Knowledge in geology, botanics, zoology and ecology

The course starts with the description of basic concepts about geology, physics, chemistry and biology of the oceans. Once the different zonation, depending on light availability and depth range, are described, the different benthic habitats (from supralittoral to the hadal zone) are explained with examples of different areas of the planet. The main threats and impacts in each are also introduced.

This course is a general introduction to marine biology and ecology. Basic concepts of zonation, habitat description or environmental parameters are explained with examples. The student will follow a roadmap to better apply concepts of ecology and biology, having the possibility to overview different areas of the world. From Polar systems to Mediterranean habitats,  the final target is explore the basic knowledge that will be essential for the follow-up of the rest of the courses.

Lectures, seminars and practical work on marine biology.

Oral exam with 5-6 different questions about the lectures

THE BLUE PLANET TRANSFORMATION. HISTORICAL ECOLOGY. GEOMORPHOLOGY. OCEAN ZONATION. WATER COLUMN PROPERTIES. SEDIMENTS. CIRCULATION PRIMARY AND SECONDARY PRODUCTIVITY. THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA. ZONATION OF BENTHIC COMMUNITIES. LITTORAL BENTHOS. SUBLITTORAL BENTHOS. SEAGRASSES. CORALLIGENOUS AND MAËRL. SUBLITTORAL BENTHOS-Soft bottoms. CORAL REEFS. MESOPHOTIC CORAL REEFS. MARGINAL REEFS. MANGROVES. KELP FORESTS.ESTUARIES AND DELTAS. DEEP-SEA BENTHOS. COLD WATER CORALS. HYDROTHERMAL VENTS. POLAR ECOSYSTEMS. SUBMARINE CAVES. GENERAL IMPACTS. OVERVIEW OF THE METHODS IN MARINE BIOLOGY.

Marine biology / Peter Castro, Michael E. Huber. — 7th ed. ISBN 978–0–07–302819–4