Plant Systematics, Morphology and Evolution

Teaching semester

Spring, every second year (odd years).

The registration deadline for enrollment in the course is Thursday in week 2 for the spring semester. You will receive confirmation of whether you received a spot in Studentweb no later than Tuesday the week after the deadline.

The course will not be held unless a minimum of 6 students are enrolled. 

The time of the first lecture/orientation meeting can be found in the schedule on the course website or on the Mitt UiB learning platform.

Objectives and Content

The course will give students an introduction to diversity in vascular plants with emphasis on systematics and evolution. Revision of evolutionary kinship and morphological characteristics of the most important vascular plant groups including cultivated crops.There will be special emphasis on crops. Students will gain practical experience in basic molecular and phylogenetic methods.

Learning Outcomes

After completing the course the students will:
* Understand and describe plant diversity, evolution, classification and distribution.
* Understand and describe plant morphology from an evolutionary and systematic perspective.
* Recognize and name a selection of families and important plant groups.
* Perform molecular systematic work and easier phylogenetic analysis.
* Perform botanical fieldwork and collection of material.

Recommended Previous Knowledge

Compulsory subjects of bachelor's in biology

Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

Laboratary exerercises (morphology and molecular), oral presentation and field trips, inclusive data collecting.

Forms of Assessment

Portfolio assessment. The following are included in the portfolio:

1. Approved lab journals.
2. Approved projectwork
3. Presentation of vascular plant ggroups
4. Litteraturequiz
   

Each part counts 25%.

Grading Scale

The grading scale used is A to F. Grade A is the highest passing grade in the grading scale, grade F is a fail.

Assessment Semester

Spring

Course Evaluation

Students will evaluate the course in accordance with the quality assurance system at UiB and the Department. You can find courseevaluations in the Quality Assurance Reports.