BB806: Biophysical Dynamics of Fjords (5 ECTS)

STADS: 04004101

Level
Master's level course

Teaching period
The course is offered in the spring semester.
2nd quarter.

Teacher responsible
Email: hur@biology.sdu.dk

Timetable
There is no timetable available for the chosen semester.

Comment:
Kurset er aflyst efteråret 2011 p.g.a. for få tilmeldinger

Prerequisites:
None

Academic preconditions:
Bachelor's degree or equivalent level.

Course introduction
The primary aim is to provide knowledge on the interactions between filtering organisms and water flow. Additional focus is on describing the biological structure and organic matter and energy metabolism in a shallow water fjord system, including the importance of tidal and density driven currents for water exchange and hydrodynamics. Finally the aim of the course is to present experimental biological and hydrographical working methods and demonstrate examples of biofluid mechanics and hydraulic modelling.

Expected learning outcome
By the end of the course the student should be able to:

• Explain the interplay between hydrography and plankton dynamics in a fjord ecosystem
• Identify and describe the ecologically most important key organisms in i Kertinge Nor og Kerteminde Fjord
• Conduct field- and laboratory studies that illustrate the importance of filter-feeding animals
• Carry out a field investigation of abiotic and biotic parameters in a fjord

Subject overview
The course is a 6 days combined field and laboratory course with focus on interactions between hydrography, plankton and filtering benthos. The course consists of theory (introduction, lectures, seminars) and laboratory and field work. The course is held at Marine Biological Research Center (SDU) in Kerteminde with a half day excursion to Kertinge Nor and Kerteminde Fjord. Topics covered on the course are:

1. filtering macroinvertebrates (bivalves, tunicates, jelly fish, polychaetes);
2. key organisms and biological structure;
3. populations of filtering organisms and control of pelagic biomass;
4. phyto- and zoo-plankton;
5. water chemistry;
6. hydrography
7. benthic primary producers
8. sediment-water interactions.

Collection of samples, deployment of hydrographical measuring equipment etc. will take place from boats. Processing of samples (sorting, microscopy), chemical analysis and experimental biological work will take place at the Marine Biological Research Center.

Literature
There isn't any litterature for the course at the moment.

Website
This course uses e-learn (blackboard).

Prerequisites for participating in the exam
None

Assessment and marking:
(a) Project assignment. Pass/fail, internal evaluation by teacher.
Active participation in course without any absence is a prerequisite to hand in the project assignment.

Re-examination after 2nd quarter.

Active participation in course, no absence.

Expected working hours
The teaching method is based on three phase model.

6-dages kombineret felt- og laboratoriekursus.
Educational activities

Language
This course is taught in English.

Course enrollment
See deadline of enrolment.

Tuition fees for single courses
See fees for single courses.