Marine Biology and Ecology

Recommended Prerequisites

Animal Diversity, Zoology; Biostatistics; Ecology; Chemistry; Physics.

Teaching Methods

Theoretical, theoretical-practical, and practical lectures, complemented with students autonomous Group work, as well as independent study.

Learning Outcomes

The course aims at characterizing the marine environment with regard to interactions between physical,chemical,and biological processes. Estuarine environments are characterized from the same perspective but emphasizing their specificities.Following this descriptive approach, students are introduced to the study of biogeochemical processes.Finally, the impact of human activities on marine and estuarine ecosystems and the sustainable management of these ecosystems are approached,namely from the perspective of environmental impact assessment and of the implementation of European Directives.Knowledge in these fields is permanently updated in order to illustrate the different matters in practice. Knowledge acquired allow students understanding of the physical,chemical,and biological bases of marine and estuarine ecosystems functioning,as well as building capacities(concepts and tools)in the fields of environmental quality assessment and management and support to decision making.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Brief characterization of the marine environment;

general characteristics of coastal and estuarine ecosystems;

Biogeochemical processes in coastal and estuarine ecosystema;

Impact of human activities on marine and estuarine ecosystems. Pollution. Ecological indicators of environmental quality;

Environmental management of coastam and estuarine ecosystems; Implementation of European Directives.

Assessment Methods

Evaluation
Laboratory work or Field work: 10.0%
Report of a seminar or field trip: 10.0%
Project: 20.0%
Exam: 60.0%

Bibliography

Textos de apoio fornecidos.

 

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