Integrated Practical: Aquatic Ecology

Abstract

Practical fieldwork and applied research methods in aquatic ecology, with a focus on river and lake ecosystems. Students learn to formulate and investigate scientific questions, apply field and laboratory techniques, and interpret ecological data in real-world contexts.

Objective

After completing the course, students are able to: • Formulate and refine research questions in aquatic ecology, grounded in ecological theory and current research. • Apply field and laboratory methods to collect, document, and analyse data from river and lake ecosystems. • Interpret ecological data to evaluate hypotheses on ecosystem structure and function. • Integrate local and regional knowledge to assess the ecological status of aquatic systems. • Work independently and collaboratively to plan, conduct, and report on scientific investigations in the field.

Content

Course coordination: J. Jokela The course combines introductory lectures, field excursions, and project work. 1. Introduction to aquatic systems – ecological and structural characteristics of rivers and lakes, theoretical foundations, and key ecological concepts. 2. Field excursions – on-site exploration of aquatic ecosystems, hands-on application of sampling and observation techniques, data documentation. 3. Practical experiments – formulation and testing of hypotheses through small-scale field or laboratory experiments. 4. Data analysis and interpretation – applying statistical and graphical methods to interpret ecological data in the context of current research. 5. Scientific communication – conduction of oral presentations, peer feedback, and discussion of results. Dates will be communicated.

Resources