BIO201 Aquatic Ecology

The course is connected to the following study programs

• Bachelor's Programme in Biology

Teaching language

Norwegian or English

Prerequisites

BIO112 Introduction to biology

Course contents

The course aims to provide students with an introduction to the ecology of aquatic organisms, with particular focus on the autocology of selected model organisms. Food chains, the fight for resources, and reciprocal effects through predation, parasitism and symbiosis will be covered. Emphasis will be placed on the establishment of races and species in relation to the adaptation of an organism to its living environment. In particular, fish will be used to describe the importance of behavioural ecology in stock assessment and establishment of management procedures.
At the beginning of the course the students will get an introduction to statistical analyses and practical exercises in using R and R Studio (coordination with BIO207 and BIO204).

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course the student shall be able to account for the functional ecology of water-based organisms, with the main focus being on certain model freshwater organisms. Central knowledge about food chains, the fight for resources and the mutual influences of different species on each other through predation, parasitism and mutualism must be mastered. The students shall also be able to account for species formation in relation to the environmental adaptation of an organism.

Examination requirements

All compulsory assignments must have obtained a Pass.

Teaching methods

Instruction is comprised of lectures, field work and laboratory exercises. Participation in field work and laboratory exercises is required. Field and laboratory work are linked to selected topics, and mandatory written reports must be submitted for each topic. At regular intervals students will be given the opportunity to test their knowledge through multiple-choice tests. A satisfactory completion of field work and laboratory exercises is required before the student is allowed to take the final examination.

The course has an expected scope of work of 270 hours.

Evaluation

The person responsible for the course, in consultation with the student representative, decides the method of evaluation and whether the courses will have a midterm- or end of term evaluation, see also the Quality System, section 4.1. Information about evaluation method for the course will be posted on Canvas.

Assessment methods and criteria

Field and lab report counts 20%

Poster presentation counts 30%

Oral exam counts 50%

Graded assessment.