Course Objectives

The students will receive an introduction to evolution and systematics. They will gain an understanding of common plant species, their distribution and importance in nature through excursions and laboratory exercises.

Course Description

Central topics:

* Imporant scientists in a historical context

* Evolution: Darwin, natural selection, genetic drift, Hardy-Weinberg’s law, the evolution of species, phylogeny, systematics.

* Photosynthesis and cellular respiration.

* Distribution, health consequences and human use of different microorganisms (protists)

* Generation alternation, life cycles, morphology, growth, structure, reproduction, systematics of bacteria, algae, protozoans and higher plants.

Learning Methods

39 hours of lectures and a 30-hour obligatory laboratory course. To have the laboratory course approved, the students must participate in at least 8 of the 10 laboratory exercises. 200 common plant types found in Norway will be studied. Some of the exercises are field trips to familiarise the students with various plant species. There will be an individual test on plant species, in which the student’s understanding of the syllabus species will be tested. The students will be allowed to use approved aids during the examination.

Assessment Methods

Grades will be given for three examinations: the species test will count for 20%, a multiple-choice test will count for 20% and a individual final 3-hour written examination will count for 60% of the final grade. The laboratory course must be approved before the student may sit the species test. All three examinations must receive passing marks in order for the student to receive a final grade for the course.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean