BI1357, Insect Diversity and Conservation, 7.5 Hp
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Syllabus

Finalized by: PN-NJ, 2022-11-16
Valid from : Autumn semester 2023 (2023-08-28)

Level

First cycle (G1F)

Main field of study

Biology

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.

Course language

Swedish

Entry Requirements

Objectives

The aim is to provide the students with knowledge useful in professional work with insects in nature conservation. The focus is on practical aspects such as survey methods, field knowledge about insects and their habitats, species identification, and report writing, but the course also include theory about the diversity of insects, its importance and conservation.

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• with the aid of identification keys, determine any Swedish insect to family and for certain specific groups, also to species.
• identify terrestrial habitats that are particularly valuable for the insect fauna in Sweden.
• for these habitats, give examples of ecological and taxonomic groups of insects that are of conservation concern because they are threatened or perform important ecosystem services, and for these suggest appropriate inventory methods and conservation measures.
• draw conclusions and assess uncertainties from conservation-oriented insect surveys
• plan, conduct, and report an insect survey

Content

The course provides deepened knowledge about insect fauna. The knowledge will beis put in a context of nature conservation context. The capacity for independent work is being developed.

The course includes field excursions, project work, assignments, and seminars. Field excursions focus on insects and their habitats. The assignments and seminars deal with issues related to the diversity and conservation of insects, such as red listing, action plans and the contribution from insects to ecosystem function. A significant part of the course consists of a project work, in which a survey is conducted, collected insects identified, the results analysedare identified and a report written.

The course is given as a distance course. The project work, assignments, active participation in seminars and field excursions, and a written exam are mandatory.

Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course

Passed written exam, approved oral and written presentation of the project work, participation in mandatory course activities, and approved assignments.

Responsible Department/Equivalent

Department of Ecology

Supplementary information

Module set

Title	Credits	Code
Single module	7.5	0201

Other Information

Knowledge equivalent to 1.5 credits in faunistics or entomology and 5 credits ecology is recommended.