Northern Biodiversity Hotspots: Field course in identification and taxonomy of vascular plants

Master course for biology students.

The course can be taken as a singular course.

Teaching will start in the beginning of August and students needs to register in Studentweb before the 28th of July.

Students will gain knowledge about a northern biodiversity hotspot, the vascular plants that can be found in the area with focus in rare and threatened species, and their identification.

This is an intensive field course that is extending over one week. The course comprises daily field excursions and collection of plants for the laboratory work and the practice of using dichotomous keys for identifying vascular plants. The lab work includes preparation and mounting of the specimens for preservation in herbarium collections. The field course is preceded by a self-study period where students read about the field course area and why it sustains high plant diversity, its vegetation, flora and how the plants can be identified using morphological characters. In addition to reading, students are expected to work in small groups and prepare a student-led seminar on a given topic.

Local admission, application code 9371 - Master's level singular course.

Admission requires a Bachelor`s degree (180 ECTS) or equivalent qualification, with a major in biology of minimum 80 ECTS.

Knowledge of identifying living organisms by use of a dichotomous key and morphological characters used in identifying vascular plants are recommended.

After completing the course the student:

will have knowledge of

• morphological characteristics of plants used in their identification

• limitations of morphology in identifying plants.

• the environmental factors that contribute to increased terrestrial plant diversity and richness in the north

will possess skills in how to

• identify vascular plants using identification keys

• identify valuable habitats with rare and threatened species

will have increased general competence in

• being out in the field

• working in a group with international people

• preparing a seminar presentation

If you pass the examination in this course, you will get an reduction in credits (as stated below), if you previously have passed the following courses:

• BIO-8024 Northern Biodiversity Hotspots: Field course in identification and taxonomy of vascular plants 5 ects

In total 150 hours consisting of:

30h fieldwork + 25h laboratory work, + 10h lectures and seminars + 80h for pre-course self-study individually and in groups + 5 hours for oral examination during the field course.

Students should read provided materials during the pre-course individual study period and participate in the group work presented in a student-led seminar during the field course. Additionally, students should participate actively during field excursions, seminars and laboratory work.

Safety training will be provided on site before field excursions and laboratory work.

Language of instruction and examination

More info about the coursework requirements

Participation in preparing and presenting results of a group work in a student-led seminar during the field course.

Approved work requirements are valid for three years.

More info about the oral exam

Re-sit examination