CSA-21306 Seagriculture: Seaweed Biology and Cultivation

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English.

Assumed knowledge on:

PPH-10306 Biology of Plants or comparable.

Continuation courses:

Other courses of the BSc minor Seagriculture: designing sustainable seaweed chains.

Contents:

This course deals with the biology, agronomy, physiology and ecology of seaweeds, in order to analyse cultivation, ecophysiology and ecology in marine systems vs. terrestrial systems. Aspects that are relevant in this context are:
- limits and possibilities of seaweed production in relation to the physical environment (light, temperature, carbon);
- the importance of salinity for productivity and metabolism;
- ecological risks and environmental hazards;
- biodiversity, reproduction and breeding.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- understand the biology and diversity of seaweeds, in relation to abiotic factors (light, substrate, nutrients, salinity, temperature, oxygen, carbon dioxide, pH) and biotic factors (competition with other algae and herbivory by animals);
- explain the processes that regulate growth, development and reproduction of seaweeds;
- explain the differences between aquatic and terrestrial systems regarding growth, development and biomass production;
- make links between the biological/ecological aspects of seaweed life and the constraints and innovation in the cultivation;
- apply disciplinary knowledge in a case study to elaborate on a relevant topic related to seaweed biology or cultivation.

Activities:

Lectures, case study, literature study, group work, (computer) practical.

Examination:

Written exam (60% of final mark) and case study report (40% of final mark). Each component needs a minimum grade of 5.5 to pass.

Literature:

Documentation will be available at the start of the course and electronically via Blackboard.