Entry requirements

150 credits including (1) 60 credits in biology and 30 credits in chemistry or 30 credits in earth science, or (2) 90 credits in biology, in both cases including Fundamental and Molecular Systematics, 15 credits, or Evolutionary Patterns, 15 credits.

Learning outcomes

The course intends to give the student tools for identification of marine invertebrates and inventories of marine environments.

After completing the course, the student should be able to

• identify and name common marine invertebrates
• account for the distinctive characters of the larger groups within the Metazoa and classify marine invertebrates to larger group
• choose and use literature and other resources to identify marine invertebrates
• choose appropriate collection techniques, carry out and present marine inventories as a report

Content

The course includes studies of marine invertebrates and biotopes with a focus on systematic diversity. The emphasis lies on skills in identification work. Marine invertebrates; the phyla within the Metazoa, their building, characters used for identification, terminology. Literature and resources for identification of marine invertebrates;

faunistic publications, checklists, primary literature, databases and other resources on the Internet, reference collections and museums. Molecular methods; DNA bar-coding, application and limitations. Marine environments; different marine biotopes and their characteristic organisms, tools for sampling in different biotopes.

Instruction

The teaching is given in the form of e-teaching, practical exercises, laboratory sessions, computer exercises, literature assignments and field studies. The practical parts and the field studies are carried out at a marine field station.

Assessment

Parts of the course: Theory 2 credits; Practice 3 credits

The theory part is examined through written examination. The practical training has compulsory attendance with oral and written presentations and is examined through tests.