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
Modulkürzel bio780
Credit points 15.0 KP
Workload 450 h
Institute directory Institute for Biology and Environmental Sciences
Verwendbarkeit des Moduls
  • Master's Programme Biology (Master) >
Zuständige Personen
  • Glatzel, Thomas (module responsibility)
  • Martinez Arbizu, Pedro Miguel (Module counselling)
Prerequisites
Safe apnoediving with aptitude test and medical fitness certificate
Skills to be acquired in this module
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
Literaturempfehlungen
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
Language of instruction German
Duration (semesters) 1 Semester
Module frequency jährlich
Module capacity unlimited
Form of instruction Comment SWS Frequency Workload of compulsory attendance
Exercises 9 126
Seminar 3 42
Präsenzzeit Modul insgesamt 168 h
Examination Prüfungszeiten Type of examination
Final exam of module
during the lectures
1. Report(s) (30 %)
2. Assignment (70 %) (project report in the style of a scientific publication)

Regular active participation in all three lectures is required for the module to be passed.