spring 2015
BIO-8515 Climate change, marine ecosystems and tipping points in the Arctic Ocean - 2 ECTS

Type of course

Theoretical

Course content

The course will give an introduction to the background and definitions of tipping points, as well as quantitative methods to detect thresholds and tipping points in ecosystem components. Examples of changes in ecosystem processes in the marine Arctic due to climate change will be presented.

Objectives of the course

After the course the student should be able to:

  • Sea ice.
  • Metabolic processes in plankton
  • The marine Arctic as a sink or source for atmospheric CO2
  • Distribution of Arctic species.
  • Explain the concept of tipping points.
  • Describe methods for detecting thresholds and tipping points in time-series.
  • Describe the basic prinsiples of the Metabolic Theory of Ecology (MTE).
  • Give examples of different Arctic marine ecosystem components? responses to temperature increase.
  • Discuss potential consequenses of increased temperature in the marine Arctic in relation to:

Understanding of the mechanisms for how the marine Arctic ecosystems may respond to extrinsic pressures (climate) in an abrupt and non-linear way


Language of instruction and examination

English

Teaching methods

Lectures. Intensive course, 3 days

Assessment

Short student presentation (powerpoint). Students own work put into the context of the course. Graded with: Pass/Fail

Recommended reading/syllabus

Will be distributed in advance to students accepted for the course

Error rendering component

  • About the course
  • Campus: Ukjent |
  • ECTS: 2
  • Course code: BIO-8515