Marine ecology

Marine ecology is the interplay of marine organisms and the interaction by organisms with their environment. The course is an introduction to marine ecology and covers important terms and concepts in ecology. The main topics include: The abiotic marine environment, primary production, microbial secondary production and recycling of nutrients, interaction between organisms and their environment, trophic/biotic interactions, marine productivity and bioenergetics, population and community ecology, and knowledge about important pelagic and benthic ecosystems. The course have a strong focus on environmental issues and sustainability, particularly the impacts we humans have on marine ecosystem. This includes the effects of pollution, climate change, fishery/aquaculture, and how regulations, marine conservation and restoration are used to mitigate these impacts. The course consists of lectures, group work, fieldwork and laboratory exercises.

Knowledge - the students:

• can explain important ecological terms and concepts
• can describe and compare relevant marine ecosystems
• can describe important abiotic factors and their importance for marine organisms
• can explain selected models of biotic interactions
• can describe sustainability challenges in the marine ecosystem due to the effects of human activity

Skills - the students:

• can use selected methods for pelagic and benthic sampling
• can use selected laboratory methods for the examination of biological material
• are able to apply the IMRaD format to write reports
• can discuss effects of human activity on marine organisms and the marine environment

General competence - the students:

• can discuss ecological topics and has a good insight into consequences of human activity on marine systems

Pedagogic methods: Lectures (30 hours), exercises (6 hours), fieldwork (20 hours) and laboratory exercises (15 hours) and self-tuition including work with compulsory assignments (~130 h). Attendance at fieldwork and laboratory exercises is mandatory.