Marine Economic Botany

Year
1
Academic year
2022-2023
Code
02031908
Subject Area
Ecology
Language of Instruction
Portuguese
Mode of Delivery
Face-to-face
Duration
SEMESTRIAL
ECTS Credits
6.0
Type
Elective
Level
2nd Cycle Studies - Mestrado

Recommended Prerequisites

 Knowledge in Algae and Fungi and Bioinformatics

Teaching Methods

 The course will be intensive for two weeks. Theoretical classes will be held during the morning and fieldwork / lab practice during the afternoon. Theoretical classes will be given using a computer, video projector and sources of information from the internet (MACOI databases, Algaebase, among others). The practical part will take place in a laboratory equipped with the appropriate equipment. Collection of specimens of macroalgae with food and / or biotechnological interest

Learning Outcomes

 This course aims to provide essential knowledge on marine economic botany (biodiversity - marine plants, taxonomy of macroalgae, habitats, biogeography, physiological ecology, use and commercial exploitation of algae), the key role of marine plants on our planet. 

Specific skills

1. Knowledge and ability to understand:

Recognize and use concepts and principles of Biology (Biodiversity and Ecology), stimulating the systemic and diachronic thought.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Marine plants and their habitats

2. Abiotic and abiotic factors

3.*Ecology of macroalgae

4. Introduction to macroalgae (Seaweeds) and their biodiversity

5. Databases and biological collections

6. Ultrastructure and Cytochemistry of Gigartinals (Rhodophyta)

7. *Human Activities and Marine Plants: Over-exploitation, pollution and damage

8. Assessment of the ecological quality of coastal water bodies (MarMAT)

9. *Uses of marine macroalgae: in food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

* Topics that match the cutting-edge knowledge in the area

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Project: 20.0%
Exam: 80.0%

Bibliography

2013 - Pereira, L.; Gheda, F.S. & Ribeiro-Claro, P.J.A. Analysis by vibrational spectroscopy of seaweed polysaccharides with potential use in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. International Journal of Carbohydrate Chemistry Volume 2013 (2013), Article ID 537202, 7 p.

 Livros (Books):Edible Seaweeds of the World (2016). Pereira L. CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group; •     Guia Ilustrado das Macroalgas – Conhecer e reconhecer algumas espécies da flora portuguesa. Leonel Pereira (2011). Imprensa da Universidade de Coimbra, 99 p.

Marine Algae - Biodiversity, Taxonomy, Environmental Assessment and Biotechnology. Leonel Pereira & João M. Neto (Editors). Science Publishers. An Imprint of CRC Press/ Taylor & Francis Group.

Algas Marinhas da Costa Portuguesa - Ecologia, Biodiversidade e Utilizações. Leonel Pereira & Fernando Correia (2015). Editora Notas de Rodapé.

Artigos (Papers):2012 – Neto, J.M.; Gaspar, R.; Pereira, L. & Marques, J.C. Marine Macroalgae Assessment Tool (MarMAT) for intertidal rocky shores. Quality assessment under the scope of the European Water Framework Directive. Ecological Indicators 19: 39-47.