Introduction of Urban ecosystems
Trees and urban environment: different typologies of green areas
Intrinsic and extrinsic factor of the planting site. Models of sustainable development
Textbooks: Handouts material
Essential papers and book chapters will constitute the course textbook. Further literature will be recommended during the course in connection with specific themes
Learning Objectives
Knowledge acquired:
- Definition of Urban ecosystem
- Roles and functions of the urban vegetation
- Knowledge of the intrinsic and extrinsic problem in the urban areas and how to face them;
- In-depth knowledge of urban and periurban environment in the International context;
- To assess and interpret land use problems and socio-economic conditions when designing different green areas management practices
- Selection of woody species for the green areas in the city of the future
Competence acquired (at the end of the course):
- Competences acquired will be on the main “environmental” use of the tree.
- Management of trees and shrubs and knowledge of the ecological, cultural, sociological and technical background
- demonstrate an understanding of the multiple-use green areas;
- discuss the benefits and hazards Urban and Periurban green areas;
- to discuss the influences of trees on the urban environment and their role in periurban areas and describe the management techniques used to maintain a healthy tree population;
• to identify a range of trees, shrubs and other plants for use in environmental planning and management and carry out some of the basic establishment/maintenance techniques required by these plants;
• to demonstrate a professional approach to the subject, including time management, critical observation and innovative thinking;
- Ornamental plants identification, knowledge of planting and management techniques
Skills acquired (at the end of the course):
Students will be able to recognise the main environmental functions of a tree and to identify woody ornamental species, to know their typical features and how to use them correctly in landscape planning from an aesthetic, ecological and technical point of view
Prerequisites
Students are expected to be familiar with the principles and terminology of biology and with the morphology, anatomy, and physiology of plants.
Courses required:
Courses recommended: Vegetal biology, Green areas planning and management, Agronomy.
Teaching Methods
CFU: 9
Total hours of the course (including classes, laboratory, seminars, study, examinations, etc...): 75
Hours reserved to personal study and other indivual formative activities: 51
Contact hours for: Lectures (hours): 16
Contact hours for: Laboratory/field practice (hours): 8
Seminars (hours): 0-6
Stages: 0
Intermediate examinations: 0
Further information
Frequency of lectures, practice and lab, although non compulsory, but warmly recommended.
Type of Assessment
During the lessons frequent discussions and in-depth examination on the subjects of the course will be performed. At the end of the course an oral examination will be done to test the knowledge acquired
Course program
• Definition of Urban Ecosystem
• Definition of Green infrastructures
• Roles and functions of urban green ecosystems
• Green areas typologies. Site analysis and stresses in the urban stand.
• Trees and the urban environment.
• Intrinsic and extrinsic factors which affect tree growth in the urban environment
• Selection criteria for tree in the urban and periurban environments given differences in urban sites (infrastructure, climate, soils etc), species attributes, management requirements and climate change