BI434 Vegetation Ecology

Contents and structure

The course gives a general introduction in relevant theory and methods, e.g. for collecting data, gradient analysis and correlation analyses. This enables the candidates to communicate and understand the distribution of vegetation, regionally and locally. Special emphasis is put on the most important gradients for explaining vegetation variation in different ecosystems in Norway. The course is based on knowledge of the Norwegian flora and important natural cycles, and provides a basis for knowledge-based management of Norwegian nature.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge

• The student has insight in the basic demands of plants.
• The student knows various methods for recording and analysis of vegetation ecological data.
• The student knows which factors that give rise to the regional variation in vegetation in Norway.
• The student knows which factors that give rise to the local variation in vegetation in selected Norwegian ecosystems.
• The student has insight in the nature classification systemNature in Norway(NiN - newest version).

Skills

• The student master relevant tools for analysing data; e.g., the statistical analysis program R.

General competence

• The student has insight in relevant vegetation ecological topics The candidate is able to plan and carry out simple vegetation ecological investigations The candidate can communicate central issues, both orally and written.

Entry requirements

None

Recommended previous knowledge

BI-424 Botany and BI445 General ecology. Basic knowledge in statistics is recommended.

Teaching methods

Lectures, group work and field excursions

Compulsory learning activities

Approved individual (two) and group presentations (one), oral and written, and participation in mandatory excursions (usually five days).

Assessment

Written examination under supervision, 4 hours.

Grading: A-F.

Examination support material

None

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