Course - Marine Ecology - BI2060
Marine Ecology
About
About the course
Course content
The course gives a broad introduction in marine ecology with a focus on Norwegian and Nordic conditions. Important issues are eco-clines and marine biogeography; chemical-physical factors and the abiotic environment; biodiversity; phytoplankton, pigments and storage components; toxic microalga; photosynthesis; growth rate and respiration of microalgae; limiting and controlling factors of algal growth; heterotrophic plankton; grouping of plankton; functional plankton groups; feed uptake, metabolism and energetics; decomposition chain; trophic level, -transfers, and -efficiency; population dynamics in planktonic communities; global marine production; aquaculture and fisheries; carbon pump and climate, disturbing impacts on marine ecosystems, principles for conservation of marine ecosystems.
Learning outcome
Knowledge:
The candidate will have knowledge about:
- General definitions and concepts of marine ecology and biodiversity
- Geographic patterns of organisms and the abiotic marine environment
- Plankton and nekton organisms of marine ecosystems, with a focus on functional groups
- Photosynthesis of autotrophic plankton
- Decomposition of organic material and food web dynamics
- Various sources of impacts on marine ecosystems
- Goals and methods for conservation of marine ecosystems
Skills:
The candidate may describe:
- The principle definitions and concepts of marine ecology
- The important abiotic factors that drive organisms of marine ecosystems
- The main groups of marine organisms and their interactions
- The main pathways of production and decomposition in the sea
- Typical effects of fisheries, aquaculture and physical disturbances on marine ecosystems
- Principles and methods for conservation of marine ecosystems
General competence:
The candidate knows and understands:
- The importance of the marine abiotic environment for the richness of species
- The main functions of autotrophic and heterotrophic organisms in the marine ecosystem
- Mechanisms of the fundamental relations and interactions among organisms and among organisms and their abiotic environment
- The principle transport mechanisms of material and energy in the food webs
- Identification/classification/reduction of various types of impacts on marine ecosystems
Learning methods and activities
Lectures that also describe the pensum, copies of lectures are uploaded to Blackboard. Textbook: Kaiser et al. (last version). Marine Ecology: Processes, Systems, and Impacts. Oxford University Press. Teachers give specific recommendations about other literature.
Further on evaluation
In case of fail or retake (improvement) the final exam is held during the exam period both semesters.
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
- Ana Sofia Aniceto
- Gabrielle-Yasymi Häberli
- Geir Johnsen
- Maja Karoline Viddal Hatlebakk
- Nicole Aberle-Malzahn
- Yngvar Olsen
Department with academic responsibility
Examination
Examination
Ordinary examination - Autumn 2022
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.
Ordinary examination - Spring 2023
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.