Course Topics
The course introduces the fundamentals of botany and ecology as applied to the design of educational landscapes. Starting from a scientific understanding of plants and plant systems, the course explores the relationships between nature and culture, using an approach that intertwines botany, ecology, and landscape ecology. The topics covered will be: - Plant blindness; - Native and alien species, with a focus on invasive species; - Human use of plant species and ecological niche; - Basics of Landscape Ecology; - Ecosystem services, i.e. the benefits provided by ecosystems; - Green infrastructure: solutions that mimic nature while supporting biodiversity and human communities.

Teaching format
round table, interactive lecture

Educational objectives
- Provide the basics of botany and plant ecology necessary to read and design the landscape; - Integrate botanical and ecological criteria into the design of educational and sustainable landscapes; - Offer tools to integrate biodiversity and sustainability into the design of educational and community spaces.

Additional educational objectives and learning outcomes
N/A

Assessment
Multiple choice written exam

Evaluation criteria
Knowledge of the required topics

Required readings

Study material will be made available to students on OLE, Reserve Collection or Teams

Supplementary readings

• Addabbo, C., Bruni, R., & Canadelli, E. (a cura di). (2023). Impronte. Noi e le piante. Edizioni ETS.
• Grunewald, K., & Bastian, O. (Eds.). (2015). Ecosystem services – concept, methods and case studies. Springer.

Further information
N/A