Experimental Aquatic Ecology

Timetable

4 lectures (2h each) and 8 laboratory calsses (3h each) 

8h lectures + 24h laboratory = 32h (1 group)

Module aim (aims)

• Introducing students to modern culturing techniques of aquatic organisms, with emphasis on hands-on laboratory practice and safe experimental procedures.

• Developing an experimental mindset for addressing ecological questions, including real-world problem solving in aquatic environments.

• Providing training in experimental design, data collection, and statistical analysis, preparing students for independent scientific research.

Pre-requisites in terms of knowledge, skills and social competences (where relevant)

Basic knowledge in ecology

Syllabus

Week 1:   Overview of Culturing and Experimental Techniques in Aquatic Ecology (Lecture: 2h);

 

                Cultivation Techniques of Experimental Organisms (Laboratory: 3h);

 

Week 2:   The Role of Light and Temperature in Aquatic Ecosystems (Lecture: 2h);

 

                 The Effect of Light on Interspecific Interactions – Part 1 (Laboratory: 3h);

 

Week 3:    The Experimental Approaches to Food-Web Studies (Lecture: 2h);

 

                 The Effect of Temperature on Interspecific Interactions – Part 2 (Laboratory: 3h);

 

Week 4:    Experimental Design, Data Analyses and Interpretation (Lecture: 2h)

 

                 The Role of Body Size in Prey – Predator Interactions (Laboratory: 3h);

 

Week 5:    Feeding Rates of Grazers on Phytoplankton (Laboratory: 3h);

 

Week 6:    Inducible Defences Against Herbivory/Predation (Laboratory: 3h);

 

Week 7:    Designing and conducting own experiment (Laboratory: 3h);

 

Week 8:    Designing and conducting own experiment – data analysis and interpretation (Laboratory: 3h);

Reading list

Wetzel R.G., Likens G.E. Limnological analyses. Springer, ISBN:0-387-98928-5;

Lampert W., Sommer U. Limnoecology. Oxford University Press, ISBN: 9780199213931;