AB-330
Ecosystems in Ice Covered Waters (10 ECTS)

Ph.D. course, also suitable for M.Sc.

Application deadline: 15. February 2012

Objective:

To give an insight into theories, tools and methods available to study the structure, dynamics and related processes of ecosystems with the sea-ice system as a model unit. The course will have an ecosystem approach where components and processes, from primary production to the role of top predators may be relevant.

Ecological networks are typically represented by foodwebs. Who is present and who affects whom directly or indirectly through feeding interactions will be highlighed using both binary and trophic food web models. Energy (and possibly carbon) transfered through the lower trophic levels will be a focal point.

The importance of the physical properties of the ice habitat (age, structure, history etc.), and the ice - water boundary layer in shaping the observed ecosystem structures will be important.

Content:

Lectures will deal with methods and theories related to the structure, dynamics and function of marine food webs. It will further be a focus on methods used (such as DNA tracers, stable isotopes, lipid chemistry and stomach analysis) to detect pathways. Models used in the analysis of biological networks will be introduced.

The course may have a different geographical focus (Fjord, SSIZ, MSIZ, PSIZ etc.) depending on the system studied. Different sub-elements of the system will be in focus in different years. Initially the practical focus will be on the lower trophic levels, various components of upper trophic levels may be included depending on the system studied.

	Period:	16. April - 23. May 2012
	Teaching:	Ca. 2 weeks excursion, 30 hrs lectures, 30 hra lab exercises/ seminars
	Evaluation:	Written 4 hrs exam (graded). One approved report required in order to sit the exam.
	Course responsible:	Ole Jørgen Lønne