Cryptogam identification for conservation ecologists

The course is an elective course within the Bachelor's program in Biology (N1BIO). It is also offered as a standalone course.

The course aims to provide in-depth knowledge of the identification of cryptogams (mosses, lichens, and fungi) that are commonly occurring, ecologically significant, and important for conservation. The course is largely field-based, with a strong emphasis on learning to identify species in their natural habitats. The use of microscopic characteristics for the identification of cryptogams is also introduced. The relationship between species and their habitats is emphasized in various ways throughout the course. The course provides knowledge that can form a foundation for work involving general vegetation descriptions and assessments of conservation value.

Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• Identify commonly occurring cryptogams (mosses, lichens, and fungi) as well as a selection of species considered ecologically or conservationally important based on their role in the ecosystem or their level of threat.
• Describe field characteristics of these species, explain, and provide examples of the relationships between the species and the biotopes, structures, and substrates they utilize. Additionally, the student will be familiar with and able to describe different types of indicator species and their application in conservation work.
• Associate cryptogams with various habitats and recognize certain mosses, lichens, and fungi as indicator species for forest environments.
• Use microscopic characteristics to identify species of mosses, lichens, and fungi.

The course consists of lectures, excursions - including overnight trips outside Gothenburg - and an individual project. The course is conducted during the day and corresponds to full-time studies.

The course is taught in Swedish.

The course is assessed through practical exams, mandatory excursions, and a written assignment as outlined in the course schedule.

Students have the right to request a change of examiner after failing the same examination twice. A request for a change of examiner must be submitted in writing to the department responsible for the course.

If a student who has been failed twice for the same examination element wishes to change examiner before the next examination session, such a request is to be granted unless there are specific reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 HF).

If a student has received a certificate of disability study support from the University of Gothenburg with a recommendation of adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment, an examiner may decide, if this is consistent with the course’s intended learning outcomes and provided that no unreasonable resources would be needed, to grant the student adapted examination and/or adapted forms of assessment.

If a course has been discontinued or undergone major changes, the student must be offered at least two examination sessions in addition to ordinary examination sessions. These sessions are to be spread over a period of at least one year but no more than two years after the course has been discontinued/changed. The same applies to placement and internship (VFU) except that this is restricted to only one further examination session.

If a student has been notified that they fulfil the requirements for being a student at Riksidrottsuniversitetet (RIU student), to combine elite sports activities with studies, the examiner is entitled to decide on adaptation of examinations if this is done in accordance with the Local rules regarding RIU students at the University of Gothenburg.

The grades awarded in the course are Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G), and Fail (U).

To achieve a Pass (G) for the course as a whole, students must participate in the excursions, pass the written assignment, and achieve at least 60% of the total points on each of the practical exams. To achieve Pass with Distinction (VG), the total score on the practical exams must correspond to at least 85%.

The results of and possible changes to the course will be shared with students who participated in the evaluation and students who are starting the course.

Excursions outside Gothenburg may entail certain costs for travel and accommodation for the student.