Marine Macroalgae and Associated Animals

Field excursion and seminar on the island of Helgoland at the AWI Helgoland (http://www.awi.de/en/about-us/sites/helgoland.html)

Spring or summer; next course in summer 2020

Annual 12 days excursion to the island of Helgoland (North Sea) with emphasis on the taxonomic identification of major benthic macroalgae and associated animals (first 5 days). Subsequently (second week), group work on specific projects that aim to investigate interactions between seaweeds and invertebrates, to quantify rocky shore biodiversity and abundance of selected intertidal and subtidal benthic habitats, and to investigate reproductive traits in seaweeds. The biology and ecology of major groups of seaweeds and invertebrates will be presented during the first week of the course in oral presentations that students prepare prior to the course. Results and discussion of projects are presented in groups in form of oral presentations by the end of week 2.

Students obtain insights into the general ecology of rocky reefs and the taxonomy of temperate shore biodiversity. They develop competence in studying rocky shore communities taxonomically and quantitatively and learn to develop experimental designs for ecological studies in these habitats.

Announced as part of optional studies in MSc Marine Biology and MSc Ecology at the University of Bremen. Bachelor students and students from other universities are welcome. Students of other universities do not get any refund by the University of Bremen.