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701-0314-01L 3 Credits BSC , MSC D-USYS , D-BIOL

Plant Diversity: Subalpine/Alpine (Block Days)

Pflanzendiversität: subalpin/alpin (Blocktage)

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Alessia Guggisberg
Prerequisite: Enrollment and successful performance assessment of LV 701-0360-00L (Systematic Biology: Plants) or comparable knowledge (after consultation with the lecturer).. The registration form must be handed in by 01.03.2026. Unconfirmed places are allocated to students on the waiting list.
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:05

Abstract

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.

Objective

Getting to know the most important vegetation types, their flora and ecological conditions in the northern Alps. Consolidation of taxonomic and plant morphological knowledge. Experience in plant determination using scientific determination keys.

Content

This course provides an introduction to the flora and vegetation of the northern Alps. The students will become acquainted with the botanical richness of the Alps and the ecological specificities of the encountered habitats. They will not only gain knowledge in plant species, but also learn which environmental conditions do plants cope with and which adaptation they have evolved. Following topics will be addressed in this course: - Climatic and geological divisions of the Alps - Effect of local conditions on vegetation of different altitudes - Adaptation of plants to various alpine conditions - Characteristic vegetation types of the subalpine and alpine zone (e.g. subalpine conifer forests, tall-herb communities and green alder scrubs, alpine grassland and scree vegetation, subalpine floodplain forest, as wells as raised bogs and fens) and their ecological conditions - Interaction between plants and their environment - Examples from pollination, reproduction and dispersal strategies.

Resources

Lecture Notes

A script is provided via Moodle.

Literature

- Baltisberger M., Nyffeler R. & Widmer A. 2013: Systematische Botanik. 4., vollständig überarbeitete und erweiterte Aufl. v/d/f Hochschulverlag AG an der ETH Zürich. - Stützel T. 2015. Botanische Bestimmungsübungen (3. Aufl.). UTB, Ulmer Verlag. - Hess H.E., Landolt E., Hirzel R. & Baltisberger M. 2015: Bestimmungsschlüssel zur Flora der Schweiz. 7., aktualisierte und überarbeitete Aufl., Birkhäuser Verlag, Basel/Boston/Berlin.

General Information

Language
German
Levels
BSC , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance
Die abschliessende Klausur wird am Samstag 27.06. zwischen 9 und 12 Uhr im Raum HG E 21 durchgeführt. Die Note setzt sich aus einem Bestimmungstest und einer schriftlichen Prüfung zusammen.

Registration & Places

Max Places
16
Priority: Registration for the course unit is until 16.02.2026 only possible for the primary target group

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
practical/laboratory course Pflanzendiversität: subalpin/alpin (Blocktage)
Die Exkursionen werden vom So. 21.06. bis Do. 25.06. stattfinden. Die Prüfung findet am Sa. 27.06. von 09:00 bis 12:00 im Raum HG E 21 (tbc) statt.
No time listed 50 h semesterly

Offered In