Vår 2025

BIO-2010 Marine Ecology - 10 stp

The course is administrated by

Institutt for arktisk og marin biologi

Type of course

The course is available for students at the study program Bachelor in Biology and exchange students at a biology study program.

The course is limited to maximum 36 students due to limited capacity on the boat.

Priority if full:

1. Students at the bachelor in Biology program at UiT

2. Biology students on an Erasmus+ exchange

3. Biology students from other exchange programs

Students are encouraged to also take BIO-2516 Ocean Climate and BIO-2513 Marin biodiversitet (Please note! Norwegian taught course).

Course overlap

BIO-1501 Aquatic Ecology 5 ects

Course contents

This course is an introduction to the marine ecosystems in northern and Arctic areas. We study the influence of physical parameters, currents and topography on populations of pelagic and benthic organisms, as well as biological interactions between them. We discuss the factors that trigger the vernal bloom and initiate feeding, reproduction and dispersion in the pelagic realm, and the fate of this biomass in the ecosystem. Students will work in groups to prepare oral presentations about selected topics. A short research cruise will give the students practice in collecting and analyzing with samples of plankton, benthos and fish, work in groups and organize work under guidance. Students will prepare a written report describing the cruise sampling and results.

Objective of the course

After having completed the course, students will be able to

Knowledge

explain how the physical environment affects marine organisms and communities, including dispersal and zonation of populations, and climate effects.
describe the differences between estuarine, coastal and oceanic biotopes
compare the general features of the classical marine food chain and the microbial loop
discuss the importance of seasonal variations and the consequences for life cycles in pelagic populations
describe processes that link pelagic and benthic environments
give examples of how human activities may impact marine habitats
discuss threats (e.g. ocean acidification, fishing, climate change and invasive species) and solutions to sustainability of marine ecosystems.

Skills

Use common field sampling gear and standard lab equipment for the investigation of different types of marine organisms
Choose appropriate methods for simple investigations of marine organisms and biotopes
Estimate abundance and biomass of pelagic and benthic organisms
Interpret diagrams from a CTD-instrument and explain what this means for marine organisms
Interpret and produce scientific graphs

General competence

work independently and in collaboration with the processing of marine scientific samples and data
to collect and summarize scientific information from articles and web sources
present scientific results in written and oral form

Language of instruction

The language of instruction is English and all of the syllabus material is in English. Examination questions will be given in English, but may be answered either in English or a Scandinavian language.

Teaching methods

Lectures, seminars, lab. exercises and research cruise. The laboratory course and cruise is mandatory. Necessary safety training will be given.