BIS-30306 Advanced Biosystematics

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

Basic concepts of the taxonomy and systematics of plants and animals, as treated in the course Evolution and Systematics (GEN-11306)

Contents:

The course treats the theoretical background and practical problems of modern biosystematic research, elaborating and extending on the course Evolution and Systematics (GEN-11306). Subjects include: species concept and speciation modes, botanical and zoological nomenclature, phenetic and phylogenetic approaches to reconstructing evolutionary relationships and producing classifications, molecular systematics, biogeography, and biodiversity assessment.

Learning outcomes:

The student is expected to be able to:
- demonstrate knowledge on the current state of systematic research, its problems and possibilities;
- demonstrate understanding of the principles of plant and animal nomenclature;
- critically discuss the relevance of the most important species concepts to the systematic science;
- conduct a small scale taxonomic research project using collections of preserved plants or animals;
- apply computer programs for the phenetic and cladistic analysis of (molecular) datasets;
- apply the knowledge obtained on the subject matter of a number of the offered modules (micro-evolutionary processes, taxonomy of cultivated plants, historical biogeography and biodiversity assessment, to be chosen by the student).

Activities:

Attending lectures on a range of theoretical topics and studying literature. Conducting a small scale taxonomic research project using preserved plant or animal collections. Practicing the application of computer programs for the phenetic and phylogenetic analysis of datasets. Participating in selected modules on specific subjects.

Examination:

Written examination with open questions on the treated subjects, reports on the research project and the selected modules, and an oral presentation on the results of the molecular systematics module.

Literature:

Course materials will be handed out at the beginning of the course.