Marine Faunistics

About

Morphology, biology and taxonomy of Benthic and pelagic animals are studied by a series of lectures, on-site field work from both shore and boat, snorkeling, student presentations, exercises including species and habitat identification. The various taxonomic groups and research topics are treated by specialists.

The course provides an obvious opportunity for practical use of theoretical knowledge achieved during the BSc courses and MSc courses Marine Biology, Animal morphology and Danish Fauna – Vertebrates.

Target group

Master

Course aim

This course gives the participants a broad knowledge about

Collection methods
Identification of Danish marine fishes and benthic and pelagic invertebrater.
The morphology, biology and taxonomy of relevant marine animals.

Skills

By the end of the course the students are expected to have achieved the following skills:

Describe the morphology, biology and taxonomy of the larger groups of marine animal and relate it to both evolution and environment (habitat).
Identify Danish Marine fishes and species in the major, marine benthic invertebrate groups.
Overall knowledge about the phylogeny and evolution of the major groups of marine animals
Use techniques for collection and identification of marine meiofauna
Use techniques for collection and identification of holo- and meroplankton.

Competences

By the end of the course the students are expected to have achieved the following competences:

Relate the occurrence and composition of a specific benthic fauna to function, evolution and habitat
Be able to choose the optimal collection devise for a given type of bottom for a faunistic survey.
Be able to differentiate between gear used for qualitative and quantitative purposes and to perform a critical evaluation of the limits and benefits when making results and conclusions.
Plan and perform a quantitative bottom fauna investigation, including analysis and discussion of the results.

Fee info