BIO363 Diversität der Tetrapoden

The course combines lectures, practical work with specimens from the museum collections and field work. It teaches the taxonomy, faunistics, functional morphology and ecology of tetrapods native to Switzerland.
A study week in the canton Valais (approximate costs for students ca. CHF 350.-) and further excursions help students developing a broad knowledge of indigenous species. It also offers insights into challenges and limits of practical field work.

Block course, 6 ETCS
Study week in Valais (compulsory): Tue 23 May – Sun 28 May 2023
Max. 14 participants
Course language : German

By the end of this module students should be able to:

• describe the major features of the most important bird, amphibian, reptile and mammal species in Switzerland
• identify representative vertebrate species in the field
• use keys and relevant literature for detailed, diagnostic identification of species
• relate the ecological requirements of each species, especially habitat requirements, to their abundance
• apply their knowledge of the above to analyse potential threats to species survival in Switzerland (nature conservation)