bio780 - Biodiversity of Littoral Communities (Complete module description)

bio780 - Biodiversity of Littoral Communities (Complete module description)

Original version English PDF download
Module label Biodiversity of Littoral Communities
Module code bio780
Credit points 15.0 KP
Workload 450 h
Institute directory Institute for Biology and Environmental Sciences
Applicability of the module
  • Master's Programme Biology (Master) > Background Modules
  • Master's Programme Biology (Master) > Background Modules
Responsible persons
  • Martinez Arbizu, Pedro Miguel (module responsibility)
  • Martinez Arbizu, Pedro Miguel (authorised to take exams)
Prerequisites
Safe apnoediving with aptitude test and medical fitness certificate
Skills to be acquired in this module
+ deepened knowledge of biological working methods
+ ability to perform independent biological research
++ teamwork
+ ethics and professional behaviour
+ project and time management

By actively participating in this module students acquire qualifications in the following fields: Biological oceanography, marine biology and marine ecology: - Geological formation history of the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, respectively, or the Red Sea and adjacent seas - Oceanography and hydrology - Development of the faunal and floral composition of the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea and the Mediterranean region or the Red Sea (biogeography) - Commercial utilization of the seas and its impacts - Biotopes and biotic communities - Evolution, systematics, morphology, modes of life, and ecology of selected animal groups - Applying theoretical knowledge to real-world organisms/systems - Improved and specialized knowledge of species - Adaptation of life cycles - Interaction between organisms and environment - Dynamics of reef-building and reef-degrading processes - Threat to coral reefs/protection of marine environments Methods: - Formulation and definition of scientific approaches and selection of methods - Observation and investigation of organisms and their habitats (snorkelling/diving) - Documentation of small research projects in groups in the style of a scientific publication - Editorial work to prepare a module report - Popular presentation of results to be published by the media and to be presented at the University Further skills: - Social engagement in groups/teamwork in projects - Independent scientific work in groups - Improvement of scientific discussion culture - Consciousness of the threat to coral reefs - Practising English - Dealing with the culture of the visited region Culture: - History, culture, politics, and religion Additionally: - Physiological aspects of apnoediving - Measures in case of accidents (also caused by "poisonous" organisms)
Module contents
Biodiversity of littoral biotic communities – topographical field research
Recommended reading
GRÜTER, W., 2001: Leben im Meer - Vielfalt und Zusammenhänge. Dr. Friedrich Pfeil Verlag, München. %% Should be read prior to a marine biological excursion! This book will arouse your curiosity about the submarine world. A reading book!%% HEMPEL, G., HEMPEL, I. & S. SCHIEL (HRSG.), 2006: Faszination Meeresforschung – Ein biologisches Lesebuch. Hauschild Verlag. %% This textbook is information and fun for all readers interested in marine life as well as in the protection of marine environments.%% HOFRICHTER, R., 2001: Das Mittelmeer - Fauna, Flora, Ökologie. Spektrum Akademischer Verlag, Heidelberg - Berlin: Band I, II, III. %%The textbook for the Mediterranean Sea! The general 1st part provides valuable information on symbioses or feeding types, for example.%% LALLI, C. M. & T. R., PARSONS, 1997: Biological Oceanography: An Introduction. 2. Edition. The Open University, Butterworth, Heinemann. %%Very compact, explanatory! Not expensive! A must for biological oceanography! Recommended for preparing examinations! Provides basic information!%% NYBAKKEN, J. W. & M. D. MERTNESS, 2005: Marine Biology - An ecological approach. Pearson, Education paperback book. Addison, Wesley, Publishers. %%Highly illustrative! Much additional information on different fields! The authors provide a unique ecological approach that helps students understand the real-world relevance of marine biology by exploring how organisms interact within their individual ecosystems.%% SOMMER, U., 2005: Biologische Meereskunde. 2. Auflage, Springer Verlag, Berlin, Heidelberg. %%Connecting biological oceanography with theoretical ecology!%% Literature study: Web of science: externhttp://www.bis.uni-oldenburg.de – Data banks(DBIS) – Biology – TOP data banks, e.g. ASFA, Science Citation Index, Zoological Record hhtp://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/bibliogrphy/14107 externhttp://scholar.google.de/ externhttp://www.vifabio.de Open access journals: externhttp://www.doaj.org/ - externhttp://www.plosone.org
Links
Languages of instruction English , German
Duration (semesters) 1 Semester
Module frequency annually in summer term
Module capacity unlimited
Type of module Wahlpflicht / Elective
Module level MM (Mastermodul / Master module)
Teaching/Learning method Exercise, seminar
Type of course Comment SWS Frequency Workload of compulsory attendance
Exercises 9 SuSe 126
Seminar 3 SuSe 42
Seminar (Pflichtveranstaltung für Erstsemester OHNE bisherige Belehrung) WiSe 0
Total module attendance time 168 h
Examination Prüfungszeiten Type of examination
Final exam of module
during the lectures
2 short presentations (30 %), 1 internship report  (70 %) (project report in the style of a scientific publication) PLEASE NOTE: Additional conditions regarding attendance and ungraded activities as determined by the persons responsible for the module will apply.