Marine Ecology

The course gives a broad introduction to marine ecology, how marine organisms interact with each other and with their environment, with a special focus on Norwegian and Nordic environments and topics. Main topics in the course include: marine biogeography and biodiversity; the abiotic environment; primary production in the marine environments; marine food webs; pelagic, benthic and deep-sea ecosystems; trophic cascades in marine ecosystems; aquaculture and fisheries; climate change; human impacts on marine ecosystems; and marine conservation.

Knowledge:

Upon completion of the course, the students will be able to:

• Explain major concepts in marine ecology
• Describe biogeographic patterns of pelagic and benthic organisms,
• Compare and contrast the basic ecology of pelagic and benthic ecosystems with a focus on functional groups
• Understand marine food web dynamics
• Appraise differences among major marine ecosystems

• Discuss sources of human disturbance on marine ecosystems and understand their impacts

Skills:

The student will be able to:

• Analyze simple ecological data
• Interpret data charts, graphs, and tables

• Evaluate claims based on provided data

General competence:

The student will be able to:

• Discuss concepts important to marine ecology
• Work constructively in a group

• Consider complex problems from multiple viewpoints and evaluate possible outcomes
• Evaluate statements in light of provided data

Course consists of lectures (conducted in English) providing background on relevant topics, and group work activities that allow students deeper exploration and understanding of topics covered during lectures. Copies of lectures are uploaded to Canvas.

Textbook: Ocean Ecology: Marine Life in the Age of Humans- Author: J: Emmet Duffy. Princeton University Press. In addition to the textbook, teachers will give specific recommendations about additional literature.