The course integrates zoology and botany and deals with ecological and evolutionary theories, and experimental design / statistics, with special emphasis on marine organisms. The course aims to use the ecological and evolutionary theories as models and predictive tools to formulate hypotheses that are then tested in supervised group work. The course offers a good preparation for the independent degree project because it deals with all aspects of the research process (critical evaluation of previous literature, formulating testable hypotheses, design and execution of experiments, statistical analysis, and written and oral presentation of results). The course comprises two integrated elements. A theoretical part with lectures and seminars deepens knowledge about, and understanding of, ecological and evolutionary theories, and experimental design / statistics. The experimental part of the course aims to apply your acquired knowledge through exercises and individual work.
This course is partly given at Sven Lovén Centre for Marine Infrastructure at Tjärnö, near Strömstad.
BIO266, Marine Biodiversity, 15 credits is recommended but not a requirement.
Prerequisites
1) Approved education of 180 credits, corresponding to a Bachelor degree in Marine Science, Biology or Environmental Science.
2) Approved courses (MAR101-112+NTH001) within the first and second year of the Bachelor program in Marine science at the University of Gothenburg. At least 90 of the 120 credits must be passed.
3) Approved basic courses BIO900, Cell Biology 15 credits (ECTS), BIO905, Molecular Genetics, 15 credits, BIO910, Biological Form and Function, 15 credits, BIO915, Ecology and Evolution, 15 credits, and BIO920 Biodiversity and Systematics. At least 60 of the 75 credits must be passed.
4) Approved courses of at least 90 credits in the Bachelor programme in Environmental Sciences at the University of Gothenburg, including BIO915 Ecology and Evolution (15 credits). In addition to this, for all four alternatives, you need at least one approved advanced level course in biology, 15 credits, in a relevant subject. English 6/B or equivalent is also required.
Grant opportunities
EU/EEA citizens, Swedish residence permit holders and exchange students do not pay fees. More information on: http://www.universityadmissions.se
Learning outcomes
The course is intended to complement and deepen knowledge in marine experimental ecology, as well as scientific methodology and experimental design. After completion of the course the student is expected to be able to:
Knowledge and understanding
- Describe the prevailing theory and/or experimental approaches used in different marine ecology research areas
- Show deepened knowledge within scientific methods and experimental design
- Explain basic concepts of meta-analysis
Competence and skills
- Formulate hypotheses to test explanatory models within different marine ecology research areas
- Extract and analyse data from primary studies using meta-analysis
- Plan, design, execute, analyse, and summarise a project work around a scientific question in marine population- or community ecology
Judgement and approach
- Summarize and evaluate scientific results orally and in writing
- Assess and critically review scientific work
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