BIS-20306 Biosystematics and Biodiversity

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Studiepunten 6.00

Language of instruction:

Dutch or English

Assumed knowledge on:

Dutch Flora and Fauna (BIS-10306), Genetics (GEN-10306) and Ecology (NCP-10306)

Contents:

The six weeks of the course are arranged in three sets of two weeks. The first deals with the basics of (bio)systematics and the analysis of datasets, the second is on the utility of molecular data, and the third is about fundamental and functional aspects of biodiversity. The course highlights the basic concepts of the taxonomy of plants and animals (a.o. species definitions, speciation modes, principles of classification, methods of analysis) and of the field of biodiversity (a.o. definition(s) of biodiversity, methods to quantify biodiversity, changes in biodiversity in time and space, functional aspects of biodiversity).

Aims:

To familiarize the students with the fundamental theoretical aspects of biosystematics and biodiversity research, with the application of computer programs to analyze datasets and produce phylogenies and classifications, with the interpretation of the contribution of molecular data to evolutionary research, and with the fundamental and functional aspects of biodiversity. Students are trained to critically read and evaluate scientific papers.

Activities:

After an introductory week there is a practical on the analysis of datasets, where the students will make a number of assignments, both using computer programs and pen & pencil. During the other weeks assignments are put to the student, covering a part of the material each week. Each assignment consists of an introduction to the subject and a number of partial questions to which the student should actively try to find the answers using several sources (literature and websites). At the end of each week a report session will be held where the answers to the partial questions are discussed.

Examination:

The exam will consist of 6 x 10 multiple choice questions, one set of questions for each week (including the practical). A mark lower than 4.6 for a week cannot be compensated by the marks of other weeks.

Literature:

A syllabus, including the manual for the practical and most of the literature, will be sold at the start of the course. A Quickplace site will be available where the information of the syllabus, lists of websites, pdf's of relevant literature, zip files of software, etc. can be found.