59950 Environmental Changes in the Baltic Sea Ecosystem - Fall 2011

59950 Environmental Changes in the Baltic Sea Ecosystem

The course starts with a general introduction to the Baltic Sea, its history, special characteristics and current environmental problems, followed by more specific sessions on the challenges organisms living in the Baltic Sea face. Also general marine ecology will be covered. The main focus is on planktonic life forms and the littoral zone Problems dealt with include: eutrophication, harmful algae and changing salinity.

Students will be divided into small groups which then work on a specific problem. This work will be based on literature surveys and laboratory experiments. The laboratory part of the course will take place at Tvärminne Zoological Station, 100 km west of Helsinki and requires that the participants stay there for five full days (Monday-Friday). Please note that the students are expected to pay for their board and lodging at Tvärminne Zoological Station (ca. 60 €).

Course specification: Lectures (15 h), laboratory work, concluding seminar
Level: Intermediate
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Prerequisites: Interest in the aquatic environment
Quota of students: 20
Credits: 5 credits/ects
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