BIO.07675.03 - Project module 'Collections and Biodiversity Research' (MSc) (Complete module description)

MLU

BIO.07675.03	5 CP
Module label	Project module 'Collections and Biodiversity Research' (MSc)
Module code	BIO.07675.03
Semester of first implementation
Faculty/Institute	Institut für Biologie
Module used in courses of study / semesters	Biodiversity Sciences (MA120 LP) (Master) > Biologie BiodiversityMA120, Version of accreditation valid from SS 2021 > Project modules offered by the Institute of Biology (Nat Sci I)
Responsible person for this module
Further responsible persons	PD Dr. Marcus Lehnert, PD Dr. Matthias Hoffmann, PD Dr. Hendrik Müller
Prerequisites
Skills to be acquired in this module	Acquire a basic understanding of organismic identification, taxonomy and nomenclature. Demonstrate the proper techniques for preserving biological specimens for multiple purposes through methods such as drying, pressing and storing in alcohol or formalin. Understand the importance of documenting collection parameters and using digital tools for permanent storage and retrieval of data. Evaluate and utilize online resources (i.e. collection databases; virtual herbaria, online sources for identification) to assess sampling biases and ensure representativeness in biodiversity studies. Ability to design field study plans that incorporate systematic, molecular, and ecological approaches, and select appropriate sampling strategies based on research goals. Critically analyse research articles with a focus on taxonomy and nomenclature. Knowledge of the main legal requirements for collecting biological specimens (e.g. CITES, CBD). Utilize collections in public knowledge transfer by communicating the importance of biodiversity research and showcasing the value of preserved specimens in scientific education. Utilize collections in public knowledge transfer by communicating the importance of biodiversity research and showcasing the value of preserved specimens in scientific education.
Module contents	Part I: Theoretical part covering the nature of a scientific natural collection; legal background (collection permits; CITES, CBD, Nagoya protocol); collection and preservation methods according to specific classes of organisms; organisation of a scientific collection; how to document, store and use collection data (e.g. GBIF, PlantList, etc.); usage of natural collections for student training and education. Possibilities to create sustainable outreach for the public, principles and limits of public relation work. Part II: Practical part including short field trips into the surroundings of Halle; collecting and documenting self-collected samples; preserving samples in a way fit for permanent storage in museum collections (e.g. pressing & mounting of herbarium specimens); Determination of unknown species. Preparation of the framework for a public relations event. Part III: conducting small studies using real objects and/or digital collections; writing a final report on said project.
Forms of instruction	Lecture (2 SWS) Exercises (2 SWS) Course Course
Languages of instruction	German, English
Duration (semesters)	2 Wochen in der Vorlesungsfreien Zeit Semester
Module frequency	jedes Wintersemester
Module capacity	unlimited
Time of examination
Credit points	5 CP
Share on module final degree	Course 1: %; Course 2: %; Course 3: %; Course 4: %.
Share of module grade on the course of study's final grade	1
Reference text	Maximum number of students: 12; The three parts take place in Halle (Institute for Biology - Geobotany and Botanical Garden, MLU, Halle and/or Central Natural Sciences Collections - Zoological Collection, MLU, Halle). The project modules require physical presence. In case of inability to attend (due to illness or other reasons) the lecturer must be notified promptly. To earn course credits, students must not exceed a 10% absence, equivalent to missing one day in a two weeks block module. In case of a longer absence there might be the possibility to compensate for missed days by additional tasks.

Module course label	Course type	Course title	SWS	Workload of independent learning	Sum workload
Course 1	Lecture	Vorlesung	2		0
Course 2	Exercises	Übung	2		0
Course 3	Course	Selbststudium			0
Course 4	Course	Laborberichte			0
Workload by module				150	150
Total module workload					150

Examination	Exam prerequisites	Type of examination
Course 1
Course 2
Course 3
Course 4
Final exam of module		Protokoll oder Hausarbeit, Wissenschaftlicher Vortrag
Exam repetition information

Prerequisites and conditions	Frequency	Compulsory attendance	Share on module grade in percent
Course 1	Winter semester	No	%
Course 2	Winter semester	No	%
Course 3	Winter semester	No	%
Course 4	Winter semester	No	%