, at least the basic one, as well as the proposed electronic resources, especially the Online Campus (USC Virtual). The attendance to office hours for doubt clearance is highly advisable.
Please remember that the attendance to the expositive and interactive sessions is compulsory under Scenario 1, as well as practices under Scenario 2.
Teaching scenario cannot be determined a priori, and could vary along the course. Nevertheless, contact activities under Scenarios 1 and 2 involve some regulations imposed by the USC, including preventive health care (use of disinfection gels, wearing of face masks, and keeping social distance), and/or the reduction of the time for contact activities, or the percentage of room capacity. Regulations imposed by the USC are compulsory, and attendance to the lessons will not be allowed if not taken into consideration.
CONTINGENCY PLAN
If teaching activities cannot be carried out under Scenario 1, adaptation will only involve Teaching Methodology and Assessment. These aspects could be varying among them if the current situation involves shifting to a new scenario.
Teaching methodology
Under Scenarios 2 and 3, expository lessons will be online, using synchronous tools available at the USC (e.g., Microsoft Teams), following the academic time schedule; in addition, online support in the Online Campus will be increased.
As regards interactive activities, if Scenario 2 is required, attendance to these activities will be reduced by 50%, with the remaining 50% to be held online, using tasks related to the contents of each practice; field trip will be kept as long as conditions permit; seminars will be online, following the same methodology as under Scenario 3. Tuitions in the Online Campus will also be reinforced, so that group meetings could be scheduled.
Under Scenario 3, all interactive activities will be online; thus, practices will involve several exercises to be done online; tuition activities will be also increased, including synchronous sessions in groups if necessary, and additional supporting material will also be available. Seminars will be only online, and a specific space in the Online Campus will be enabled in order to promote active participation by the students.
Tuition under Scenario 2 will be preferably online, but a limited contact attendance will be possible if circumstances permit. All attendance to the students will be online under Scenario 3. For online tuitions, the use of topic forums in the Online Campus are recommended, in order to provide the information to all students. If necessary, real-time tools can be used for tuition, including videoconferencing previously agreed.
Assessment system
For Scenario 2, the methodology will be the same as for Scenario 1 if public health conditions permit; if not possible, the same regulation as for Scenario 3 will be applied. Under Scenario 3, all activities will be only online for both the first and the second calls; real-time tests can be performed.
As regards non-attended practices, a laboratory examination, if conditions permit, will also be the test under Scenario 2, shifting to Scenario 3 if not possible. Under Scenario 3, all practices will be assessed by online activities, and students must complete all activities not previously performed satisfactorily.
Under Scenarios 2 and 3, students with an attendance waiver can undergo continuous assessment as the other students.
Joaquin Gimenez De Azcarate Cornide
- Department
- Botany
- Area
- Botany
- joaquin.gimenezdeazcarate [at] usc.es
- Category
- Professor: Temporary PhD professor
Ignacio Garcia Gonzalez
Coordinador/a- Department
- Botany
- Area
- Botany
- ignacio.garcia [at] usc.es
- Category
- Professor: University Lecturer
| Thursday | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 12:00-13:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Galician, Spanish | Classroom 11 (Lecture room 3) |
| Friday | |||
| 12:00-13:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Spanish, Galician | Classroom 11 (Lecture room 3) |
| 05.18.2022 16:00-20:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Classroom 11 (Lecture room 3) |
| 05.18.2022 16:00-20:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Classroom 12 (Lecture room 3) |
| 07.13.2022 10:00-14:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Classroom 11 (Lecture room 3) |
| 07.13.2022 10:00-14:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Classroom 12 (Lecture room 3) |