Course content

Marine bio-diversity at different organizational levels (from genes to ecosystems). Overall differences in marine biodiversity in polar (examples from Arctic and Antarctica), temperate (mid-Norway) and tropical (Australia) ecosystems. How key-environmental variables (eg. light regime, temperature, salinity and nutrients) affect marine bio-diversity – relation to climate induced processes. The importance of endosymbionts and kleptoplasty in species development. Relate bio-diversity at different levels to organisms at sea-surface, water column (nekton and plankton) and sea-floor (benthos). Biodiversity and age of ecosystems (time important development factor). Mass extinctions and explosions.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:
Important definitions in marine biodiversity (from genes, organelles,
species, groups, habitats, ecosystems).
Biodiversity versus key environmental variables.
Impact of endosymbionts, kleptoplasty, environment stability and
time in species development.
Sampling of plankton and larvae, fish and benthos using different
techniques and equipment (vessel, nets, grab, corer, trawl,
dredge, SCUBA and ROV)
Impact of climate variation, fisheries and aquaculture on marine
bio-diversity.
Learn to sample organisms from sea surface, water column and
seafloor using different platforms (boat, SCUBA diving and Remotely Operated Vehicle- ROV) using different types of sampling gear.
Learn practical skills related oceanographic cruises on a research
vessel.

Skills:
Understanding of the relationship between organisms and their environment in Nature
Understanding why endosymbionts, time, humans and
environmental variables affect extinction and development of
new species
Understanding how to sample species and groups of interest for
further studies (field course)
Understanding differences in species biodiversity in “hot spots and
deserts” in polar, temperate and tropical environment
-Understand the major bio-diversity taxa and their importance in the
Ecosystem
Ability to communicate with colleagues in adjacent disciplines

Learning methods and activities

Admission to this course is restricted (15 places). Students with admission to Bachelor in Biology, major in Marin Biology and Aquaculture are preferred.

Presentation material are given in English and lectures in Norwegian if all students understand Norwegian. If not, lectures are given in English. Usually classes are dominated by Norwegian speaking students with 0-3 foreign students each year including MACODEV students and Erasmus Mundi students. In addition to traditional lectures, the students are divided into groups of 5 students during 5 days of field cruise with RV Gunnerus, of which each group is given a theme (inside the curriculum) upon which they shall give an oral presentation with slides, of maximum 25 minutes. The presentations will be presented, discussed and evaluated until accepted as part of the curriculum for all students (no grades). Written exam in 4 hours.


Compulsory activity

Filed work (cruise with RV Gunnerus for 5 days), group presentations are obligatory. Maximum 4 days of absence permitted)

Compulsory assignments

• Approved laboratory report/presentation
• Approved excursion

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

Topics in taxonomy/systematics, eco-physiology, evolution theory. BI1002