Marine Ecology

Aim and Content

The course gives an introduction to marine ecosystems and how these are formed by nature and human activities. The characteristics of, and the environmental conditions regulating, the ocean's primary production, micobial processes and secondary production are reviewed. The world's marine ecosystems are classified into main categories and particular emphasis is given for the characteristics of Norwegian coastal ecosystems. Main features of world fisheries, aquaculture, ocean pollution and climate change and their effects on the marine ecosystem are discussed.

Learning Outcomes

After having completed the course, students will:

- Explain how primary production, microbial processes, and secondary production are regulated in the marine ecosystems

- Explain the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of the different main categories of the marine ecosystem

- Explain main features of the world's fisheries, aquaculture, ocean pollution, and climate change

- Explain characteristics that apply to Norwegian coastal and fjord ecosystems and be able to formulate simple models for how the emission of substances affect open versus closed coastal ecosystems

Course offered (semester)

Autumn

Language of Instruction

English

Pre-requirements

Compulsory parts of Bachelor in Biology or Aquaculture

Compulsory Requirements

Approved compulsory assignments (reports) (valid in ongoing and the following semesters).

Assessment methods

 Approved compulsory assignments. Written exam: 4 hours. No exam support material.

Grading Scale

The grading scale used is A to F. Grade A is the highest passing grade in the grading scale, grade F is a fail.

Contact Information

studie@bio.uib.no