Cryptogams and Nature Conservation
Course description
Join us in the field and discover lichens, mosses, and fungi!
Cryptogams and Nature Conservation is an exciting and well-regarded course that gives you both practical and theoretical knowledge about lichens, mosses, and macrofungi – organisms that play a key role in Swedish nature conservation. You will learn how these species are used as indicators of high conservation value habitats and in environmental monitoring, and you'll encounter red-listed species such as Neckera pennata, Cystostereum murrayi, and Gyalecta ulmi in the field.
The course includes current research, field excursions to species-rich environments, and an individual project on conservation-relevant cryptogams. It is suitable both for those already working in conservation and for anyone wanting to deepen their species knowledge and understanding of applied conservation biology.
Entry Requirements
- 7\.5 credits in Botany and
- 7\.5 credits in Ecology
Course facts
BI1402, Cryptogams and Nature Conservation, 15.0 Hp
Print syllabus
Syllabus
Level
First cycle (G2F)
Main field of study
Biology
Subject
Science
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
English
Entry Requirements
- 7\.5 credits in Botany and
- 7\.5 credits in Ecology
Objectives
Having completed the course the student should be able to:
- describe and explain how cryptogams (fungi, lichens and bryophytes) are used in nature conservation and environmental monitoring;
- describe and explain how cryptogams are affected by agriculture and forestry as well as by various environmental changes as e.g. climate change;
- identify indicator species and red-listed cryptogam species;
- plan, perform and evaluate cryptogam inventories.
Content
At lectures information is given about:
- unique features of cryptogams (lichens, bryophytes, fungi) in comparison to other organism groups;
- external factors affecting cryptogams and potential threats to them,
- cryptogams as indicators of areas with high nature values;
- cryptogams as tools in environmental monitoring;
- the importance of land use to the occurrence of species and habitats;
- methods of documenting the cryptogam flora and the occurrence of individual species within an area;
- management and restoration of cryptogam habitats;
- establishment of reserves and other protective measures. Identification of mainly indicator species and red-listed species is practised at exercises. Species and vegetation types are studied during field work and excursions, which are compulsory. Advancement in selected parts of the course’s topic is in the form of a compulsory project work.
Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course
Passed written or oral examination, approved oral and written presentation of projects as well as participation in compulsory parts of the course.
Responsible Department/Equivalent
Department of Ecology
Supplementary information
Module set
| Title | Credits | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Participation in compulsory parts | 3.0 | 0001 |
| Litterature assignment | 2.0 | 0002 |
| Case study | 2.0 | 0003 |
| Project work | 5.0 | 0004 |
| Written examination | 3.0 | 0005 |
The Course Replaces
BI1321
Other Information
Welcome to the course Cryptogams and Nature Conservation!
We’re delighted that you’ve been admitted to the Cryptogams and Nature Conservation course at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU)! This is a popular and well-regarded course where we’ll explore lichens, mosses, and macrofungi together – and how these organisms are used in practical nature conservation.
Important: If you can’t attend
If you are unable to take the course, please inform the course coordinator Mari Jönsson (mari.jonsson@slu.se) as soon as possible so that we can offer your place to someone on the waiting list. Also remember to decline your place via My pages on antagning.se.
Course overview
The course is delivered at a distance, but includes three in-person meetings (two of which are mandatory), and combines fieldwork, self-study, and project assignments. The course includes:
- Three course meetings/excursions in different parts of Sweden (two mandatory)
- A literature assignment, an individual project, and the task “Sofia’s choice”
- Independent study of course literature
- A take-home exam
Field meetings – discover cryptogams in diverse landscapes
Sweden spans several vegetation zones with widely varying climates and natural conditions. To reflect this ecological diversity, the course meetings are held in different parts of the country:
- September in Uppsala (boreo-nemoral mixed forest zone)
- September in Dalarna (boreal zone)
- March in Skåne (nemoral zone)
Please make sure to plan for the first meeting well in advance and book accommodation. We recommend arriving on Thursday evening. You are responsible for covering your own travel, accommodation, and meals.
If you already know that you will not be able to attend any of the excursions – especially the two mandatory ones – please notify Mari as soon as possible.
More information
Additional details and an invitation to the course’s digital platform will be sent no later than four weeks before the official course start.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Mari:
mari.jonsson@slu.se
+46 (0)70-668 44 00
We look forward to a stimulating and rewarding course together!