Duration
14h Th, 16h Pr
Number of credits
| Bachelor in bioengineering | 3 crédits |
Lecturer
Language(s) of instruction
French language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the second semester
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
Diversity and evolution of the major plant lineages from a functional and comparative perspective.
Aquatic origins of plants and diversity of life cycles in algae.
Transition from aquatic to terrestrial environments and associated evolutionary innovations.
Bryophytes: organisation, life cycle, and reproductive strategies.
Pteridophytes: vascularisation, evolution of the sporophyte, and diversification of vegetative structures.
Transition from spores to seeds and evolution of reproductive structures.
Gymnosperms: adaptations to terrestrial life, reproduction, and diversification.
Angiosperms: flowers, fruits, double fertilisation, and diversification of pollination strategies.
Sexual and clonal reproduction and evolution of reproductive and dispersal strategies.
Symbioses, coevolution, and long-term interactions between plants and other organisms.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
By the end of the course unit, students will be able to:
1. Place the major plant lineages in an evolutionary context and identify their main characteristics.
2. Describe and compare the major types of life cycles found in plants.
3. Explain the main constraints associated with the transition from aquatic to terrestrial environments and the evolutionary innovations associated with this transition.
4. Compare the organisation and life cycles of algae, Bryophytes, Pteridophytes, Gymnosperms, and Angiosperms.
5. Explain the evolution of vegetative structures, including the emergence of vascular tissues, leaves, and secondary growth.
6. Explain the major stages in the evolution of reproductive structures and strategies, from spores to seeds and subsequently to flowers and fruits.
7. Relate changes in plant life cycles to the evolution of the respective dominance and autonomy of the gametophyte and sporophyte.
8. Compare strategies of sexual reproduction, clonal reproduction, pollination, and dispersal.
9. Explain the role of symbioses and coevolution in plant evolution and diversification.
10. Comparatively analyse plant structures, life cycles, or strategies and interpret them within an evolutionary and functional context.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
None.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
Lectures structured according to the evolutionary progression of the major plant lineages.
Comparative approach linking life cycles, structures, functions, and reproductive strategies.
Analysis of diagrams, life cycles, plant structures, and representative examples from the different lineages.
Practical sessions based on macroscopic and microscopic observation of plant material.
Observation and comparison of algae, Bryophytes, Pteridophytes, Gymnosperms, and Angiosperms.
Practical analysis of reproductive structures, including sporangia, seeds, cones, and flowers.
Observation and interpretation of symbiotic interactions, particularly lichens and mycorrhizae.
Exercises involving the reconstruction and comparison of life cycles and evolutionary strategies.
Integrative practical session mobilising concepts covered throughout the course unit.
Continuous assessment designed to progressively evaluate students' mastery of key concepts and comparative reasoning skills.
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
Face-to-face course
Course materials and recommended or required readings
Platform(s) used for course materials:
- eCampus
Further information:
The following resources are made available to students on the course eCampus platform:
- Slides used during lectures.
- Supporting documents and instructions for practical sessions.
- Course manual and teaching materials.
- Additional resources selected by the instructor to consolidate or further explore specific topics.
Exam(s) in session
Any session
- In-person
written exam
Written work / report
Continuous assessment
Further information:
Exam(s) in session
Any session
- In-person
written exam
Further information:
The assessment of the course unit includes two continuous assessments organised during the semester. Their purpose is to support students' progress, monitor the gradual acquisition of knowledge, and identify any learning difficulties.
The summative assessment during the examination session consists of a written examination covering all course content.
The continuous assessments and written examination may include:
- Short-answer or extended-response theoretical questions assessing students' ability to recall and explain fundamental concepts.
- Multiple-choice questions.
- Exercises, including identification tasks, related to the course content and similar to those carried out during practical sessions.
FIRST EXAMINATION SESSION: Final grade = 10% Continuous Assessment + 10% Practical/Laboratory Work + 50% Theory Examination + 30% Practical Examination
SECOND EXAMINATION SESSION: 10% Practical/Laboratory Work + 60% Theory Examination + 30% Practical Examination*
*The 10% corresponding to the continuous assessment grade will be taken into account for the second examination session if and only if the continuous assessment grade is = 10/20. If the continuous assessment grade is < 10/20, it will not be taken into account when calculating the grade for the August examination session. In that case, the formula presented above will apply.
No exemptions are carried over from one academic year to the next. Students retaking the course unit are required to participate in all learning activities and complete all scheduled assessments under the same conditions as students taking the course unit for the first time.
Work placement(s)
None.
Organisational remarks and main changes to the course
None.
Contacts
Pr Pierre Delaplace (pierre.delaplace@uliege.be)
Association of one or more MOOCs
There is no MOOC associated with this course.