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;
- 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, budget...).
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
Basic knowledge in physical and pelagic oceanography.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
Theoretical courses, practicals (Pr) and exercices (TD).
Practicals (Pr) include research and synthesis of information needed to characterize plankton communities and environmental constraints of a region of interest.
Exercices (TD) include :
- 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)
Blended learning
Additional information:
Face-to-face lessons except if sanitary conditions or other constraints impose remote teaching (via Lifesize).
Recommended or required readings
Reference articles and useful web links are given to students.
Assessment methods and criteria
Exam(s) in session
Any session
- In-person
oral exam
Written work / report
Additional information:
Oral evaluation based on the presentation of the personal report, except if deterioration of sanitary conditions or other constraints impose remote exam (via Lifesize).
Work placement(s)
Organizational remarks
Students need to work on their own computers.
Contacts
Dr Anne Goffart - A.Goffart@uliege.be University of Liège, Oceanology Phone +32 (0)4 366 50 76