Learning Outcomes
This course aims in understanding key issues in morphology, classification, ecology and ecophysiology of algae and marine seagrasses, phylogeny and genomics algae, harmful algal blooms, assessing the ecological quality of coastal waters using macrophytes as biomarkers, applied phycology and commercial uses algae. Student learn to apply the basic knowledge to be able to interpret and assess changes in different scales; they become familiar with algal sampling, microscopic analysis and identification, and the use of keys based on algae groups features. Student build skills in specific literature search and databases use. Students elaborate individual and collaborative essays. Finally, students develop critical thinking in the protection and management of aquatic ecosystems.
Course Content (Syllabus)
Morphology, taxonomy, ecology and ecophysiology of algae. Algal phylogeny and genomics. Harmful algal blooms. Zones of vegetation. Communities of hard and soft substrate. Biotic index in marine macrophytes for coastal waters ecological quality assessment. Biomarkers of marine macrophytes for biomonitoring of coastal systems.Macrophytes as bioindicators of pollution. Applied phycology (commercial use, pharmaceutical substances, biofuels).
Laboratory exercises:
1.Macrophytes (macroalgae, seagrasses) taxonomy,
2.Methods for estimation of primary production,
3.Particulate material in seawater,
4.Microalgae microscopy and taxonomy,
5.Identification of toxic cyanobacteria in lakes,
6.Molecular identification of genes producing phycotoxins
Field work:
Study of communities of hard and soft substrates. Techniques of micro- and macro-algae collection in marine and lacustrine ecosystems. Assessment of abiotic parameters in algae collection and research. Processing water samples for further analyses.
Description
1. Written examination on course material (75% of final grade). Exams based on multiple choice test and answering questions of knowledge or critical thinking; self-assessment multiple choice test.
2. Practical laboratory skills, preparation and presentation of short essays, familiarity with literature search, study books and articles, publication of modern Phycology topics in Wikipedia, cooperation in teams, field work areas (25% of final grade).