AEW-23306 Introduction Marine and Estuarine Ecology

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Continuation courses:

AEW-22806 Marine Systems; AEW-20706 practical Aquatic Ecology and Water Quality.

Contents:

Students are introduced in the structural and functional characteristics of marine and estuarine systems, i.e. physical, chemical and biological properties of the various ecosystems. Guest lecturers will present cases that exemplify the major processes and management options in marine environments. On the island of Texel the students will use their theoretical training to investigate various ecosystems. Attention will be paid to mass transport from the sea to the island and vice versa, food webs on mudflats and beach in relation to sediment type, migratory birds and bird predation pressure.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- explain the composition of marine waters and the differences between major oceans;
- explain the main physical, chemical and biological processes in marine waters;
- (dis)similarities between the main marine and estuarine ecosystems;
- explain important ecological concepts in marine systems (e.g. food webs, regime shifts);
- recognize marine and estuarine systems by their structure and functioning;
- apply a number of sampling and measuring techniques;
- independently set up and perform field experiments.

Activities:

- following (guest)lectures;
- make a workplan for an experiment;
- perform experiments in the field;
- analyse and present the results.

Examination:

There will be a written exam dealing with the lectures (20%);
- individual performance (20%);
- assessment of reports (40%);
- poster (20%).
Results of partial interim examinations (deelcijfers) are valid for the period of three years.

Literature:

A manual and lecture notes will be distributed during the course.
P.R. Pinet: Invitation to Oceanography.