BI1461, Plants functionality for mitigating effects from climate change in a community planning perspective, 15.0 Hp
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Syllabus

Finalized by: Programnämnden för utbildning inom landskap och trädgård, 2024-10-23
Valid from : Spring semester 2026 (2026-01-19)

Level

First cycle (G1N)

Main field of study

Biology

Subject

Science

Biology Area

Other biology courses

Grading Scale

Pass / Fail

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 an overview of plant functionality and how we from a system perspective can use plants to meet societal challenges today and in the future. The focus is on sustainability and climate impact from a community planning perspective. On the course, the student will, based on previous experiences and new knowledge, work with current problem challenges to be given an understanding of the possibilities around plant use and train in critical and creative approaches.

After completing the course, the student is expected to be able to

• describe the most common types of plant use in different environments and situations and how it affects society, the landscape and the climate.

• describe how plants through their functions can contribute to a sustainable society and to mitigate effects from climate change.

• analyze plant-based solutions and provide suggestions for plant use that can drive sustainable technical, social and economic development.

Content

The course deals with plant functions with plant species knowledge and characteristics, the social and economic importance of plants, the aesthetics and intrinsic values of plants, the impact of the environment on plants and the environmental impact of plants. Furthermore, the course deals with different landscape elements such as forests, fields, vegetation in cities, plants by water, and meadows and other culturally influenced areas. We look at how different landscape elements can be used to achieve sustainable community planning and to highlight opportunities, challenges and limitations in plant use. The perspectives revolve around production, recreation, ecosystem services, technical solutions, biodiversity and climate. The course also highlights concrete challenges and issues together with various toolboxes and solutions to achieve a bio-based economy. It also addresses important societal actors and how we as a society can drive a green transition to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change.

The course includes digital remote lectures and literature studies, along with mandatory on-site meetings for exercises and discussions. At the end of the course, the student will have written assignment that will be presented orally followed by discussions in class.

Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course

Approved participation in compulsory parts and approved assignments.

•  If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.
• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.
• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.
• For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Responsible Department/Equivalent

Department of Plant Breeding

Supplementary information

Module set

Title	Credits	Code
Quiz in Canvas	3.0	0001
Seminar in zoom	4.0	0002
Written assignment, oral presentation in zoom and opposition	8.0	0003

The Course Replaces

BI1423

Other Information

Distance course with one compulsory 2-days meeting at SLU in Alnarp, including study visits in Skåne.

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.
• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.