Diversity and Evolution of Plants (VEM), 15 hp
Assessment
Parts of the course: Theory 9 hp, project work 3 hp, laboratory session 1.5 hp, field studies 1.5 hp.
The theory part is examined by a written exam, written and oral presentations of assignments and
essays. The project work is examined through a written and an oral presentation including peerreview on another project. Laboratory sessions and field studies require active participation.
Grades
For the entire course (and thus the only grade visible in the documentation), grades 3, 4, or 5 are
assigned based on the result of the theory and project parts of the course.
The grades will be calculated as follows:
• The different assessments will be evaluated based on the criteria listed below.
• Each part will be graded with a G, G+ or G++ (except for labs and field studies that are
compulsory and require active participation to pass, but do not affect the grade).
• To calculate the final grade the G, G+, and G++ will be summarised, with 75% of the grade
being based on the theoretical part of the course and 25% on the project. The theory is divided
into two main sections i) land plants and ii) fungi, and they contribute equally to the grade.
To pass the course, you must have done all assignments, have reached at least G on the written exams,
essays, seminars, and the project, and have actively participated in the labs and field studies.
Criteria for grades
Fungi – Essays and seminars
To pass (G) the essays and seminars you shall
• Show that you have understood the task.
• Answer the question in a clear and structured text, explaining and summarizing facts.
• Be able to generalize.
To obtain a G+ you shall, besides the criteria listed above, also
• Write an even more structured answer, e.g., no irrelevant information should be included.
• Relate to facts and summarize and outline the major features.
To obtain a G++ you shall, besides the criteria listed above, also
• Evaluate facts, clearly motivate your arguments, and compare different facts.
Land plant organisms
To pass the land plant organism-based exam you need to reach at least 50% of the full score. 50-64%
of full score equals G, 65-79% equals G+, and ≥80% equals G++.
Land plants – home exam with focus on land plant evolution
To pass (G) the home exam you shall
• Answer the question in a clear and structured text.
• Use an evolutionary perspective.
• Be able to identify the major features in the evolution of the land plant lineage.
To obtain a G+ you shall, besides the criteria listed above, also
• Write an even more structured answer, e.g., no irrelevant information should be included.
• Be able to summarize in a clear and concise way the major trends of the evolution of the land
plant lineage.
To obtain a G++ you shall, besides the criteria listed above, also
• Be able to compare different aspects (such as character evolution or adaptations) of the
evolution of the land plants, and draw conclusions based on these.
• Be able to motivate your statements well.
Evolution and diversity of plants, 15 hp, 2012
Project
To pass (G) the project you shall
• Participate actively in the planning, collecting of data, analyses, and report writing.
• Individually write the report in a scientific way (see handouts for guidelines). It should be
clear and easy to follow. In the report you shall also show
o That you have understood your task.
o That you understand how the project was designed and why.
o How you carried out the project.
o That you understand the results and can draw conclusions based on the results.
o That you can put your result in a larger framework by referring to other scientific
studies.
• As a group present your project orally. In the presentation you shall show that you have
understood
o How the project was designed and why.
o Your results and conclusions.
• Be “opponent” on another project, and give feedback in a constructive and relevant way. In
your peer-review you shall show that you understand the aim of their project, the results, and
the most important conclusion(s).
To obtain a G+ you shall, besides the criteria listed above, also
• Show that you have understood
o The analytical support for your results.
o The systematic implications your results have, e.g., concerning classification.
o How you may continue to further address your theory/hypothesis.
• Hold a clear, well-structured, and interesting oral presentation that is easily understood by the
audience.
• Show, in your peer-review and participation in the discussion during the presentations, that
you have understood the strengths, limitations, and potential weaknesses of the other studies
(not only the one you have been assigned as opponent).
To obtain a G++ you shall, besides the criteria listed above, also
• Show that you have understood
o How your results affect interpretations on e.g., character evolution or biogeography
(depending on what project you have).
o How your study was affected by your choice of method/design and its possibilities
and limitations (i.e., show that you have some insights into phylogenetic theory and
can discuss e.g., limitations with the methods used).
• Show, in your peer-review and participation in the discussion during the presentations, that
you can suggest ways or designs that may improve the other studies.
• Hold an excellent oral presentation.
Labs and field studies
Labs and field studies require active participation.
2