The course provides the students with a broad introduction to lichen and bryophyte ecology and floristics. Topics covered in the lectures include morphology and physiology of lichens, lichens and air pollution, old-growth forest lichens, lichens as indicators of snow depth in the mountains, lichens and herbivores, morphology and physiology of bryophytes, bryophytes as indicators of heavy metal pollution, bryophytes in forest, the ecology of peat mosses and endangered bryophytes and lichens. Through lab exercises and excursions the students will acquire knowledge of common species of lichens and bryophytes in Norway: rich bark lichens (from ash, elm, maple, aspen, etc), poor bark lichens (from conifers and birch), a selection of crustose lichens, old-growth forest lichens, bryophytes from base rich forests, bryophytes from oligotrophic forests, peat mosses and liverworts. The course also includes writing of a semester assignment (group working with 3-4 students) with collection and identification of collected material, analyses of data and report writing. 

Lectures (1 hour per week) give a theoretical introduction to lichen and bryophyte ecology, lab exercises (2 hours per week) and excursions (2 per semester) train the students to identify Norwegian bryophytes and macrolichens , and the semester assignment gives the students training in how to write a scientific report. In addition the students are expected to study on their own. 

All teaching material is available on Canvas. During the writing of the semester assignment, the teacher is available for the students in the office.

Floras, lecture notes and other material available on Canvas. 

BOT100

First lecture and participation in at least 8 of 10 lab classes.

Portfolio assessment consisting of three parts: A species identification test with the use of floras (accounts for 40%). Together with this test, there will be some theoretical questions without access to literature (20%) The written semester assignment accounts for 40%. It is not necessary that the student passes all tests in the course in order to pass the entire course. A passing grade is based on the overall quality of the entire evaluated material.  

Lectures: 12 hours. Laboratory exercises: 20 hours. Excursions: 8 hours. Semester assignment: 60 hours. Additional individual study: 30 hours.

Minimum requirements for entrance to higher education in Norway ("generell studiekompetanse")

Lectures: 12 hours. Laboratory exercises: 20 hours. Excursions: 8 hours.

The course is especially suitable for the Master"s programmes in natural resource management, forestry, and ecology, but all students with an interest in biology and/or environmental pollution are welcome. 

An external examiner will evaluate the term paper and the floristic exams with additional theoretical questions.