Lichens as a Tool for Interpretation of Environmental Changes and Management 2017

Six modules identify the main themes of the course, ranging from basic knowledge on lichen symbiosis to data collection and interpretation. The course will be organized in lectures, lab experiences, lichen identification and a one-day excursion to apply biomonitoring methods.

A brief description of the modules structure is given. The modules are sequential and thus attending all is mandatory.

Module 1 (Lichen biology and ecology) This module intends to give the basic knowledge on lichen biology and their ecology:

• Introduction to lichen symbiosis, with highlights on the role of each partner.
• The ecological role of lichens and their role in ecosystem functioning.
• From the deserts to the poles: strategies for lichen survival in extreme environmental conditions.
• Lichens in the context of global change: key features that make them excellent ecological indicators of air pollution and climate change.

Module 2 (Systematic) The module will cover basic lichen structure and techniques needed for lichen determination (lab class) to provide students with basic skills on lichen identification:

• Morphology and anatomy: photobionts, growth forms, sexual and vegetative reproduction strategies.
• Determination methods based on morphological and chemical characteristics.
• Introduction to the most common lichen genus, available floras and online keys.
• Identification of lichen specimens: macro- and microscopic characters (preparation and observation of samples); chemistry and determination keys.

Module 3 (Ecophysiology) This module will focus on modern approaches in lichen ecophysiology to assess the impact of environmental stress drivers on lichen functioning:

• Lichen physiological response to environmental changes.
• What should we measure? Selecting parameters to assess cause and/or effect of human-induced environmental disturbances.
• Case studies from laboratory and field.
• Integration of molecular, physiological and ecological techniques.

Module 4 (Using lichen functional diversity: from topsoil to trees) This module offers an overview on the use of lichen functional diversity as an indicator of global change drivers:

• Functional diversity, what does that mean? A review of definitions and components, including chemical and life-history traits.
• Why is functional diversity so important? The link to ecosystem functioning and the response to environmental changes.
• Case studies with biological soil crusts and epiphytic lichens.

Module 5 (Biomonitoring) This module aims to give an overview on the main methodological approaches using lichens as biomonitors:

• What to measure? Standard sampling methods based on biodiversity and bioaccumulation.
• How to measure? When to use transplants or in situ lichens in biomonitoring studies. When to use total diversity or functional diversity.
• Different problems ask for different approaches: case-studies of different environmental problems (in urban, natural and industrial areas) and the link with human health.

Module 6 (Data analysis and interpretation) This module gives students basic notions on how to analyze and interpret data collected according to previous modules:

• Theory and practical examples will be given.
• Emphasis on GIS interpretation of results in space.

Excursion One-day field excursion to Mediterranean cork-oak woodlands to: test the acquired knowledge on species; and to apply the biomonitoring methods: the standard European method for air pollution and the method for biological soil crusts. 

Students fees

Free for 1st year PhD students in the Doctoral program in Biology (FCUL), Biodiversity, Genetics and Evolution (BIODIV UL; UP) and Biology and Ecology of Global Changes (BEAG UL, UA) when the course counts credits for their formation, in which case the delivery of a final report done after the course is mandatory; 25 € for PhD students from institutions of the PEERS network (cE3c, CFE); 125 € for FCUL Master students and unemployed; 180 € for BTI, BI and other PhD students; 250 € for Professional and postdocs.

When the maximum number of students is reached 9 vacancies will be available for non-paying 1st year PhD students mentioned above, being, by order of preference: 1) cE3c students; 2) BIODIV students (not from cE3c); 3) FCUL students (not from cE3c); 4) BEAG students (not from FCUL).