BI1361, Urban ecology and plant knowledge, 7.5 Hp
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Syllabus

Finalized by: Programnämnden för utbildning inom landskap och trädgård (PN - LT), 2019-11-27
Valid from : Autumn semester 2020 (2020-08-31)

Level

First cycle (G1F)

Main field of study

Biology, Landscape Architecture

Subject

Biology

Grading Scale

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Course language

Swedish

Entry Requirements

Objectives

The purpose of the course is to provide the student with in-depth knowledge of plants, their conditions and challenges, and their significance for maintaining biodiversity and providing various ecosystem services in urban environments. Furthermore, the student will gain a deeper understanding of the ecological consequences that urbanization and densification of urban environments entail and how to mitigate such effects and thus contribute to a more sustainable society.

On completion of the course, the student should be able to: Knowledge and understanding

• identify a selection of lignoses under different plant conditions and life stages, and identify a number of annuals
• relate the development of plants to different influencing factors
• identify biotic and abiotic damage on plants
• explain basic ecological concepts and their importance for plants in urban environments
• describe different types of ecosystem services
• identify similarities and differences in environmental conditions between natural and urban environments and how such differences affect plants and their functional significance in urban compared to natural environments.
• describe how and under what conditions plants in urban environments contribute to the maintenance of biodiversity and the delivery of ecosystem services.

Competence and skills

• annual plants for a smaller planting with focus on aesthetic aspects -relate connections in natural site preferences of plants to their development in constructed plant beds -propose suitable measures against biotic and abiotic damage to plants -propose measures that promote biodiversity and ecosystem services in urban environments

Judgement and approach -reflect on how landscape engineers can work to strengthen the biodiversity in the city -discuss how landscape engineers in different roles can handle issues related to ecosystem services, climate change, resource management and people’s need for outdoor environments.

Content

During lectures, field trips, through literature studies and in exercises, both individually and in groups, the student will be able to broaden and deepen his/her knowledge of plants in urban environments as well as deepen his/her understanding of what ecosystem services plants can contribute to and how plants in urban environments can contribute to maintain biodiversity and human well-being. During field studies plants are studied during different stages of life and in different contexts to deepen knowledge about how the plant is affected by its habitat and the challenges in the city, how the plant reacts to this and how plants and vegetation can affect the environment. Through lectures, discussions and field trips, the student study the importance of natural and man-made environments for the delivery of various ecosystem services and the maintenance of biodiversity. The student is given knowledge about the implication of loss of natural habitats and the complex of problems of alien species. Annual plants are an important aesthetic element in urban environments, and through lectures and excursions the student is given knowledge about this plant group. The knowledge is then applied by creating a plant proposal for a smaller planting. Through lectures, excursions and individual work, the student is given knowledge about target conflicts and solutions regarding urbanization and conservation and creation of green infrastructure.

Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course

Written examinations, approved assignments and active participation in field trips and seminars. -If the student fails a test, the examiner may give the student a supplementary assignment, provided this is possible and there is reason to do so. -If the student has been granted special educational support because of a disability, the examiner has the right to offer the student an adapted test, or provide an alternative assessment. -If changes are made to this course syllabus, or if the course is closed, SLU shall decide on transitional rules for examination of students admitted under this syllabus but who have not yet passed the course. -For the examination of a degree project (independent project), the examiner may also allow the student to add supplemental information after the deadline. For more information on this, please refer to the regulations for education at Bachelor’s and Master’s level.

Responsible Department/Equivalent

Department of Ecology

Cooperating departments

Department of Urban and Rural Development

Supplementary information

Included in program

• Landskapsingenjörsprogrammet - Uppsala

Module set

Title	Credits	Code
Plant knowledge	3.0	0102
Urban ecology	4.5	0103

Other Information

-The right to take part in teaching and/or supervision only applies to the course date to which the student has been admitted and registered on. -If there are special reasons, the student may take part in course components that require compulsory attendance at a later date. For more information on this, please refer to the regulations for education at Bachelor’s and Master’s level. -Part of the course may be given in English.