Phycology

Recommended Prerequisites

Previous studies on algal biology.

Teaching Methods

Theoretical, practical and laboratory, field and tutorial.

Learning Outcomes

To know, to understand and to be able to demonstrate knowledge on the main groups of algal groups, diversity and classification used, fundamental aspects of the biology of these organisms such as morphology, reproduction, habitat and their ecological and economic importance.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Introduction to Phycology. Phycological studies at Coimbra Univ.

2. The Algoteca of Coimbra (ACOI). Establishment of cultures; the importance of algal collections. Ongoing scientific work.

3. Prokaryotic algae: origin. Cell structure, classification, diversity and importance.

4. Endosymbiosis and origin of the eukaryotic algae. Detailed comparative study of the cell structure in different groups: cell coverings and cel wall, chloroplasts and flagella, cell division.

5. Ecology of marine and freshwater algae. Phytoplankton, periphyton, seaweeds - physical and chemical parameters that affect growth, methodologies of study, adaptations.

6. Pollution and its effects on algal communities, with a focus on the development of blooms, toxins of cyanobacteria, dinoflagellates, diatoms and other algae.

7. Main uses of algae.

8. Actual and future perspectives.

Head Lecturer(s)

Lília Maria Antunes dos Santos

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Project: 50.0%
Exam: 50.0%

Bibliography

Bellinger, E.G. & Sigee, D.C. 2010. Freshwater Algae. Wiley- Blackwell.

Lee, R.E. 2008. Phycology. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.

Graham, L. E., & Wilcox, L. W. 2000. Algae. Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ.

Van den Hoek C., D. Mann & H.M. Jhams. 1995. Algae: An introduction to phycology. University of Cambridge.