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

5 / 4 / 3 / U

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.

•  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.

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.

• 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.