Course - Biosystematics and biodiversity in space and time - BI2001
Biosystematics and biodiversity in space and time
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About the course
Course content
The course aims to be a meeting-point for biosystematics, ecology, evolution, geology and geography. The course gives a broad introduction to fundamental processes shaping the Earth's biodiversity in space and time, and how these processes contribute to the problems and solutions of the contemporary biodiversity challenges of the anthropocene. The course introduces state-of-the-art methods, data types and tools in observing, systematizing, understanding, and mapping biodiversity such as environmental DNA (eDNA) and metabarcoding, phylogenetic analyses, use of geographical information systems (GIS) in a biodiversity context and national and global species databases. Theory and applications are exemplified through case studies at various taxonomic levels (species, genera, families, etc.) and time scales (e.g. decades, millenia, geological epochs). Practical exercises will provide an insight into analytical tools and methods.
Learning outcome
Knowledge. After completion of the course, the candidate should have:
- Understanding of the connection between Earth's development, biological evolution, biotic distributions, and biodiversity
- Insight into central methods and tools of biosystematics and biodiversity mapping and understand key terms used in this type of analysis
Skills. After completion of the course, the candidate should understand, interpret and evaluate results from various tools and methods for biosystematic analysis and biodiversity mapping
General competence. After completion of the course, the candidate should understand the fundamental processes shaping the Earth's biodiversity in space and time, as well as how these contribute to finding solutions to contemporary challenges facing biodiversity in the Anthropocene.
Learning methods and activities
Lectures (34 hours) and practicals (8 hours) are held throughout the semester. It is expected that the students contribute actively in the lectures. Written reports (4 in total) from all practicals are mandatory.
Compulsory assignments
- Reports
Further on evaluation
The reports account for 25% of the final grade. The final written exam counts for 75% of the final grade. The reports cannot be revised after they have been submitted.
In the case of 'fail' or 'retake' a final written examination is held during the exam period each semester. The reports can only be retaken in semesters where the course is taught.
The written exam can be changed to an oral exam in the semester when the course is not taught.
Recommended previous knowledge
The course builds upon knowledge of flora and fauna, ecology, and evolutionary biology. For the benefit of students outside the Biology bachelor, the course will give an introduction of some of the central basic concepts.
Required previous knowledge
None
Course materials
One main textbook is used in addition to hand-outs. The students purchase their own textbooks.
Credit reductions
| Course code | Reduction | From |
|---|---|---|
| BI2000 | 3.7 sp | Autumn 2008 |
| BI2031 | 3.7 sp | Autumn 2008 |
Subject areas
- Ethology
- Biodiversity
- Biology
- Geography
- Geography
- Geology
- Ecology