ZOOL2000-1 : Ecology and production of aquatic ecosystem

Study Programmes 2015-2016

ZOOL2000-1

Ecology and production of aquatic ecosystem

part : plants
part : zooplancton and invertebrates
part : fish

Duration :

part : plants : 10h Th, 10h Pr
part : zooplancton and invertebrates : 10h Th, 10h Pr
part : fish : 10h Th, 16h Pr

Number of credits :

Specialised master in aquaculture		5

Lecturer :

part : plants : Frederik De Laender
part : zooplancton and invertebrates : Célia Joaquim-Justo
part : fish : Michaël Ovidio

Coordinator :

Michaël Ovidio

Language(s) of instruction :

French language

Organisation and examination :

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite :

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Course contents :

part : plants

1/ Introduction
2/ Phytoplankton

estimation of biomass
photosynthesis, nutrients, light, temperature
estimation of primary production

3/ phytoplankton and trophic chains
4/ Exercise: estimates of primary production and calculation of the number of fish sustained by that production

Practicals : demonstration of the Winkler approach

part : zooplancton and invertebrates

This part of the course includes an overview of paramount parameters for the development of invertebrates in aquatic ecosystems. Relevant specificities of the main zooplanktonic taxa are reviewed to ensure thorough understanding of the factors that intervene in the management of secondary production in ecosystems and in cultures. Secondary production measurement methods are presented and the last course focuses on methods of invertebrate mass production (especially planktonic biomass) with a special emphasis on nutrient content to optimize fish larvae production and survival

part : fish

The course addressed the theoretical concepts and practical-technological tool that are important to know to apprehend the management of freshwater fish populations (fish tagging, fish behavior, management and protection of functional habitats, connectivity)
Field activities + theoritical courses.

Learning outcomes of the course :

part : plants

To understand the central role of primary producers in aquatic ecosystems, to calculate primary production and the biomass supported by this production.

part : zooplancton and invertebrates

The goal of this course is that students acquire thorough knowledge of abiotic and biotic parameters that determine invertebrate production both in natural environments and in cultures.

This course also provides students with an overview and understanding of the main methods available to measure secondary production and to optimize invertebrate production in mass cultures.

part : fish

Oral talk on the biology in freshwater fish.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills :

part : plants

Basic biology and ecology.

part : fish

Bases in general biology

Planned learning activities and teaching methods :

part : plants

Seminars, practicals.

part : zooplancton and invertebrates

Practical courses are organized so that the students can become familiar with the major taxonomical groups in lotic ecosystems and thematerial used for mass production of planktonic organisms.
Students observations are used to assess the water quality of sampled sites.
When possible, a visit to a mass culture production site is organized.

part : fish

Theoritical courses + fied experiments (electric fishing in rivers)

Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :

part : plants

Face-to-face.

part : zooplancton and invertebrates

Courses are attended at the CEFRA (Tihange).
Field trips and laboratory work will tale place in Liège (Sart-Tilman campus).

part : fish

Presentiel