Plant diversity and evolution - a global perspective
The course provides advanced knowledge of the diversity of land plants, their structure and evolution from a comparative phylogenetic perspective. You will face extant land plant diversity by hands-on studies of living material. You will become an expert in describing plants as well as identifying their proper position in the land plant phylogeny.
The basis for the practical studies is the large and diverse collections of living material in our green houses, but we also use plants from the nearby Bergius Botanic Garden. This diversity is not only expressed in morphology and phylogenetic position; our plants also represent a vast span of global geographic distributions and climate zones. Even though modern systematics is based on molecular data there are also fossil taxa with important stories to tell, especially in the light of tree thinking.
Ongoing systematic research at our department is presented by the researchers themselves, and by colleagues at the Swedish Museum of Natural History. The course also includes a few literature seminars where e.g., recent major phylogenetic findings are discussed.
Finally, you will do an individual project, which can take the form of a short scientific review related to plant systematics or it can include a small amount of practical work. In either case, the end product is a short scientific paper as well as an oral presentation.
The course is a perfect step if you want to continue your studies with a degree project, preferably in plant systematics, but it is useful also within other biology disciplines.
Information for admitted students spring 2025
Congratulations! You have been admitted at Stockholm University and we hope that you will enjoy your studies with us.
In order to ensure that your studies begin as smoothly as possible we have compiled a short checklist for the beginning of the semester.
Follow the instructions on whether you have to reply to your offer or not.
universityadmissions.se
Checklist for admitted students
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Activate your university account
The first step in being able to register and gain access to all the university's IT services.
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Register at your department
Registration can be done in different ways. Read the instructions from your department below.
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Read all the information on this page
Here you will find what you need to know before your course or programme starts.
IMPORTANT
Your seat may be withdrawn if you do not register according to the instructions provided by your department.
Information from the department - courses
Welcome to spring term 2025 at BIG! Open here, read and let us know if you have any questions.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are registered on the correct course. If you do not register then your place can go to a reserve. However, it is important that you only register on courses that you do intend to take, or you are taking a place from another student.
Registration period for spring 2025
Note! In order for us to efficiently be able to help all students, before registering make sure to carefully read our information to admitted students.
- Registration for all courses opens 7th January and closes Sunday just over a week before the course starts.
- Traineeships, research traineeships and degree projects are open for registration throughout the semester (see more information in the link above).
If you have trouble registering, please contact our student office latest on the last registration day. Otherwise you will loose your place on the course.
Reserve place
If you have been given a reserve place you may be admitted if someone declines their place. In which case you must confirm that you want the place by attending the reserve roll call for each course. The exception is traineeships, research traineeships and degre projects where an apporved work plan is required to be admitted, for more information see the link below.
More information about your studies with us
On our website you will find more information about your studies with us.
Welcome activities
Stockholm University organises a series of welcome activities that stretch over a few weeks at the beginning of each semester. The programme is voluntary (attendance is optional) and includes Arrival Service at the airport and an Orientation Day, see more details about these events below.
Your department may also organise activities for welcoming international students. More information will be provided by your specific department.
Find your way on campus
Stockholm University's main campus is in the Frescati area, north of the city centre. While most of our departments and offices are located here, there are also campus areas in other parts of the city.
Read more
For new international students
The basis for the practical studies is the large and diverse collections of living material in our green houses, but we also use plants from the nearby Bergius Botanic Garden. This diversity is not only expressed in morphology and phylogenetic position; our plants also represent a vast span of global geographic distributions and climate zones. Even though modern systematics is based on molecular data there are also fossil taxa with important stories to tell, especially in the light of tree thinking.
Ongoing systematic research at our department is presented by the researchers themselves, and by colleagues at the Swedish Museum of Natural History. The course also includes a few literature seminars where e.g., recent major phylogenetic findings are discussed.
Finally, you will do an individual project, which can take the form of a short scientific review related to plant systematics or it can include a small amount of practical work. In either case, the end product is a short scientific paper as well as an oral presentation.
The course is a perfect step if you want to continue your studies with a degree project, preferably in plant systematics, but it is useful also within other biology disciplines.
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Course structure
Teaching format
The education comprises lectures most often mirrored by studies of the corresponding plants after lunch (in a laboratory). Further studies of plants takes us to the botanical garden or to sites in nature. The course also includes a few literature seminars and presentation of ongoing research in plant systematic at the department and neighbor institutions. Finally, students do an individual project, which can be theoretic or include minor practical tasks.
Everything except lectures is compulsory.
Assessment
Measurement of knowledge takes place through written examination.
Examiner
Gitte Petersen
E-mail: gitte.petersen@su.seAelys Humphreys
E-mail: aelys.humphreys@su.seJan Hackel
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Schedule
The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course. -
Course literature
Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course.
Simpson GM: “Plant systematics”. 3:a uppl. Elsevier 2019. ISBN: 9780128126288.
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Course reports
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Contact
Student office- Visiting address
Arrheniuslaboratory, room E315
Svante Arrhenius väg 20C
- Office hours
Mon-Thur: 13.00-15.00
- Irregular office hours
Closed Thursday November 21!
Study counsellor for advanced level
- Visiting address
Arrheniuslaboratoriet, room E315
Svante Arrhenius väg 20 C
- Office hours
By request
