Introduction to Marine Biology - From Elements to Ecosystems

 
         

Beginners and advanced students appreciate the wide array of contents of this course to approach the largest ecosystem on earth, the sea.

Course directors are the biologists Miriam Weber and Matthias Schneider.

Miriam received her PhD from the University of Bremen with a thesis on sediment effects on coral, in collaboration with the Australian Institute of Marine Science and the Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Bremen. She is a diving instructor and under water photographer. Miriam has taken part in several scientific expeditions to Antarctica, the tropics, the Mediterranean Sea and to high-alpine lakes. She is coordinating the research activities at the HYDRA Institute for Marine Sciences and has a teaching appointment at the University of Tübingen. Miriam uses technical diving to extend the range for her research and media work.

 

Matthias studied zoology and biological oceanography in Kiel, Germany. He has a sound knowledge of marine biology and is fascinated by the Mediterranean Sea. He is a certified German Research Diver, assistant dive instructor and currently finishing his PhD on deep sea fishes at the Senckenberg Research Institute and Natural History Museum in Frankfurt a.M., Germany. His expeditions have led him to the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean, the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea.

 Andrea Werner is the responsible diving instructor for this course.

Andrea holds a degree in marine biology from the University of Oldenburg with a thesis on meiofauna in different sands. She is a certified German Research Diver, diving instructor (VDST/CMAS) and instructor trainer (VDTL/CEDIP). Andrea is head of our dive center.

 
     

Contents of the course

This course gives an insight into various aspects of marine biology and its broad range of applications, from biogeochemical processes to ecosystems.

Related subjects such as oceanography, hydrobiology and ecology are included with examples from the Mediterranean Sea.
     

With small student projects we are able to react to biological phenomena while they occur.

(rare seagrass flowers and seeds)
   

The starting point for our voyage through marine biology are the cycles of the basic elements: C, H, O, N and S. From there we follow the origin of life in the oceans and its evolution from microbes to multicellular organisms, their interactions and habitats. In conclusion the ecosystem of the Mediterranean Sea serves as a case study for the dependance of mankind on the world oceans and the hazards generated by its actions. Legal issues and conservation measures are also addressed.

By field observations and lab experiments the students experience the basic principles of life in the oceans. During this course they learn about the most important groups of marine plants, animals and coastal habitats.

Due to its overall approach the course remains fragementary and focusses on selected examples. Practical tipps and support for further studies are provided.
 

Examples from current research projects are linked with global topics.

(Gulf Stream and plankton organisms)		  
   

Main topics

  • Basics of oceanography, biogeochemistry and ecology
  • Origin of life and its evolution in the oceans
  • Marine organisms and their habitats
  • Settlement, reproduction, dispersal, biogeography
  • Special aspects of the Mediterranean Sea
  • Environmental problems and conservation
       

Methods

  • Under water observations by SCUBA diving and sampling of organisms, from bacteria to fish.
  • Boat-based measurements and sampling.
  • Introduction to under water sampling techniques (sampling box, corers).
  • Classification of organisms under water, on the shore, and in the lab with microscopes (ZEISS) and special literature.
  • Observation, measurements and experiments in the lab (own samples and by-catch from local fishermen).
  • Oral, photo and video presentations about biogeochemistry, oceanography, systematics and ecology of the organisms and habitats, environmental issues, maritime legislation, conservation.
  • Documentation (drawings, photos and video).
  • Discussions based on video and photo documentations.
         

Prerequisites

  • Current dive medical certificate, not older than 3 years (one year for under 18 and over 40 year old, respectively).

  • Recognized SCUBA diving certificate, at least 1 star (VDTL*, VDST*, CMAS* or similar, PADI OWD or comparable) or booking for the integrated SCUBA diving course.

Credits

  • After successful completion of the course a graded certificate will be issued, given the participants fullfilment of the following requirements:

  • Regular attendance of all course hours, successful completion and exams for practical and theoretical units of the SCUBA diving course (if applicable), or preparation of a report of underwater observations, a short presentation during the course, and a written report on the course.

  • Each course is recommended to be rated with 3 ETCS credit points. With additional work (e.g. more detailled course report, presentation at home university) some universities give up to 5 credit points for the participation in the course.
     

Fees

EUR 735,-
*(summer: EUR 785,-)
additional EUR 30,- examination fees only for diving course participants

Included services

10 overnight stays in shared accommodation, dormitory-style (self-catering), eight days of biology class including accompanied diving or SCUBA diving course. Rental of complete diving equipment included.

Dates

04 - 14 April 2012

12 - 22 August 2012 *

22 August - 01 September 2012 *

 

To our registration site Elba 2012