1. Understand, describe and interpret the inferactions of organisms within the aceanic ecosystem, including dos relations with physical, chemical and climatio processes.
2. Know the biological processes in the pelagic environment of the warid ocaan, inckiding:
a) Primary and secondary production
b) Recualino process
c) Open Ocean, sheil end upwelling production
This program covers general ecological principles of the ocean, focusing on primary and secondary production, food webs, and biogeochemical cycles. It begins with an overview of the ocean environment and the physical factors influencing primary productivity. Primary production is explored through phytoplankton diversity, oxygen dynamics, nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and the microbial loop, alongside key biogeochemical cycles (C, N, P, Fe, Si) and their role in climate regulation. Secondary production focuses on zooplankton, followed by an analysis of food webs, herbivory, vertical migrations, and nekton diversity. The program highlights the significance of vertical organic flux and its impact on ecosystem functioning.
The discipline will be taught in weekly sessions of 4 hours. The theoretical concepts taught in the lectures are complemented by more interactive and practical lectures, including fieldwork and computer and laboratory sessions. Students will be exposed to routine sampling, data acquisition, and treatment techniques. Practical classes will be subject to evaluation through the delivery of scientific reports, where students should be able to demonstrate the ability to relate the conceptual framework to explain and critically discuss the observed phenomena. This hands-on work is designed to stimulate curiosity, scientific reasoning, and universal work skills such as teamwork. Some worksheets and written assignments will also be requested from students during practical classes to promote self-learning and conceptual consolidation through practical exercises.
Garrison, T. & R. Ellis 2016 Oceanography. An invitation to Marine Science. Cengage Learning. 604pp
Lalli, C., & Parsons, T. R. 1997. Biological oceanography: an introduction. Elsevier.
Levington, J 2010 Marine Biology: International Edition: Function, Biodiversity, Ecology
Miller, C. B., & Wheeler, P. A. 2012. Biological oceanography. John Wiley & Sons.
Townsend, D. W. 2012. Oceanography and marine biology: an introduction to marine science. Sunderland: Sinauer Associates.
Trujillo, A. & H. Thurman, 2005. Essentials of Oceanography. 8th edition. Pearson Prentice Hall 532pp
Webb, P. 2021. Introduction to oceanography. Roger Williams University.
02016576
6