Identifying Mosses, Liverworts and Lichens

 

Identifying Mosses, Liverworts and Lichens can be studied as a stand-alone course and as a key course for the Certificate of Higher Education in Field Ecology at Aberystwyth University.

Key Facts

 

Language: English

Duration: 12 weeks

Number of Credits: 10

Tutor: Ruby Mae

Learning Method: Online

Level: This module is at CQFW Level 4

Module Code: XS17010

Fee: £130.00 - Fee Waiver Scheme available

This course is available to book.

 

Overview

This course introduces the fundamentals of the identification of mosses and liverworts and develops general plant identification skills. Field and laboratory techniques and keys will be used on both collected material and specimens in the field. The emphasis will be on learning how to identify and record bryophytes, rather than learning a defined species list. Over the period of the course, a good range of common species and their ecology should become known.

Programme

Practical Workshops (4 x 3.5 hours)

  • Workshop 1: Introduction to major bryophyte divisions; structure, ecology, reproduction, lifecycle. Familiarization with some of the common terminology.
  • Workshop 2: Understanding and using resources for field identification; keys, websites and apps.
  • Workshop 3: Understanding and using microscopes for laboratory identification.
  • Workshop 4: The importance of recording; older and newer methods of making your observation count.

   Fieldwork (3 x 2 hours) covering:

  • Identification skills – field and laboratory
  • Field work to identify common species in a range of local habitats
  • Recording observations in a notebook and/or app
  • Preservation of specimens and producing a reference/voucher herbarium

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to:

  1. Observe and record, using the correct terminology, the key features necessary for the identification of bryophytes in the laboratory and field.
  2. Identify a range of common bryophytes using keys and reference material and relate species to their preferred habitat(s).
  3. Produce an annotated portfolio of specimens.

Assessments

  1. Test (25%)
  2. Portfolio - 1800 Words (75%)

Reading Suggestions

Reading suggestions will be offered throughout the course. 

Entry Requirements

This course is for everyone. No previous experience is needed and there are no formal entry requirements. 

What Do I Need?

As this is an blended course, you would need the following:

  • Internet access.
  • Access to a laptop or computer with a web camera and microphone; the use of headphones might also benefit.

Use of the Chrome web browser where possible.