6 ECTS credits
175 h study time
Offer 1 with catalog number 1017588BNR for all students in the 1st and 2nd semester at a (B) Bachelor - advanced level.
This course comprises three parts: (1) taxonomy and phylogeny (of protists, fungi and plants), (2) ecology and (3) plant physiology / molecular biology.
1. The taxonomy and phylogeny of the monophyletic plants and fungi and the paraphyletic protists ('algae' and protists previously considered 'fungi') are discussed thoroughly in a first part : a better understanding of the phylogeny and evolution of these groups is aimed at. Evolution of scientific tools and progressive insight is part of this teaching programme. Particular emphasis is given to the development of land plants and the adaptations required in order to understand structure and function.
Apart from this theoretical basis, a useful taxonomy of plants (mainly of seed plants), protists and fungi is given, extensively illustrated and practiced during the practical exercises.
2. The second part covers important ecological concepts, which are critically analysed. Difficulties and shortcomings of ecological theory are discussed. The emphasis in this part is on trophic/energetic relationships and biogeochemical cycles. Through self study of papers we develop insight into the relevant ecological theory from practice of ecological research or applications such as in nature management, fisheries, aquaculture.
3. The third and last part deals with the processes of (particularly angiosperm) plant life: partially aspects which were introduced earlier (water relations, nutrient uptake, membrane transport, phloem transport), partially as a basis for possible later courses (growth, regulation, phytohormones, molecular microbial interactions). A theoretical approach is coupled to clear examples, illustrating a plant's relation to its environment (saline areas, acid soils, high mountains). Agronomical implications are part of the course. In this part contents are differentiated for biology, bio-engineering and geography students. For geography students a separate content is presented, highlighting evolutionary, biochemical and molecular aspects of biology. Geography students get a concise introduction into molecular processes, photosynthesis and genetics, where each time, relevance of biological processes for geography is indicated (climate, production, human geography).
Morphology/anatomy of plants do not constitute a separate chapter, but they are treated functionally throughout the course, making use of the knowledge acquired during the first year.
In each topic the original methodology (e.g. the Münch model for phloem transport) as well as more recent developments (e.g. transgenic plants for the problem of apo/symplast phloem loading, electrophysiology) are considered an important part of the learning, particularly if new theoretical developments emerged. It is also intended to understand the construction of scientific knowledge (epistemology).
A first set of practicals (for all orientations) illustrate the taxonomy of (particularly angiosperm) plants, protists and fungi. Molecular phylogeny of angiosperms against the background of other commonly used phylogenies (which are frequently the basis of floras) are amply discussed. Adaptations of plants, relations to herbivores and phytopathogens, pollination, dispersal can be dealt with.
Another series of practicals (for biology and bio-engineering students) allow the students a closer and autonomous look (groups of 2-5) at some of the physiological processes and phenomena discussed.
A working practical is devoted to economically important tropical and subtropical plants, in the collections (greenhouses) of the Botanical Garden.
The student herbarium is an integrated exercise intended to develop much insight into morphology and ecology of vascular plants, on basis of a careful collection of a selected and limited number of species. Insight is generated through the combination of literature with observation of living material and its environment. Economic applicability in the past and the present remains a core topic. The herbarium is not a mere (random) collection of plants.
Biology and geography students will get acquainted with Belgium’s phytogeographical districts / ecoregions through 1 day excursions, characteristic flora and vegetation types.
Previous knowledge
General biology. For students Geography the background knowledge will be dealt with specifically.
Study Material
The figures shown during the lectures are available through PointCarré.
The textbook offering the background information for the taxonomy – phylogeny part of the course is Evert & Eichhorn (2013). Purchase is strongly advised because of the general usefulness of the book.
No textbook is required for the ecology sessions (articles to be read are available through PointCarré). The book by Begon et al. (2005) may however certainly prove useful. Purchase is not required.
For physiology Taiz et al. (2015) is an important supporting text. Purchase is strongly advised.
The flora of Belgium and adjacent regions (Dutch or French) is essential for practicals, excursions, herbarium and examination. A thoroughly reviewed edition is expected.
Textbook for taxonomy / phylogeny (partim):
Evert R E & Eichhorn S E 2013 Raven - Biology of plants. 8th ed. W. H. Freeman & Company, Palgrave MacMillan, New York. ISBN 9781429219617;
Textbook for ecology (partim):
Begon M, Townsend C R & Harper J L 2005 Ecology. From individuals to ecosystems. Blackwell Scientific Publications. ISBN 9781405111171, ISBN-10 1405111178.
Textbook for plant physiology (partim):
Taiz L, Zeiger E, Møller I & Murphy A 2015 Plant physiology, 6th ed. Sinauer associates, Sunderland, Massachusetts. ISBN 9781605352558.
Flora:
Lambinon J, De Langhe J-E, Delvosalle L & Duvigneaud J 1998 Flora van België, het Groothertogdom Luxemburg, Noord-Frankrijk en de aangrenzende gebieden, Uitgave Nationale Plantentuin België (unchanged reprint 2012, or earlier prints acceptable).
Additional Information
Exceptionally the excursions could take place on Saturdays if no other solution is possible.
The objective of this course is to have a student acquire:
1. a conceptual and practical scheme for the phylogeny and taxonomy of plants, protists and fungi, including knowledge of the ecological and economical role of a number of important representative taxa, which receives much attention;
2. tools to analyze an ecosystem and to understand trophic/energetic relations between its elements. Difficulties in establishing ecological theory are discussed;
3. insight into the functioning of a plant. He or she must be able to analyse and understand a physio-ecological phenomenon in the light of its biochemical and/or thermodynamic basis, if known. The experimental approach which has led to this insight is part of the learning.
For the different variants of this course (Biology, Bio-engineering resp. Geography) the emphasis will be different in the above disciplines. This is in agreement with the objectives of the respective study programmes.
The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Oral Exam determines 50% of the final mark.
PRAC Practical Assignment determines 50% of the final mark.
Within the Oral Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
Within the PRAC Practical Assignment category, the following assignments need to be completed:
Oral examination. There are two parts in the oral examination, one corresponding to the taught courses (HOC) about all course aspects, another regarding practicals (taxonomy, phylogeny). These take place in the morning resp. afternoon or vice versa. Both parts of the oral examination are preceded by written preparation. The practical examination is based on identification, knowledge of taxonomy and phylogeny and the herbarium of each resp. student. Correct use of terminology taught during the practicals and from accompanying material is required. The herbarium and accompanying documents are submitted in May.
Examples of examination questions :
What is the gradient in water potential in a soil plant atmosphere continuum ? Please explain using the equations for water potential.
What is the significance of capillarity in plant water relations ? Prove your view formally.
Discuss the phylogenetic position, the structure and anatomy, the reproductive cycle and possibly the ecological and economical importance of (representatives) of taxon Y.
What is the meaning of alternative stable states and what could possibly determine stability ?
During a practical exercise examination (simultaneous) a number of angiosperms must be identified and placed in a phylogenetic context. Also, economically important relatives must be indicated.
A herbarium with accompanying and explanatory text about a selection of plants is part of the assessment (submission in May).
The final mark is computed with the following proportions : For biology and bio-engineering students: examination about the lectures 50%, practical examination 40% (incl. herbarium quotation), practical reporting 10%. For geography students: examination about the lectures 50%, practical examination 50% (incl. herbarium quotation). For each element the student must obtain > 8/20, otherwise the lowest mark obtained is overriding.
This offer is part of the following study plans:
Bachelor of Bioengineering Sciences: Profile Cell and Gene Biotechnology (only offered in Dutch)
Bachelor of Bioengineering Sciences: Profile Chemistry and Bioprocess Technology (only offered in Dutch)
Bachelor of Bioengineering Sciences: Initial track (only offered in Dutch)