Curation and Biodiversity Informatics
The maintenance of museum specimens and catalogues demands great expertise and handling skills, and this course will introduce collection procedures and database handling methods.
The preservation of natural history collections, together with proper documentation, digitization and accessibility, is of crucial importance to meet today’s challenges. These collections represent a vast reservoir of biodiversity data that can be used e.g. to inform conservation strategies, understand the evolution of species, ecosystem complexities, and the impact of climate and environmental change.
However, the sheer volume of data held within these collections can make it difficult to extract meaningful insights. National and international biodiversity data repositories and infrastructures allow open sharing and using of data, advancing our understanding of the natural world. Biodiversity informatics and digitization enable us to apply computational tools and techniques to data, revealing patterns and relationships that might otherwise go unnoticed. To do this in a sustainable, future-proof manner, it is imperative that the data is curated in a way that is consistent with global data standards and the F.A.I.R. and C.A.R.E. principles.
During the course, subjects ranging from specimen curation, digitization, integration and subsequent publication in data repositories using best practices will be presented, and students train the use of web-based tools to retrieve data and information.
Information for admitted students autumn 2024
Congratulations! You have been admitted at Stockholm University and we hope that you will enjoy your studies with us.
In order to ensure that your studies begin as smoothly as possible we have compiled a short checklist for the beginning of the semester.
Follow the instructions on whether you have to reply to your offer or not.
universityadmissions.se
Checklist for admitted students
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Activate your university account
The first step in being able to register and gain access to all the university's IT services.
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Register at your department
Registration can be done in different ways. Read the instructions from your department below.
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Read all the information on this page
Here you will find what you need to know before your course or programme starts.
IMPORTANT
Your seat may be withdrawn if you do not register according to the instructions provided by your department.
Information from the department - courses
Welcome to autumn term 2024 at BIG! Open here, read and let us know if you have any questions.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are registered on the correct course. If you do not register then your place can go to a reserve. However, it is important that you only register on courses that you do intend to take, or you are taking a place from another student.
Registration period for autumn 2024
Note! In order for us to efficiently be able to help all students, before registering make sure to carefully read our information to admitted students.
- Registration for all courses opens 5th August and closes Sunday just over a week before the course starts, apart from courses starting at beginning of term. Registration for these courses closes already August 21!
- Traineeships, research traineeships and degree projects are open for registration throughout the semester (see more information in the link above).
If you have trouble registering, please contact our student office latest on the last registration day. Otherwise you will loose your place on the course.
Reserve place
If you have been given a reserve place you may be admitted if someone declines their place. In which case you must confirm that you want the place by attending the reserve roll call for each course. The exception is traineeships, research traineeships and degre projects where an apporved work plan is required to be admitted, for more information see the link below.
More information about your studies with us
On our website you will find more information about your studies with us.
Welcome activities
Stockholm University organises a series of welcome activities that stretch over a few weeks at the beginning of each semester. The programme is voluntary (attendance is optional) and includes Arrival Service at the airport and an Orientation Day, see more details about these events below.
Your department may also organise activities for welcoming international students. More information will be provided by your specific department.
Find your way on campus
Stockholm University's main campus is in the Frescati area, north of the city centre. While most of our departments and offices are located here, there are also campus areas in other parts of the city.
Read more
For new international students
The preservation of natural history collections, together with proper documentation, digitization and accessibility, is of crucial importance to meet today’s challenges. These collections represent a vast reservoir of biodiversity data that can be used e.g. to inform conservation strategies, understand the evolution of species, ecosystem complexities, and the impact of climate and environmental change.
However, the sheer volume of data held within these collections can make it difficult to extract meaningful insights. National and international biodiversity data repositories and infrastructures allow open sharing and using of data, advancing our understanding of the natural world. Biodiversity informatics and digitization enable us to apply computational tools and techniques to data, revealing patterns and relationships that might otherwise go unnoticed. To do this in a sustainable, future-proof manner, it is imperative that the data is curated in a way that is consistent with global data standards and the F.A.I.R. and C.A.R.E. principles.
During the course, subjects ranging from specimen curation, digitization, integration and subsequent publication in data repositories using best practices will be presented, and students train the use of web-based tools to retrieve data and information.
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Course structure
Learning outcomes
A list of the learning outcomes can be found in the syllabus. Please find the link to the syllabus on the right side of this page.
Examiner
Veronika Johansson
E-mail: veronika.johansson@nrm.seMargret Steinthorsdottir
E-mail: margret.steinthorsdottir@nrm.se -
Schedule
The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course.The course consists of three themed weeks. Each week starts with an introduction, live on zoom, and ends with an assignment deadline the following week. The remaining time is based on self-studies where you can work on the material when you want to. A recommended structure is supplied at the start of the course.
Dates for 2023:
Introduction to course: November 30, 11-12 noon.Theme: Natural History Collections, Curation and Biodiversity information
Introduction: December 4, 11-12 noon.
Assignment hand-in: December 11, 5 pm.Theme: Data mobilization and publication
Introduction: Decmeber 12, 11-12 noon.
Assignment hand-in: December 19, 5 pm.Theme: Data use
Introduction: December 20, 11-12 noon.
Assignment hand-in: January 12, 5 pm. -
Course literature
Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course.
No mandatory course literature.
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Course reports
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Contact
Student office- Visiting address
Arrheniuslaboratory, room E315
Svante Arrhenius väg 20C
- Office hours
Mon-Thur: 13.00-15.00
- Irregular office hours
Note! Closed June 11!
Closed for midsummer, June 21, and then stay closed till August 9. We answer e-mails to info.big@su.se all summer.
Study counsellor for advanced level
- Visiting address
Arrheniuslaboratoriet, room E315
Svante Arrhenius väg 20 C
- Office hours
By request
