Required in stage
Optional in stage
First term
Second term
Both terms
Not organised
Next year
Alternating years
External
Prerequisites
Taught by
Language of instruction
Duration
Identical coursesDiversity of the Vascular Plants (B-KUL-G0F83A)
This course is taught this academic year, but not next year.Aims
The student understands how knowledge is acquired in the field of plant systematics. The student is able to describe the morphology of a flowering plant scientifically. The student knows the most recent phylogenetic classification of flowering plants. The student is able to position flowering plants in their respective families (this for 100 families) based on observation of characters. The student understands the general economical importance of flowering plants.
Previous knowledge
Basic knowledge of diversity of plants.
Is included in these courses of study
Activities
4.1 ects. Diversity of the Vascular Plants (B-KUL-G0F83a)
Content
In this advanced course, the systematics and phylogeny of vascular plants are studied at the family level. The emphasis is mainly on the main synapomorphies of the major evolutionary lineages of flowering plants and on the understanding of the evolution of the diagnostic features. Besides the evolutionary reconstruction and interpretation of the characteristics used (morphological and molecular characteristics), much attention is also paid to the geographical distribution of the treated taxa.
Because flowering plants make up for more than 95% of all land plants, we discuss in detail 100 angiosperm families with their diagnostic characteristics, geographical distribution and examples of economic crops. In these families the global biodiversity is discussed (so much attention to tropical families) from the phylogenetic framework of the APG II classification. All model plants in flowering plants are also situated and discussed in detail.
0.8 ects. Diversity of the Vascular Plants: Practical Course (B-KUL-G0F84a)
Content
In this advanced course, the systematics and phylogeny of vascular plants are studied at the family level. The emphasis is mainly on the main synapomorphies of the major evolutionary lineages of flowering plants and on the understanding of the evolution of the diagnostic features. Besides the evolution reconstruction and interpretation of the characteristics used (morphological and molecular characteristics), much attention is also paid to the geographical distribution of the treated taxa.
Because flowering plants make up for more than 95% of all land plants, we discuss in detail 100 angiosperm families with their diagnostic characteristics, geographical distribution and examples of economic crops. In these families the global biodiversity is discussed (so much attention to tropical families) from the phylogenetic framework of the APG II classification. All model plants in flowering plants are also situated and discussed in detail.
*
The practicum is given integrated with the lecture, and is always connected to it. During the practicum, students get the opportunity to really get started with the plants that were discussed in class: observing diagnostic characteristics, dissection of flowers, practicing names ... The lecturer providesr living material from local taxa and tropical representatives. We also take a guided tour in the Botanical Garden of Leuven.
Course material
living plant material
loupe, binocular, dissection material
0.8 ects. Diversity of the Vascular Plants: Exercises (B-KUL-G0F85a)
Content
In this advanced course, the systematics and phylogeny of vascular plants are studied at the family level. The emphasis is mainly on the main synapomorphies of the major evolutionary lineages of flowering plants and on the understanding of the evolution of the diagnostic features. Besides the evolution reconstruction and interpretation of the characteristics used (morphological and molecular characteristics), much attention is also paid to the geographical distribution of the treated taxa.
Because flowering plants make up for more than 95% of all land plants, we discuss in detail 100 angiosperm families with their diagnostic characteristics, geographical distribution and examples of economic crops. In these families the global biodiversity is discussed (so much attention to tropical families) from the phylogenetic framework of the APG II classification. All model plants in flowering plants are also situated and discussed in detail.
*
The counseling hours of the seminars are used for working on assignments by the students, for example making a scientific poster about an angiosperm family.
0.3 ects. Diversity of the Vascular Plants: Excursion (B-KUL-G0F86a)
Content
In this advanced course, the systematics and phylogeny of vascular plants are studied at the family level. The emphasis is mainly on the main synapomorphies of the major evolutionary lineages of flowering plants and on the understanding of the evolution of the diagnostic features. Besides the evolution reconstruction and interpretation of the characteristics used (morphological and molecular characteristics), much attention is also paid to the geographical distribution of the treated taxa.
Because flowering plants make up for more than 95% of all land plants, we discuss in detail 100 angiosperm families with their diagnostic characteristics, geographical distribution and examples of economic crops. In these families the global biodiversity is discussed (so much attention to tropical families) from the phylogenetic framework of the APG II classification. All model plants in flowering plants are also situated and discussed in detail.
*We go on a one day excursion to a botanical garden and/or scientific institution at home or abroad. The objective is to get in direct contact with researchers and botanical collections as a keystone for systematic research. The aim is to ensure the widest possible range of aspects in modern systematic research: exploration and describing new taxa, botanical illustrations, (historical) collections, social services and public relations, facilities for specialized morphological and molecular evidence, etc.
Evaluation
Evaluation: Diversity of the Vascular Plants (B-KUL-G2F83a)
Explanation
The student passes if the final score (sum of 25% plant description, 25% theoretical exam and 50% plant identification) equals to 10/20 or higher.