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| ZOOL0220-2 | Planctonology
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| Duration : | 30h Th |
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| Number of credits : |
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| Lecturer : | Jean‑Henri Hecq |
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Language(s) of instruction :
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| French language |
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Course contents :
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| Despte its reduced size, the plankton is a key-element of ocean ecosystem. Diversity, distribution and dynamics of plankton organisms require a multidisciplinary approach including taxonomy, marine chemistry, physical oceanography and climatology.
The course develops:
- Taxonomic tools for understanding the phyto and zooplankton taxonomy.
- Sampling technics and method of study of dynamics
- Originality and specificity of plankton organisms and morphological, physiological and behaviour adaptation to the pelagic habitat
- Quantitative approach of the plankton dynamics in terms of parametrisation of processes and dynamics of population.
- Some example of the role of plankton in the carbon cycle, climate change, formation of biogenic rocks, red tides, interaction with benthos and dynamics of fisheries. |
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Learning outcomes of the course :
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| Aquire in depth the actual state of knowlege on the diversity, distribution and dynamics of plankton. Practical initiation to the experimental research and modelling in planktonology |
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Prerequisites and co-requisites/ Recommended optional programme components :
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| In depth knowlege in Pelagic Oceanography and in Marine Ecology. Basis in plant and animal taxonomy are a benefit. |
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Planned learning activities and teaching methods :
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| Practicaly, the theoretical informations is applied to a personal research, either personal research, or bibliography, or in laboratory (e.g. phytoplankton pigments analysis by HPLC), either during an oceanographic cruise (Mediterranean, Antarctic or North Sea) |
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Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :
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| One half day per week during second quadrimester |
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Recommended or required readings :
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| Written cursus (in french), power point presentation, and a data base on the plankton diversity and technics |
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Assessment methods and criteria :
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| Presentation of a 15 min talk on a plankton subject at the choice of the student. Oral and practical examination on the cursus. |
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Contacts :
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| Jean-Henri Hecq
Oceanology
Institute of Chemistry. B6c-1/4
Tél: 043 663646
mail: jh.hecq@ulg.ac.be. |
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