KTB 505E - Ecology of Polar Ecosystems

Course Objectives

1. To obtain a basic knowledge of the physical conditions in the oceans, coastal areas, and estuaries.
2. To learn about how the structure and function of polar aquatic and marine ecosystems are influenced by physical and chemical parameters e.g. temperatures, freshwater input (salinity), nutrients levels, light conditions and ice cover.
3. To learn about the processes, structures and biological communities in different polar aquatic and marine environments e.g. ocean, fjords, streams and lakes and how they are affected by snow and glacial melt.
4. To understand the basic physical process relevant for the biological processes.
5. To understand how structure and function in the polar marine environment is controlled by the physical conditions.

Course Description

Marine ecology, marine ecosystems, ecology of ecosystems, polar aquatic and marine ecosystems, physical and chemical conditions in different polar aquatic environments with their influences and functions on the biotic processes in these environments, the structure of Polar aquatic food webs, abiotic conditions (currents, freshwater input, salinity and nutrients) in the Polar marine areas and their influence on the ecosystem processes.