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

Intensive course extending over one week.

PhD candidates apply for a seat by contacting course responsible, Galina Gusarova, before June 8th (due to planning of logistics). PhD candidates that are granted seats on the course can continue to apply formally:

• PhD candidates at UiT register in Studentweb before course starts
• PhD candidates outside of UiT apply for a singular course between July 20th and August 9th and register in Studentweb after acceptance.

Maximum number of students: 15 (PhD and master).

Biodiversity loss, often referred to as biodiversity crisis, is a global environmental problem causing international concern and demanding urgent counteracting measures. Biodiversity is commonly defined in terms of a number of species present in a particular environment, or in total in the world. This makes species not only one of the fundamental biological concepts but also a focus of global conservation efforts. That is why practical experience with morphology-based species identification is in high demand in both basic and applied biological research.

During the year 2026 we offer plant identification course "Flora of Skibotn and surroundings" which will take place 10-14 August 2026 at the Skibotn field station, Troms, Norway. Skibotn area has a remarkably high vascular plant species number for such northern latitudes (68-69 degrees N) challenging the general concept that species richness decreases as latitude increases. Daily excursions to both lowland and mountain habitats will be combined with practical work in the class to identify the collected materials using the identification keys and learn diagnostic characters of plant taxa. The field course is preceded by a self-study period where students read about main groups of vascular plants and prepare a lecture to be given during the course.

The course is run with financial support from the national graduate school Photosyntech in collaboration with ForBio - Research school in Biosystematics.

See additional information about course registration on Photosyntech:

Field course: northern biodiversity hotspots, flora of Skibotn and surroundings - Photosyntech

and ForBio webpages:

https://www.forbio.uio.no/events/courses/2026/Skibotn_field_course2026.html

ForBio members that are MSc-, PhD-students or PostDocs in Norway can have their travel and living costs at the Skibotn research station covered.

Who can apply as a singular course student:

• PhD student enrolled at another institution than UiT. PhD students must upload a document from their university stating that there are registered PhD students. This group of applicants does not have to prove English proficiency and are exempt from semester fee.
• Holders of a master´s degree of five years or 3+2 years (or equivalent) may be admitted. These applicants must upload a Master´s Diploma with Diploma Supplement / English translation of the diploma. Applicants from listed countries must document proficiency in English. To find out if this applies to you, see the following list: Proficiency in English must be documented - list of countries. For more information on accepted English proficiency tests and scores, as well as exemptions from the English proficiency tests, please see the following document: Proficiency in english - PhD level studies

After completing the course the student:

will have knowledge of

• the vascular plants that can be found in the area with focus in rare and threatened species, and their identification.
• 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
• giving a 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-3024 Northern Biodiversity Hotspots: Field course in identification and taxonomy of vascular plants 5 ects
• BIO-8001 Northern Biodiversity Hotspots: field courses in Skibotn 2 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, coordinate and lead a 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

Schedule

More info about the coursework requirements

Coordinating and leading a group work presentation in a student-led seminar during the field course is a work requirement.

Approved work requirements are valid for three years.

More info about the oral exam

Re-sit examination