International Perspectives in Plant Ecology Field Course: Practical Skills and Communication

This is a residential field ecology course with focus on the plants in arctic and alpine environments. This course gives students the opportunity to improve their communication and leadership skills within an international setting, whilst deepening their practical understanding of plant ecology.

Students will be exposed to a variety of vegetation types and experimental research activities and learn about project design, field data collection, plant identification, and scientific methodology in the field. They will learn through lectures, seminars, discussions, group-work, field-based activities, a field project and cultural exchange. This course includes safety instructions and will be held in English.

Field activities will be carried out in pairs and small groups of mixed nationalities to encourage and improve international communication. Some cultural information about the participating countries will be provided before and during the field course. In the field there will be a mixture of Master’s students on Bio-3540 and PhD students on Bio-8540 and they will be expected to work together. PhD students will be expected to be active in leading group work and seminars.

Objectives of the course

Knowledge

Upon successful completion of this course, the student:

• Understands the challenges of carrying out fieldwork in remote areas.
• Can identify similarities and differences between arctic and alpine environments as well between different alpine areas.
• Has an overview of ecological survey and monitoring methods.
• Is aware of the relevance of long-term data for ecological research.
• Knows about the vulnerability of arctic and alpine ecosystems.
• Knows about the Arctic Council and its work.
• Can give examples of international collaborative research projects and networks.

Skills

After completing the course, the student is able to:

• Describe the vegetation types typical for alpine areas.
• Identify the dominant plant species encountered in the field.
• Outline the main challenges to plant life in arctic and alpine environments.
• Carry out various ecological survey and monitoring methods.
• Plan an ecological field experiment focused on the plant-soil system.
• Collect and analyse field data, discuss and present findings to peers.
• Lead discussions, involve all group members, pay attention to varying viewpoints and demonstrate skills in overcoming challenges to communication.
• Compare and contrast information from different sources and critically evaluate them.
• Be aware and reflect how differences in culture affect styles of teaching, learning and collaboration.

General competence

The student:

• Has increased ecological knowledge.
• Has improved leadership skills.
• Can communicate information in written and oral form.
• Can work in a team with people from a different background, including a different language and culture.
• Has a better understanding of another culture.

Teaching methods

There are 3 components to the course:

• Preparation: Students should carefully study the online videos and literature provided, attend the online preparation meetings and prepare the required presentations (mid Aug-mid Sept).
• Residential field course and workshop in alpine Japan (10-12 days) including data analysis, presentations and cultural exchange (mid-late Sept).

The field course will involve long days of outside activity, and the weather is likely to be cold and/or wet some of the time. Students should make sure they have the appropriate fitness, clothing, footwear and equipment. Guidance on this will be given by the course leaders. Be aware that some activities including group work and presentations will be held in the evenings.

Detailed information needed for participation in this field course will be given in good time. Lectures and reading material will include background information on a range of relevant topics. The period in Japan is during mid-late September 2026.

Course dates

Fall 2026

Admission requirements

The course has a maximum of 3 student places in autumn 2026.

The course is reserved for Photosyntech members.

Language

English.

Coursework requirements

To take an examination, the student must have passed the following coursework requirements:

Attendance to field course and participation in all activities (lectures, seminars and workshops)	Grade: Approved – not approved
Active contribution to all group work	Grade: Approved – not approved
Prepare three presentations and present these during the field course	Grade: Approved – not approved

Examination

Examination:	Duration:	Grade scale:
Oral exam	30 Minutes	Passed / Not Passed