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

Intensive course extending over one week.

PhD students at UiT apply for a seat by registering for classes in StudentWeb before 28th of July. The registration starts 15th of May.

Other applicants apply for admission through SøknadsWeb before 1st of June. Application code 9301. For applicants who are granted a seat, a study right will be created, and these applicants must register for classes in StudentWeb before 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.

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

• 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

• coordinating preparation of a seminar presentation

• giving a student-led seminar presentation

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.