Limnology
Aim To give the participants a thorough understanding of the ecological conditions in lakes and wetlands, and a background for and confidence in evaluating biological and physico-chemical data from aquatic habitats.
Contents The theoretical part of the course covers the basic ecological conditions in lakes and wetlands, and the ecological interactions determining plant growth, primary production, and organic matter cycling in these environments. Emphasis will be on: (1) Physico-chemical variables of fundamental significance for autotrophic production in aquatic systems; (2) primary production, organic matter cycling and biological structure and interactions in the pelagic zone of lakes; (3) plant cornmunities in the littoral zone of lakes and wetlands, and adaptations of plants to the aquatic habitat; (4) eutrophication and other anthropogenic influences, and (5) restoration options of lakes exemplified by Danish lake restoration projects.
Central themes within the field of limnology and aquatic ecology will be covered through seminars. The theoretical exercises train students to solve specific problems in aquatic ecology. These exercises will include both basic ecological processes and current environmental issues, including lake restoration. Laboratory and field studies train students to use basic field- and laboratory methods. Emphasis will be on sampling, methods for analysing the physics and chemical composition of the water, primary production as well as description of the plankton community. Based on the obtained results of the studies, the students prepare a written report, which is also presented orally.
Course schedule 2 lectures per week during 11 weeks
4 seminars/theoretical exercises per week during 11 weeks
A five-day field- and laboratory study during one week in May
Textbooks Will be announced later
Evaluation One written examination (13-scale)
ECTS-credits 15
Semester Spring