BENA2021 Introduction to biota and field inventory (4 cr)

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Study level:

Intermediate studies

Grading scale:

Pass - fail

Language:

Finnish

Responsible organisation:

Department of Biological and Environmental Science

Curriculum periods:

2017-2018, 2018-2019, 2019-2020

Description

Content

The course focuses on the need, objectives and the basics for the identification of organisms by lectures, e-learning and laboratory exercises. Basic morphological characteristics of plants, invertebrates and vertebrates needed in the identification are studied during the course. Parasites of vertebrate animals and their life cycles are also studied. Organisms are identified in practice and the use of genetic material in identification of organisms is demonstrated. Focus is on the phrasing of questions for field surveys and sampling, planning and methods, as well as on the exploitation of results. Main sampling methods used in field inventories and utilization of GIS information are learnt during the course.

Completion methods

Compulsory attendance at the classes, accepted assignments, exam.

Assessment details

Assignments 50%, final exam 50%.

Learning outcomes

After the course the student is able to describe the basis for the classification of living organisms and the importance of the classification. He/She is able to explain the concept of species and the associated constraints. The student is able to identify and name the most important domestic organism groups, and a few examples of the species. He/She is able to find and recognize the most important morphological features in the individuals and to utilize these features in the identification of organisms. He/She is also able to describe what are the opportunities and the importance of genetic material in the identification and classification of organisms. In addition, the student is able to handle organism samples, as well as to use a microscope and identification keys in practical identification work.
In addition, the student can plan - under supervision - a field inventory project stemming from inventory needs. Based on the inventory question, the student is able to plan what and how can be inventoried reliably and reproducibly, and to assess the reliability of inventory data. He/She can tell the main sampling methods and associated uncertainties.

Description of prerequisites

BENP1001, BENP1002 and BENP1004 OR BIOP301, 302 and 304.

Completion methods

Method 1

Select all marked parts

Parts of the completion methods

Unpublished assessment item