Lichen and Bryophyte Ecology and Systematics
From 08 Jan 2024 until 12 Jan 2024 - BIOPOLIS-CIBIO, Vairão, Portugal (Face-to-face)
Through a combination of lectures, hands-on labs and field visits to local sites around the CIBIO-UP Campus, this course will cover major topics in lichen and bryophyte biology, ecology and evolution. An emphasis is placed on comparative lichen and bryophyte anatomy, morphology and structure as well as on ecologically key species, including those which may have important applications. Attendees are also given an overview of the incredible diversity of lichens and bryophytes and how these organisms evolved and interacted with the environment. Field visits will involve observing a range of (micro-)habitats where the specimens can be identified within their ecological context. Specimens may be taken back to the laboratory for examination and identification.
After successfully completing the course attendees are expected to:
• Understand the basic organization of the lichen and bryophyte bodies;
• Know how to collect specimens in the field and create a reference collection;
• Know how to use a lens in the field to look for characteristic structures;
• Know how to use lab equipment to analyse diagnostic structures in the lab;
• Recognize lichen and bryophyte cells, tissues and tissue systems;
• Identify basic types of lichen and bryophyte vegetative and reproductive structures;
• Interpret lichen and bryophyte structures and adaptations as responses to the environment;
• Thoroughly understand the lichen and bryophyte morphology terminology;
• Identify a selection of common species using a range of identification resources;
• Evaluate the role that lichens and bryophytes have as ecological indicators, and as reliable tools for monitoring and managing environmental changes;
• Be aware of the modern methods and approaches in biomonitoring, biodeterioration and bioprospection, and discuss how these have enhanced or changed classical approaches;
• Demonstrate knowledge in the current understanding of lichen and bryophyte phylogeny and evolution.
Day 01 | January 08, 2024
9:30-11:00 | Introduction to lichens (biology, chemistry, diversity, ecology and evolution)
11:30-13:00 | Introduction to bryophytes (biology, diversity, ecology and evolution)
11:30-13:00 | Introduction to bryophytes (biology, diversity, ecology and evolution)
14:00-15:30 | Classical and recent advances in lichenology and bryology (biomonitoring, biodeterioration, bioprospection, etc)
16:00–17:30 | Classical and recent
advances in lichenology and bryology (biomonitoring, biodeterioration,
bioprospection, etc)
Day 02 | January 09, 2024
9:30-11:00 | Field trip looking at lichens around the CIBIO-UP Campus. Terminology and methods used in identifying lichens in their natural habitat
11:30-13:00 | Introduction to lichen identification and recording. Demonstrations of equipment and identification resources. Thallus types/structure – crustose, foliose, fruticose and leprose etc. Key features – reproduction, attachment and colour, etc
11:30-13:00 | Introduction to lichen identification and recording. Demonstrations of equipment and identification resources. Thallus types/structure – crustose, foliose, fruticose and leprose etc. Key features – reproduction, attachment and colour, etc
14:00-15:30 | Introduction to chemical testing and safe application. Dissecting lichens, using compound microscopes, and studying the internal features of lichens
16:00–17:30 | Use of keys to identify lichen specimens
Day 03 | January 10, 2024
9:30-11:00 | Field trip looking at bryophytes around the CIBIO-UP Campus. Terminology and methods used in identifying bryophytes in their natural habitat
11:30-13:00 | Introduction to bryophyte identification and recording. Demonstrations of equipment and identification resources. Growth forms – thalloid, leafy, acrocarpic, pleurocarpic etc. Key features – reproduction, attachment, etc
11:30-13:00 | Introduction to bryophyte identification and recording. Demonstrations of equipment and identification resources. Growth forms – thalloid, leafy, acrocarpic, pleurocarpic etc. Key features – reproduction, attachment, etc
14:00-15:30 | Dissecting bryophytes, using compound microscopes, and studying the internal features of bryophytes
16:00–17:30 | Use of keys to identify bryophyte specimens
Day 04 | January 11, 2024
9:30-11:00 | Visit to the PO Herbarium (MHNC-UP). Concept of herbaria and reference collections. Care and management of lichen and bryophyte collections
11:30-13:00 | Classical and modern museum techniques for lichenological and bryological research
11:30-13:00 | Classical and modern museum techniques for lichenological and bryological research
14:00-15:30 | Preparing ‘voucher specimens’ and tissues of lichens and bryophytes for molecular studies
16:00–17:30 | Short time spent in the PO herbarium working through specimens
Day 05 | January 12, 2024
9:30-11:00 | Presentation of ongoing projects
11:30-13:00 | Course closing activities and discussion on where to go with lichens and bryophytes after the course, how to continue learning, especially how the course trainers can support that purpose
11:30-13:00 | Course closing activities and discussion on where to go with lichens and bryophytes after the course, how to continue learning, especially how the course trainers can support that purpose
COURSE INSTRUCTORS
Joana Marques (Coordinator) | BIOPOLIS/CIBIO - APPLECOL
SELECTION CRITERIA
The course will be open to a maximum number of 15 participants.
75% of available student slots are reserved for BIODIV students.
Priority will be given to:
• 1st year and other PhD students attending the BIODIV Doctoral Program;
• PhD students attending other courses;
• Other post-graduate students and researchers.
REGISTRATION
95€ (students) | 200€ (other participants)
CIBIO-InBIO members will have an additional discount of 20%
Participation is free of charge for BIODIV Students MBGE 1st year Students & CIBIO's TwinLabs
CIBIO-InBIO members will have an additional discount of 20%
Participation is free of charge for BIODIV Students MBGE 1st year Students & CIBIO's TwinLabs
Registration fees do not include accommodation or meals
No ECTS credits are awarded for attending the course. Participants receive a certificate of attendance without quantitative evaluation
No ECTS credits are awarded for attending the course. Participants receive a certificate of attendance without quantitative evaluation
New Application deadline: January 02, 2024
To apply, please fill the form available HERE