This course combines Limnology (the study of inland waters in its broad sense) with ecological and evolutionary concepts. It deals with flowing and standing waters.

We give an overview of aquatic biodiversity at different levels of biological organization and introduce the conceptual ecological and evolutionary background that is necessary to understand the processes that shape aquatic biodiversity. We also introduce the basic conservation biology issues that relate to aquatic biodiversity.

The course examines rivers and their ecosystems, human impacts, and sustainable management. Students apply interdisciplinary approaches, discuss case studies, and take responsibility in groups by preparing a presentation, moderating a session, and writing a report.

The seminar provides an introduction to the ecological, chemical and physical literature in the aquatic sciences. Students present their summary and review of recent or classical papers, they get familiar with on-line access tools and improve their presentation skills.

During this lecture course an insight to the systematics, taxonomy, and ecology of selected benthic macroinvertebrate groups will be provided. It will allow one to identify benthic invertebrates to genus or species level.

The course will give an overview of the structure, function and dynamics of wetland and groundwater ecosystems, introduce selected wetland (marine and freshwater) and groundwater types, and use examples from wetlands and ground waters to illustrate central ecological themes. Conservation, restoration and management issues will also be discussed. The course comprises lectures and a field trip.

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