Course code: BIO-8004

Biosystematic Methods and Biodiversity

Campus
Semester / Year Spring 2014
Credits 5

About the course

Theoretical or practical

The content of the course will alternate among years. Some years it will be a field course with focus on species identification in different taxonomical groups as well as methods of species collection and conservation for taxonomic research. In other years, it will be a theoretical course focusing on morphological, molecular or statistical methods in biosystematics.

Objectives of the course

To provide a deeper understanding of species, species evolution and species diversity.

Teaching methods

The students read literature before the start of the teaching. Teaching is given as an intensive course period. Self studies are also required after the intensive course period. When organized as a field course, the teaching will be during fieldwork, practical identification of organisms in the laboratory, as well as lectures on the taxonomic groups (6-8 days). When organised as a theoretical course, the lectures and seminars will be supplemented by discussions on recent papers or book chapters and practical computer exercises (in total 50-70 hrs). Total workload (incl. self studies) is estimated to 125 hrs.

Language of instruction and examination

English

Recommended reading/syllabus

Prepare by reading course literature (about 200 pages). For the written exam, additional literature must be used for writing a scientific report.

Assessment

Written home exam. Graded with Pass/Fail. There will not be arranged a re-sit exam for this course.

Error rendering component

Previous years and semesters

Contact us

Responsible unit: Department of Arctic and Marine Biology