AB-202
Marine Arctic Biology (15 ECTS)

	Course period:	Autumn semester, annually
	Language of instruction:	English
	Credit reduction/overlap:	None
	Grade:	Letter grade (A through F)
	Course materials:	Curriculum/reading list: Sakshaug et al. (eds): “Ecosystem Barents Sea” (2009). In addition ca. 80 pages from articles
	Course responsible:	Tove M. Gabrielsen
	Course costs:	NOK 1400 (7 days scientific cruise x NOK 200 per day)

Required previous knowledge/specific course requirements:
60 ECTS within general natural sciences, of which 30 ECTS within the field of biology.

Learning outcome:

After the course, the students will have knowledge about the marine Arctic flora and fauna, and how marine ecosystems are built up and function. The students will get hands on knowledge in the collection and identification of marine flora and fauna from benthic, pelagic and sea ice ecosystems.

Academic content:
The course gives an introduction to the most important Arctic marine organisms, from plankton to whales, and their adaptations and physiological responses to their environment. Microorganisms, plankton, invertebrates and fishes will be described as a background to understand algae and animal associations in pack-ice, ice-free water masses and on the bottom of Arctic seas and fjords. The treatment of subjects such as seabirds and sea-mammals includes their distribution and migration patterns, life-history and physiological adaptations. Energy budgets will be highlighted. Emphasis will also be put on the complexity of Arctic marine ecosystems from primary producers to top predators, the biomass and productivity at different trophic levels, and how the arctic marine system functions. Food chains and energy transport paths will be discussed. Elementary physical oceanography will be included in the lectures.

The excursions include pelagic and benthic localities, and if possible also sea ice localities. Sampling techniques and analytical methods for environmental variables will be presented. The role of key species in special ecosystems, e.g. the ice-edge, under-ice and bottom biotopes will be demonstrated. Students will take part in projects to be presented at the end of the course.

Teaching methods and activities:
The course extends over a full semester.

Total lecture hours: ca. 50 hours.
Seminar: 20 hours.
Lab exercises: 40 hours.
Excursions: 10 days.

Compulsory assignment:

Approved reports.

Assessment:

All assessments must be fulfilled in order to receive a final grade.

AB-202 students performing field work at the ice edge. (Photo: Frank Eggenfellner/UNIS).