Ocean Methods and Technologies

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Objectives

1. History of the scientific exploration of the seas, highlighting the most remarkable moments to the present days.

2. Concepts of scientific planning, sampling and experimental design in the study of the oceans.

3. Theoretical and practical familiarization with the main methods and technologies for the data collection, considering their adequacy both to the particularities of the different components of the marine ecosystem we intend to study as well as the goals of the study. 
  • Methodologies and instruments used on the observation and study of the physical, chemical and biological aspects of water column.
  • Methods and technologies used on the sampling of marine organisms and on fisheries research. 
  • Methodologies and instruments used on the sampling and study of the geology and geomorphology. 
  • Research vessels and underwater vehicles. 
4. Perspective on the new approaches and future trends of the methods and technologies for ocean exploration.

Program

1. Brief introduction to the history of the exploration of the ocean.

2. Statistical sampling and experimental design.

  • Spatial and temporal scales of the marine sampling, from the organism to the ecosystem, from the surface to the deep-sea.
  • Usual data types, and challenges on the study of the oceans.

3. Methods and technologies of data collection – Planning, adequacy, functioning, operation, limitations and "hands on"
learning in the field of the different technologies:

  • Physical and chemical aspects of the water column and the pelagic organisms.
  • Benthos.
  • Fishes and fishing resources.
  • Reptiles, birds and marine mammals.
  • Geological aspects of the ocean.
  • Research vessels and underwater vehicles.

4. New approaches and future trends of the methods and technologies for the exploration of the oceans: multidisciplinary
fixed observatories and networks, online data, image technologies, global databases, intelligent underwater vehicles, new
sensors, drones, "citizen science"

Teaching Methodologies

Teaching methodologies will be based on expositive methods of the theoretical contents using Powerpoint slides, videos, relevant web sites, Skype conferences with experts, and structured field activities on board research platforms (ex. R/V Arquipélago, small boats), where there will be possible to use diverse equipment and practice several methods presented on theoretical lectures (ex. CTD, Rosette, echosounders, ROVsp, Visual landers, fishing gears, practice tagging methods). Other field activities will be on the shelf zones or using internet tools. 

The theoretical component will be assessed by two tests or a final exam counting 60% towards the final grade. The practical components will be assessed by reports of field activities and/or an individual work both accounting 40% towards the final grade. The grade obtained on the practical component cannot be inferior to 9.5 to obtain approval on the discipline.

Bibliography

Bakus, G. J. (2007). Quantitative analysis of marine biological communities. Field Biology and
Environment. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.. 435pp.
Clark, M. and M. Consalvey, A. Rowden (Eds). Biological Sampling in the Deep Sea. Wiley Blackwell,
Aquaculture, Fish and Aquatic Sciences.
Sharon L. Lohr, S. L. (2009). Sampling: Design and Analysis, 2nd Edition. Cengage Learning, 592pp.
Gunderson, D. R. (1993). Surveys of fisheries resources. John Wiley & Sons, Inc..248pp.
Krebs, C. J. (1989). Ecological methodology. HarperCollins Publishers. 654.
Pinet, P. R. (2000). Invitation to oceanography. 2nd Edition, Jones and Bartlett, 555pp.

Code

01062556

ECTS Credits

6

Classes

  • Teóricas - 30 hours
  • Teórico-Práticas - 30 hours

Evaluation Methodology

  • According to Teaching Methods: 100%