Course - Marine Ecology - BI2060
Marine Ecology
About
About the course
Course content
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.
Learning outcome
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
Learning methods and activities
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 Blackboard.
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.
Further on evaluation
The course consists of two evaluation parts: in-class group work (40%) and final exam (60%). The students must pass each part for the overall course grade to be assigned.
In case of fail or retake (improvement) the exam can be held during the exam period in semester without teaching. The written exam can be changed to an oral exam in the semester when the course is not taught. In-class group work can be improved (retaken) by participating in group work during the next teaching semester for the course.
If you wish to appeal the grade of the exam this must be done within three weeks after the grade has been published or you have received the explanation for your grade
Recommended previous knowledge
Basic education in biology from universities or comparable.
Credit reductions
| Course code | Reduction | From |
|---|---|---|
| MNKBI260 | 7.5 sp | |
| MNKBI260 | 7.5 sp | |
| MB104114 | 7.5 sp | Autumn 2019 |
| MB104314 | 2 sp | Autumn 2019 |
| BIA2001 | 7.5 sp | Autumn 2020 |
Subject areas
- Aqua Culture
- Biology
- Marine Biology
- Ecology
Contact information
Course coordinator
Lecturers
- Alexandra Nathalie Constaratas
- Gabrielle-Yasymi Häberli
- Geir Johnsen
- Glaucia Moreira Fragoso
- Kjell Inge Reitan
- Sanna Kristiina Majaneva
Department with academic responsibility
Examination
Examination
Ordinary examination - Autumn 2025
School exam
The specified room can be changed and the final location will be ready no later than 3 days before the exam. You can find your room location on Studentweb.