3528.08 - Field Course in Aquatic and Terrestrial Ecology
Course number
3528.08
Title
Field Course in Aquatic and Terrestrial Ecology
ECTS
7.5
Prerequisites
The following courses: 3526.08, 3524.08, 3519.08, 3520.08, 3527.08, 3512.08
Purpose
To learn how to collect biological and chemical samples in the field and how to conserve and analyze the samples.
To learn how to identify the most common animal- and plant species in aquatic and terrestrial environments and to study environmental influences on composition, distribution and abundance of plants and animals.
To learn the student an ecological view of nature
To learn to write reports of the treatment of the samples
Content
Aquatic environment:
River fauna will be collected and identified. Changes in the fauna through the river and factors causing these changes will be studied.
Benthic flora and fauna in a Faroese fjord will be collected from the littoral and sublittoral zone. Environmental influences on distribution and abundance will be studied.
In the pelagic environment in a Faroese fjord, physical hydrography, light, nutrients, oxygen, primary production, phytoplankton and zooplankton will be studied. An ecological analysis of plankton and abiotic environmental parameters affecting plankton distribution, abundance, production and fluxes will be carried out.
Terrestrial environment:
It is necessary to have a surplus of programme items and then do the most usable considering the local weather conditions. The following programme items has been chosen:
1. By use of pitfall-traps and plant-squares to study the animals and plants at different localities and meters above sea level to compare the biotopes.
2. Produce a taxonomic list containing animals and plants at the Akraberg area.
3. Examine the large bird colony north of the station.
5. Examine the microclimate, plants and animals at the North, West, East and South side of a hillock.
6. Learn to know Suðuroy from a biological point of view.
7. Sail from Sunnbø to Fámjin to look at grey seals, seabirds and birdcliff vegetation.
8. Look at the rhythm of the seabirds around the clock.
9. Look at the soil fauna by using Berlese-trap.
10. Catch and Determination of butterflies.
11. Extract and determine the earthworms at different localities.
12. If there should be grind, the take samples.
13. Measure heat and growth in some bird sitting places.
Learning and teaching approaches
Field- and laboratory work and report writing.
Assessment method
Approval of reports. Passed/not passed.
Bibliography
Manuals and handbooks
Contact
Dorete Bloch