ADVANCED COURSE:
Lichen and Bryophyte Ecology and Systematics
November 17-21, 2025 | Face-to-face
Through a combination of lectures, hands-on labs and field visits to local sites around the CIBIO-UP Campus, this course will cover major topics in lichen and bryophyte biology, ecology and evolution. An emphasis is placed on comparative lichen and bryophyte anatomy, morphology and structure as well as on ecologically key species, including those which may have important applications. Attendees are also given an overview of the incredible diversity of lichens and bryophytes and how these organisms evolved and interacted with the environment. Field visits will involve observing a range of (micro-)habitats where the specimens can be identified within their ecological context. Specimens may be taken back to the laboratory for examination and identification.
After successfully completing the course attendees are expected to:
• Understand the basic organization of the lichen and bryophyte bodies;
• Know how to collect specimens in the field and create a reference collection;
• Know how to use a lens in the field to look for characteristic structures;
• Know how to use lab equipment to analyse diagnostic structures in the lab;
• Recognize lichen and bryophyte cells, tissues and tissue systems;
• Identify basic types of lichen and bryophyte vegetative and reproductive structures;
• Interpret lichen and bryophyte structures and adaptations as responses to the environment;
• Thoroughly understand the lichen and bryophyte morphology terminology;
• Identify a selection of common species using a range of identification resources;
• Evaluate the role that lichens and bryophytes have as ecological indicators, and as reliable tools for monitoring and managing environmental changes;
• Be aware of the modern methods and approaches in biomonitoring, biodeterioration and bioprospection, and discuss how these have enhanced or changed classical approaches;
• Demonstrate knowledge in the current understanding of lichen and bryophyte phylogeny and evolution.
Application deadline: 15 October 2025
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