BIOF04 Field Faunistics 7.5 credits
Course description
This course focuses on knowledge of species, species identification techniques, and applications of faunistics in conservation work. The course primarily covers insects and birds but also covers a number of other animal taxa. The course builds on first giving a good start using collected material and then gradually moving on to identification in the animals’ natural habitats. When possible, we work with live collection and release.
Throughout the course we will meet specialists focusing on specific animal groups and people who use faunistics in applied conservation. Excursions during the first half of the course will take us to many different habitats that we will survey, both during the day and – weather permitting – during night excursions when looking for nocturnal animals.
The course ends with a 6 day excursion to the island Gotland where we apply the methods and experience gained from the course time in Skåne to a new environment. During the Gotland excursion, you work with a project in which you specialize on an animal group of your own choice. The course is taught using field trips, lectures, group exercises and a specialized project.
Excursions
The course is largely based on field trips. We will switch between days in the field and lab days at home. Gradually, we aim to identify more and more in the field.
Full-day excursions will go to sites such as southwestern Skåne (Skanör-Falsterbo), Stenshuvud, Kåseberga-Hammar area, Fyledalen / Benestad / Sandhammaren. Half-day excursions include short trips to the Sövde area and the Revinge field.
Project
During the Gotland excursion, groups of 1-3 students work on specialized projects. In this work, you study a taxonomic group that you have chosen to explore further. You collect and process data and draw conclusions. The work is presented orally at a small conference at the end of course.
Exam
During the first half of the course we use quizzes to practice the difficult groups. The written exam takes place just before the Gotland excursion and covers knowledge of species and identification skills.
And then ...
This course provides detailed knowledge of faunistic identification techniques, particularly with respect to insects and birds. You also learn a significant number of the region's dominant insect and vertebrate species by heart. The course suits those who want to pursue a research career using animals as study subjects, but is also ideal for those planning a career in education or conservation. It is also suitable for those who are more generally interested in nature and who want to learn more about animals and how to identify them.
Page manager: Inger Ekström
Questions about the website: Web Group
Publisher: Department of Biology
Last modified 1 Feb 2013
Lotta Persmark
Student Advisor
Education office
Phone:
+46462223728
E-mail:
Lotta.Persmark@biol.lu.se
Lars Pettersson
Associate Professor
Biodiversity
Phone:
+46462223818
E-mail:
Lars.Pettersson@biol.lu.se
The course will be given in Swedish during the second half of the summer.