Integrated practical aquatic ecology

Abstract

Block 1: Practical studies on broad scientific questions in aquatic ecology using aquatic plants and invertebrates.

Objective

The first goal is to learn how broad scientific questions of aquatic ecology are addressed in practice. Students are expected to work independently and get an overview of the key hypotheses and methods that are relevant for each theme. The second goal is to strengthen the knowledge of local aquatic ecosystems.

Content

Coordinated by K. Räsänen. The purpose of this course is to give an overview of conceptual aquatic ecology, with emphasis on question driven hypothesis testing. The work will be conducted in 4 modules which have special themes within ecology and evolution of aquatic biota (e.g. phytoplankton, snails and macroinvertebrates). Each module is an entity covering a theme with a scientific question and specific methods. Each module consists of an introductory lecture and practical work in small groups (in Eawag, Dübendorf). The focus is on organismal ecology and evolutionary ecology. Key methods on the course will be lab experiments coupled with field work. Main themes are: • Microbial ecology and evolution • Stream structure and function • Environmental variation and phenotypic plasticity • Environmental change and selection Dates: Module 1 (by Bas Ibelings): 8.4 (afternoon) and 9.4. (whole day), Module 2 (by Chris Robinson): 15.4. (half day) and 16.4. (full day), Module 3 (by Jukka Jokela): 21.4. (afternoon) and 22.4. (afternoon); Module 4 (by Katja Räsänen): 23.4. (full day).

Resources