Duration
10h Th, 5h Pr, 12h Mon. WS
Number of credits
| Master in biology of organisms and ecology (120 ECTS) | 3 crédits | |||
| Master in oceanography (120 ECTS) | 4 crédits |
Lecturer
Language(s) of instruction
French language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the first semester, review in January
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
Despite its reduced size, plankton is a key-element of ocean ecosystem. The study of diversity, distribution and dynamics of plankton organisms nowadays relies on the use of a variety of tools and requires a multidisciplinary approach.
The course will focus on :
- general characteristics of plankton diversity;
- taxonomic tools for understanding plankton diversity;
- the presentation of a variety of tools allowing to investigate plankton characteristics (e.g. plankton nets, gliders, satellites, ... ) in relation with environmental parameters;
- methods of observation and analysis of plankton (e.g. microscopy, flow cytometry, flowcam, zooscan, chemotaxonomy, ocean color products, ...) and their use in plankton research;
- examples of phytoplankton observation conducted at different spatial and temporal scales.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
- To acquire the actual state of knowlege on the methods of investigation, observation and analysis of marine plankton;
- To design and to plan an oceanographic campaign focusing on plankton research, taking into account practical constraints (spatio-temporal scales, characteristics of the system to study, choice of instrumentation, ...).
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
Basic knowledge in physical and pelagic oceanography.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
Theoretical courses, laboratory practicals (TP) and exercices (TD).
Laboratory practicals (TP) include research and synthesis of information needed to identify a selection of planktonic groups. Practicals may be subject to modification according to the evolution of the Covid 19 sanitary crisis.
Exercices (TD) are direct applications of theorical concepts given during the lectures. They are case study based on real data sets.
Realization of a personal work : planinng a research cruise focusing on plankton study. The working time at home is included in the credits of the present course.
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
Face-to-face for sanitary conditions corresponding to the yellow code.
Face-to-face and/or remote teaching (Lifesize) if sanitary conditions match the orange code.
Remote teaching (Lifesize) if sanitary conditions match the red code.
Organisational adjustments related to the current health context
See the French version.
Recommended or required readings
Reference articles and useful web links are given to students.
Assessment methods and criteria
Below you will find information on the evaluation methods planned for in-person and remote exams as well as those planned for hybrid sessions. Depending on how the health crisis evolves, the chosen method will be communicated to you no later than one month before the start of the exam session.
Any session :
- In-person
oral exam
- Remote
oral exam
- If evaluation in "hybrid"
preferred remote
Additional information:
See the French section.
Work placement(s)
Organizational remarks
The course schedule is drawn up by mutual agreement between the students and the teacher.
Students need to work on their own computer during the exercices.
Contacts
Dr Anne Goffart - A.Goffart@uliege.be University of Liège, Oceanology Phone +32 (0)4 366 50 76