Specialization in MSOCEAN:
Ecosystems – Biology, ecology and biogeochemistry

• Plankton biology and ecology
• Pelagicic and benthic environment
• Chemistry and biogeochemistry
• Enabling technology for marine research

The specialization “Ecosystems – Biology, ecology and biogeochemistry” covers biology, ecology and bio-geochemistry of planktonic and benthic ecosystems. The research activities includes functional plankton groups of bacteria, phytoplankton, microzooplankton and large mesozooplankton, along with key groups of macroalgae and animals in shallow and deep seas. Planktonic food webs and trophic interactions among functional groups and species in temperate plankton ecosystems has a main focus, but MSc projects may also involve arctic and tropical planktonic and benthic ecosystems. Other research activities have a focus on the use of plankton for industrial purposes.

Biology, ecology and bio-geochemistry of planktonic and benthic ecosystems forms the fundament of environmental studies, which among others involve environmental interaction of aquaculture, coastal eutrophication, ecosystem modelling and biological processes of climate research in temperate and arctic oceans, including carbon export and sequestration.

New arenas of marine research are emerging through new technological methods for sampling and research. Establishment and use of new enabling sampling and research technologies has been a main focus in natural marine science research made by biologists and chemists in cooperation with marine NTNU-engineers. Such methods make new spectacular research possible, like for example use of ROVs or AUV’s as platforms for studies in extreme marine environments.
The students will obtain broad knowledge on aspects of the specialisation in master projects and in lectures given in the master programme.