NSCPHD1232 Taxonomy, identification & ecology of European ants

Volume 2014/2015
Content

Provisional timetable:

Saturday 24 August:
Introduction to the European ant fauna (taxonomy, distribution)
Ecology of European ants
Invasive ants in Europe

Sunday 25 August:
Introduction to the identification of European ants
Visit to the hymenoptera collections of the SNM
Practical on identification of European ants (using specimens from SNM)

Monday 26 August:
Field excursion to collect ants in Sjælland

Tuesday 27 August:
Practical on preparing ants for identification
Identification of ants collected during field excursion
Tips and tricks for ant identification

Wednesday 28 August:
Identification of ants collected during field excursion (continued)
Overview of Danish ant fauna and what we found in Sjælland
Discussion of problematic groups
Social event (dinner)

Thursday 29 August:
Molecular techniques to examine ant ecology, phylogenetics and phylogeography
Discussion of the biogeography and evolution of European ants

Learning Outcome

At the end of the course, students should have an appreciation of the evolutionary history and general ecology of the European ant fauna, and have a toolkit of skills and resources enabling them to identify any European ant species.

Lectures, practicals, field-excursion
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Class Instruction
  • 11
  • Course Preparation
  • 50
  • Excursions
  • 2
  • Field Work
  • 10
  • Practical exercises
  • 26
  • Practical Training
  • 5
  • Total
  • 104
Credit
4 ECTS
Type of assessment
Course participation