Phycology and Bryology

This course aims to understand the classification, morphology and economic importance of Algae and Bryophytes. This course provide basic knowledge about the structure and reproduction of algae and bryophytes and their evolutionary tendencies and to introduce the students with different species of algae and bryophytes, their collection methods, mounting and specimen identification and to enable the students to visualize and understand microscopic differences between algae and bryophytes and their importance. An advanced level course encompassing all the details related to evolution, types, ecology and economic importance of algae. The second half of the course will provide detailed information on Introduction and general account of bryophytes, classification, and brief study of Hepaticopsida, Anthoceropsida and Bryopsida. By the completion of the course, students will be able to understand the structural difference between algae and bryophytes and their evolutionary trends. Students will also collect, identify and prepared stain slides for different specimens.

CONTENTS

1. Phycology

Introduction, general account, evolution, classification, biochemistry, ecology and economic importance of the following divisions of algae: Chlorophyta, Charophyta, Xanthophyta, Bacillariophyta, Phaeophyta and Rhodophyta.

1. Bryology:

Introduction and general account of bryophytes, classification, theories of origin and evolution. Brief study of the classes: Hepaticopsida, Anthoceropsida and Bryopsida.

COURSE SCHEDULE

Note: You can reserve one week for sessional or mid term exam, and, if you wish one week for student presentation of the assigned research project

RESEARCH PROJECT/PRACTICAL LABS

a) Phycology:

i.Collection of fresh water and marine algae.

ii.Identification of benthic and planktonic algae

iii. Section cutting of thalloid algae

iv. Preparation of temporary slides

v. Use of camera lucida/micrographs.

b)Bryology

Study of the following genera:

Pellia, Porella, Anthoceros and Polytrichum.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The students would be able to know the classification,  morphology  and  economic  importance  of  Algae and Bryophytes