Aims

The course provides knowledge about common animals and plants in the Nordic fauna and flora and of their occurrence in natural ecosystems. The course will give training in species identification.

Content

Knowledge of families, genera and species of vertebrates, insects and some other invertebrates, higher plants, mosses and lichens with examples on autecology, reproductive strategies (pollination, dispersal etc.) and behaviour. Some knowledge of morphology as a base for use of floras and faunas. Methods for collection and conservation of plants and animals. Demonstration of plant and animal communities with examples on how they are affected by man.

Instruction

The course contains field and museum studies with connected lectures and seminars as well as practice in using classification literature. Several types of ecosystems are covered. Summer course (June or July/August).

Assessment

Examination of flora and fauna parts are separated. Approved field and museums studies as well as theoretical and practical parts are required for passed course.