Course - Biological Oceanography - BI8061
BI8061 - Biological Oceanography
About
Examination arrangement
Course content
The course introduces the students to biological oceanography. Subjects covered include: Marine life in the oceans, biochemical adaptations to environmental variables, life-history traits, reproduction, hydrography, ocean geography, water masses, seawater characteristics, current systems, thermohaline circulation, ocean conveyor belt, deep and bottom water formation, Ekman transport, marine optics, primary and secondary production, nutrient availability and limitation, nutrient cycling, global carbon flux, microbial loop, biological carbon pump, upwelling, marginal seas, ocean divisions, seafloor and continental margins, impact of climate change, eutrophication, exploitation of the ocean, trophic interactions, plankton communities, benthic ecosystems, sediment characteristics, deep sea habitats, sampling techniques, benthopelagic coupling, nekton.
Learning outcome
Knowledge:
- Students should be able to provide major definitions and explain key concepts in the field of biological oceanography by their own words.
- Students should gain knowledge on important ocean environments and ecosystems and should train to describe the key role of the oceans in the earth's environment.
- Students should be aware of the impact of biotic and abiotic factors on marine organisms and be able to describe potential threats of climate change, pollution and harvesting activities to the marine environment.
Skills:
- The students should gain competences in describing the coupling between ocean and atmosphere and how the oceans' chemical and physical properties can affect marine life.
- The students should explain and discuss how abiotic conditions affect the relationship between marine organisms and their environment and how marine communities respond to changes in biotic and abiotic conditions.
General competency (attitudes):
- Students should develop scientific, analytical skills and practice to contribute actively to scientific discussions.
- Students should develop distinct, objective evaluation criteria. By applying these criteria to own written reports and oral presentations, students will improve their writing and presentation skills.
- Students should be encouraged to communicate with peer students from adjacent disciplines and get confident in reflecting scientific contents and developing critical views.
Learning methods and activities
Classes are given in English, including slides in English. Classes are multinational and include students outside Ocean Resources. In addition to traditional lectures, there is an emphasis on active learning in a seminar format. The students are divided into groups of 4-6 students to work in teams on specific topics (inside the curriculum).
Group work shall be summarized as (1) group term paper and (2) presented as an oral presentation of the group (max. 20 minutes).
Group term papers account for 20% and group presentations for 20% of the group work. Lectures and seminars are integrated for each topic.
Participation in all activities is mandatory.
Compulsory assignments
- Approved Seminar/Project Work
Further on evaluation
Exam registration requires that class registration is approved in the same semester. Compulsory activities from previous semester may be approved by the department. In the case of a postponed examination/re-sit examination the exam is also held in the semester the course is not taught.
Delivery and approval of group work is mandatory prior to exam (group presentation, group term paper assignments)
Exam can be changed from written to oral in semesters where class is not taught.
Specific conditions
Limited admission to classes. For more information: https://i.ntnu.no/wiki/-/wiki/English/Admission+to+courses+with+restricted+admission
Recommended previous knowledge
BI 2060 or equivalent (Knowledge in marine science, oceanography, biology corresponding to the above)
Credit reductions
| Course code | Reduction | From | To |
|---|---|---|---|
| BI3061 | 7.5 | AUTUMN 2010 |
No
Version: 1
Credits:
7.5 SP
Study level: Doctoral degree level
Term no.: 1
Teaching semester: AUTUMN 2024
Extraordinary deadline for course registration: 2024-06-01
Language of instruction: English
Location: Trondheim
- Marine Technology
- Aqua Culture
- Marine Biology
Examination
Examination arrangement: Aggregate score
- Term Status code Evaluation Weighting Examination aids Date Time Examination system Room *
- Autumn ORD School exam 60/100 D 2024-12-03 15:00 INSPERA
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Room Building Number of candidates - Autumn ORD Report 20/100
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Room Building Number of candidates - Autumn ORD Oral presentation 20/100 E
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Room Building Number of candidates - Spring ORD School exam 60/100 D INSPERA
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Room Building Number of candidates - Spring ORD Report 20/100
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Room Building Number of candidates - Spring ORD Oral presentation 20/100 E
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Room Building Number of candidates
- * The location (room) for a written examination is published 3 days before examination date. If more than one room is listed, you will find your room at Studentweb.
For more information regarding registration for examination and examination procedures, see "Innsida - Exams"