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Biological Nomenclature

Course description

Taxonomists need a common language worldwide. This is provided by the international codes of nomenclature. Although several codes exist, according to the organisms at stake, they all follow a similar mode of allocation of names to taxa (through “types”) and of establishment of the valid name for a taxon (priority, usage). As biological nomenclature is rarely taught in academic formations, many taxonomists have difficulties mastering it. This training will provide an overview of the history and epistemology of biological nomenclature, and a discussion of the relationships between phylogeny, taxonomy and nomenclature. The zoological and botanical codes will be presented in detail, the other codes more briefly. The recent problems and projects of nomenclature, including alternative systems, will be discussed.

Lecture topics:

  • What is taxonomy? What is nomenclature? The relationships between phylogeny, taxonomy and nomenclature
  • History and epistemology of the international codes of nomenclature
  • The international code of zoological nomenclature
  • The international code of botanical nomenclature
  • The other international codes (bacteria, viruses, cultivated plants)
  • The alternative nomenclatural systems

Seminar topics:

  • Nomenclature of higher taxa in zoology
  • The Phylocode and other phylogenetic nomenclatural systems
  • Zoobank

Practical experiences will include: exercises in zoological and botanical nomenclature
and transforming phylogenetic data into a taxonomy and a nomenclature.

Duration
One week

Date
8-12 November 2010

Course language
English

Target Audience 
MSc students, PhD students as well as for early career researchers

Location
Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Entomology laboratory, 45 rue Buffon, 75231 Paris, France
http://www.mnhn.fr

Teacher
Prof. Alain Dubois, Department of Systematics & Evolution, Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Paris

Registration fee
€ 250.00 (Euros)
Participants are responsible for their own travel and subsistence expenses.

Maximum number of participants
15
Criteria for selection will be scientific merit, motivation and usefulness of the training course for your career.

Registration
Deadline for registration: 8 September 2010
Participants will be notified by 17 September 2010 whether accepted to the course.

Click here for the registration form.

Payment
Deadline payment: 30 September 2010.
Details will be provided upon acceptance to the course.

Cancellation policy
In the case of cancellation of participation before 8 October 2010, registration fee will be refunded (except cancellation fee of € 25,00). After that date, no further refunds will be issued.

EDIT Grants
EDIT is offering 5 grants of up to € 500,00 each to trainees to attend this course. They are to be used to help defray the expenses associated with course attendance, travel and accommodation.
Receipts will be required to receive reimbursement.
Please indicate your interest for an EDIT grant when submitting your registration form.
In allocating grants, priority is given to selected participants coming from economically less-favoured regions.