Limnology

Recommended Prerequisites

General knowledge of Biology.

Teaching Methods

Theoretical, practical and laboratory, field and tutorial.

Learning Outcomes

This course focuses on the structure and functioning of freshwater ecosystems, with emphasis on phytoplankton, periphyton and macrophyte communities. In addition to a thorough knowledge about these ecosystems, it aims to instill / develop environmental concerns towards active, enlightened and responsible participation in preserving these systems and to encourage / develop the ability of  individual and / or group research.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Introduction to the study of Limnology. Lentic ecosystems . The lakes , distribution , origins and forms . Water features , physico- chemical parameters of greatest importance . Structure: coastal, benthic and limnetic zones . Phytoplankton . Zooplankton . Benthic fauna and interactions with fish communities . Functioning. Distribution of nutrients and major ions . Oligotrophic, eutrophic, dystrophic systems . Lotic ecosystems . Concept of watershed and ordering of rivers . Width, depth, bottom type , current. Structure and functioning . Source and processing organic material. Functional groups of invertebrates . Energy flow and nutrient cycling Wetlands . Hydrology, dominant vegetation . Other communities . Productivity and cycle of major nutrients.

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Exam: 50.0%
Project: 50.0%

Bibliography

Smith,  R.L. & Smith, T. M. (2001). Ecology & Field Biology. Benjamin Cummings, San Francisco (Capítulo 30)

 Wetzel R.G. 2001. Limnology: Lake and River Ecology. Academic Press (Wetzel, R.G. (1983). Limnology. 2nd edition. Saunders College Publishing, Fort Worth)

Wetzel, R.G. & Likens, G.E. (1991). Limnological analyses. Springer-Verlag New York, Inc.)

http://www.inag.pt/

http://waterontheweb.org/

http://www.ecy.wa.gov/Programs/wq/plants/management/joysmanual/index.html.