Methods and Techniques in Marine Biology

Recommended Prerequisites

Biology of Marine invertebrates; Biology of Marine Vertebrates; Biostatistics.

Teaching Methods

Theoretical classes will be presented in PowerPoint and oriented to stimulate discussion and the development of a critical spirit on the topics covered. Practical classes will have a strong field component, related to experimental design and biological sampling, and laboratory processing of collected samples.

Learning Outcomes

The objective of this discipline is to offer students the first insights to understand the different types of species and marine environments, how species are integrated in this environment, how they evolved in order to adapt to this environment and how they inter-relate in balance at the marine ecosystem, understanding the importance of each species in the context in which it operates. This curricular unit will allow students to acquire knowledge about sampling methods and techniques aimed at the various marine taxonomic groups and their habitats, laboratory processing of biological samples, as well as issues related to safety, logistics and ethics. In the end, students will gain skills in data analysis and synthesis which will be applied in building scientific reports, and presentation and discussion of results with colleagues.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Introduction to marine ecosystems
2. Experimental design
3. Sampling methods
4. Laboratory processing of biological samples
5. Data collection and analysis
6. Biodiversity and habitats assessment
7. Safety, logistics and ethics
8. Visualization, analysis and reporting of results

Head Lecturer(s)

Rui Godinho Lobo Girão Ribeiro

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Research work: 50.0%
Laboratory work or Field work: 50.0%

Bibliography

Salvanes, Anne Gro Vea; Jennifer Devine, Knut Helge Jensen, Jon Thomassen Hestetun, Kjersti Sjøtun, Henrik Glenner (eds) (2018)
Marine Ecological Field Methods: A Guide for Marine Biologists and Fisheries Scientists. Wiley-Blackwell. ISBN: 978-1-119-18436-2
Elliott, M. & Hemingway, K. (2002). Fishes in Estuaries. Blackwell Science Ltd. ISBN 0-632-05733-5.
Young, Lindsay & Eric VanderWerf (eds) (2022) Conservation of Marine Birds. Elsevier. eBook ISBN: 9780323885409. Paperback ISBN: 9780323885393.
Wheater, C. Philip; James R. Bell, Penny A. Cook (eds) (2020) Practical Field Ecology: A Project Guide. 2nd Edition. Wiley-Blackwell. ISBN: 978-1-119-41322-6.
Kaiser, Michel J.; Martin J Attrill, Simon Jennings, David Thomas (eds) (2020) Marine Ecology - Processes, Systems, and Impacts. 3rd Edition. Oxford University Press. ISBN: 9780198717850.
Kennish, Michael J. (2022) Practical Handbook of Marine Science. 4th Edition. CRC Press.ISBN 9781032338231.