Course in Field Botany (2011-2012)
Loss of biodiversity has been one among the world's most pressing issues and its conservation, a frightful challenge, imposed not only on the scientific world or the stake holders, but all those who are concerned about it....you, me and everyone here!!
Field Botany is the science of collecting, preserving, identifying plants, classification and naming, evolution and their relationships with other species, habitat and their environment. Most that one needs to know about the green world, may it be for growing a potted plant or planning a forest management strategy.
Here is a small effort to popularize science of field botany and plant conservation with major objective to inculcate scientific approach in identification of plants, while appreciating the plant diversity around us.... and of course to generate volunteers’ brigade working for conservation.
Duration: One year (July 2011- June 2012)
Modules:
The participants will be sent chapters on the topics covering plant morphology and related terminology, adaptations, life forms, classification, methods of collection and preservation of plant material, identification, biogeography, various habitat types and their representative flora, basic plant ecology and conservation.
Discussions through e-group.
Field visits:
- Five one-day field visits (to places such as Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Maharashtra Nature Park, CEC campus, Karnala,Tungareshwar) will be conducted.
- Two residential field visits (4-5 days each).
- Visit to Blatter herbarium.
Project work: All the participants will select their own topic of interest for the project to be carried out during last month.
| Syllabus: | |
| I | Introduction to plant kingdom |
| II | Algae |
| III | Fungi and Lichens |
| IV | Bryophytes |
| V | Pteridophytes |
| VI | Gymnosperms |
| VII | Preparation of field work, field collection and herbarium |
| VIII | Morphology: Roots and Stem |
| IX | Morphology: Leaves |
| X | Morphology: Flowers |
| XI | Morphology: Fruits and seeds |
| XII | History of plant identification and various systems |
| XIII | Contemporary systems of classification |
| XIV | Angiosperm Families |
| XV | Use of key |
| XVI | Concepts of populations, community, habitat, niche and ecosystem |
| XVII | Plant Associations |
| XVIII | Biogeography, endemism |
| XIX | Threats and conservation |
Fees:
Rs. 4000/- for members
Rs. 4600/- for non members (Includes BNHS membership and entrance fees Rs. 600/-)
Important Dates:
Last date for registration: 15th June 2011 (Please fill in the application form)
Course starting on: 1st July 2011
Please note that:
1. Cost for the field visits is separate and on cost to cost basis.
2. Three local and one residential field visits are mandatory.
3. Certificates will be awarded only after completion of compulsory field visits and project wok.
Contact:
Dr. Swapna Prabhu
Taxonomist/ Systematic Botanist
Bombay Natural History Society, Hornbill House, Dr. Slim Ali Chawk,
Shahid Bhagat Singh Marg, Mumbai -400 001
Tel: 022-22821811 (O)
Email:
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Please click here to download the Application Form