Introduction to the biology, systematics and ecology of the important fungal groups. The participants will study primarily fungal materials that they collect during field excursions or that they isolate in the laboratory.

The participants will be introduced to the species diversity and morphology of basidio- and ascomycetes, learn how fungi are collected for scientific purposes and how they are determined by macroscopic and microscopic characters using specialist literature.The course starts with introductory lectures on the treated fungal groups and exercises in fungal microscopy.

Overview over tasks, concepts and methods of biological systematics (taxonomy, nomenclature, phylogeny and classification)., with special emphasis on modern methods of inferring phylogenetic relationships.Discussion on phylogenetic approaches to better understand origin, evolution and ecological specialisations of selected groups.

Overview over tasks, concepts and methods of biological systematics (taxonomy, nomenclature, phylogeny and classification)., with special emphasis on modern methods for inferring phylogenetic relationships.Discussion on phylogenetic approaches to better understand origin, evolution and ecological specialisations of selected groups.

The practical focuses on the flora and vegetation of selected areas of the Alps and covers the altitudinal range between the colline and the alpine zone. During two excursions, the students will deepen their knowledge of plant species and learn to recognize important vegetation units and their ecological characteristics.

The practical focuses on the flora and vegetation of the colline and montane belts in Valais. Students are offered guided field excursions to deepen their knowledge of plant species and to learn to recognise important vegetation units and their ecological characteristics.

The practical focuses on the flora and vegetation of the northern Alps and covers from the upper montane to the lower alpine zone. Students are offered guided field excursions to deepen their knowledge of plant species and to learn to recognise important vegetation units and their ecological characteristics.

The lecture provides an overview of the diversity of ferns and seed plants. The fundamentals of systematics are taught considering morphological, phylogenetic and ecological aspects. Regarding plant species, emphasis is laid on the flora of Switzerland, but also examples of pharmaceutical relevance and crops will be included.

This course provides an overview of the diversity of ferns and seed plants. The fundamentals of systematics are taught considering morphological, phylogenetic and ecological aspects. Regarding plant species, emphasis is laid on the flora of Switzerland, but also examples of pharmaceutical relevance and crops will be included.