Freshwater biodiversity
After the course you will be able to identify and name the majority of animals and plants found in Swedish freshwater, such as mussels, frogs, phytoplankton and aquatic plants. You will be able to use identification guides to identify different species, and you will have knowledge of how to identify species using advanced DNA analysis.
You will also gain ecological knowledge, for example an awareness of the types of environment in which different species thrive, as well as which species are advantaged or disadvantaged by various changes in the environment. We will, as much as is possible, visit different aquatic habitats to collect animals and plants ourselves, and practice hands-on species identification with the help of experts. The theory lessons will include group discussions combined with exercises, to ensure both active learning and the chance to develop an expanded network of contacts.
Course evaluation
Additional course evaluations for BI1377
Academic year 2023/2024
Freshwater biodiversity (BI1377-10451)
2023-08-28 - 2023-09-27
Academic year 2022/2023
Freshwater biodiversity (BI1377-10135)
2022-08-29 - 2022-09-28
Academic year 2021/2022
Freshwater biodiversity (BI1377-10310)
2021-08-30 - 2021-09-29
Academic year 2020/2021
Freshwater biodiversity (BI1377-10304)
2020-08-31 - 2020-09-29
Syllabus and other information
Syllabus
BI1377 Freshwater biodiversity, 7.5 Credits
Biologisk mångfald i sötvattenSubjects
Environmental Science Biology Biology Environmental scienceEducation cycle
Bachelor’s levelModules
| Title | Credits | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Single module | 7.5 | 0101 |
Advanced study in the main field
First cycle, has only upper-secondary level entry requirementsBachelor’s level (G1N)
Grading scale
The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.
Language
SwedishPrior knowledge
Knowledge equivalent to general entry requirements and Biology 2Objectives
The course aims to provide knowledge about biodiversity in lakes and rivers, with a focus on taxonomic knowledge and methods for identifying organisms.
After the course the student should:
be able to identify and name the majority of Swedish freshwater species within groups with relatively few species, such as fish, frogs, reptiles and mussels,
be able to identify freshwater organisms to genus or other group affiliation relevant to ecological studies in species-rich organism groups such as vascular plants, bottom fauna, phytoplankton, zooplankton, and algae,
have the skills to use identification literature,
have knowledge of morphological and molecular methods for biodiversity analysis,
have knowledge of how biodiversity data can be used in research and environmental analysis, including how it is used in the European Habitats and Water Directives, and the Invasive Alien Species Regulation
show an understanding of what knowledge is needed to make an expert identification at the species level.
Content
Lectures address the concept of biodiversity, methods for species identification of different organism groups (using morphologically and molecularly based methods) and how biodiversity data are used in research, environmental assessment, nature conservation and water management, including the Habitat and Water Directives, as well as in work with red-listed and invasive species. In exercises, sampling and species identification are practiced using accepted methods adapted for the different organism groups.
Grading form
The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.Formats and requirements for examination
Passed written examination and approved participation in compulsory exercises.
If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.
The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.
If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.
For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.
Other information
The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.
If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.
Responsible department
Department of Aquatic Science and Assessment