300138 UE Ascertaining major components of the Austrian flora in the field (2023S)

Aims:
Students become acquainted with the main factors determining the vegetation of Central Europe and with the main ecological concepts relevant for field botany. Students familiarize themselves with the most relevant habitat types and their ferns and flowering plants in northeastern Austria. Shown in their natural surroundings and in characteristic assemblages, students get to know about 600 important species and intensify their competences of plant determination. Students obtain the knowledge to recognize and identify the most important genera and families, allowing unknown species of these genera and families to be correctly assigned.
This course provides an excellent basis to obtain the Certificate 500 within the program Certification of botanical field skills.

Contents:
Flora and vegetation of Central Europe exemplified using a diverse array of habitat types in northeastern Austria (from saline habitats close to Lake Neusiedl to the high alpine zone of the calcareous Northeastern Alps and the siliceous Central Alps).

Methods:
Presentation of ecological principles in lecture-like introductory units. Presentation of habitats (habitat conditions, communities) and their characteristic species in excursion units.

Estimated costs:
For the excursions outside of Vienna jointly about 200 Euro. In case no tickets (e.g., monthly ticket, yearly ticket) for Vienna (Kernzone) additional costs may incur.