Study Programmes 2015-2016
ZOOL0220-1  
Planctonology
Duration :
15h Th, 30h Pr
Number of credits :
Master in biology of organisms and ecology (120 ECTS)3
Master in biology of organisms and ecology (120 ECTS)3
Master in oceanography (120 ECTS)3
Master in oceanography (120 ECTS)3
Lecturer :
Anne Goffart
Language(s) of instruction :
French language
Organisation and examination :
Teaching in the second semester
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite :
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Course contents :
Despte its reduced size, plankton is a key-element of ocean ecosystem. Study of diversity, distribution and dynamics of plankton organisms requires a multidisciplinary approach including taxonomy, marine chemistry, physical oceanography and climatology. The course develops: - taxonomic tools for understanding phyto- and zooplankton diversity; - sampling technics and methods of study of plankton dynamics; - originality and specificities of plankton organisms and morphological, physiological and behaviour adaptations to the pelagic habitat; - some examples of the role of plankton in carbon cycle, climate change, formation of biogenic rocks, red tides, interaction with benthos and dynamics of fisheries.
Learning outcomes of the course :
Aquire in depth the actual state of knowlege on the diversity, distribution and dynamics of plankton. Practical initiation to the experimental research in planktonology
Prerequisite knowledge and skills :
Advanced knowledge in pelagic oceanography and in marine ecology. Basis in plant and animal taxonomy are a benefit.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods :
Theoretical information is applied to a personal research, performed on the basis of a bibliographic study, in the lab (e.g. phytoplankton pigments analysis by HPLC), or during an oceanographic cruise in the Mediterranean.
Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :
Face to face learning : - lessons and seminars at the second quadrimester - 10 hours of practical work in the lab in Liège - 20 hours of practical work at STARESO (Calvi, Corse)
Recommended or required readings :
Bibliographic references and a database on the plankton diversity.
Assessment methods and criteria :
Presentation of a 15 min talk on a plankton subject at the choice of the student. Oral and practical examination on the cursus.
Work placement(s) :
Organizational remarks :
Contacts :
Dr Anne Goffart Océanologie Institut de Chimie. B6c-1 Tel 04 366 50 76E-mail A.Goffart@ulg.ac.be