Course: Aquatic Ecosystems and Their Protection

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Course title Aquatic Ecosystems and Their Protection
Course code KBE/PVEO
Organizational form of instruction Lecture + Lesson
Level of course Master
Year of study not specified
Semester Summer
Number of ECTS credits 6
Language of instruction Czech
Status of course Compulsory
Form of instruction Face-to-face
Work placements Course does not contain work placement
Recommended optional programme components None
Lecturer(s)
  • Kopecký Oldřich, doc. Mgr. Ph.D.
  • Pusztai Martin, Mgr. Ph.D.
  • Štrojsová Martina, RNDr. Ph.D.
  • Patoka Jiří, prof. Ing. Ph.D.
Course content
Thematic areas: 1. General characteristics of the aquatic environment I - physics + chemistry = abiotic factors 2. General characteristics of the aquatic environment II - interactions between biotic and abiotic factors, complexity (microbiology, primary production, material and energy flows) 3. Freshwater lentic ecosystems I - characteristics, classification (deep waters of lakes and reservoirs; shallow waters of ponds, pools and oxbow lakes; seasonal waters, etc.), from a hydrobiologist's perspective 4. Freshwater lentic ecosystems II - from a botanist's perspective 5. Freshwater lentic ecosystems III - from a zoologist's perspective 6. Freshwater lentic ecosystems IV - utilisation versus conservation 7. Freshwater lotic ecosystems I - from a hydrobiologist's perspective - characteristics, classification, biomonitoring 8. Freshwater lotic ecosystems II - from a botanist's perspective 9. Freshwater lotic ecosystems III - from a zoologist's perspective 10. Freshwater lotic ecosystems IV - utilisation vs. conservation 11. Marine ecosystems I - an introduction to the marine environment and its specific characteristics 12. Marine ecosystems II - utilisation versus conservation 13. 'Conference' - freshwater 14. Guest lecture - a different relevant speaker from the field each year

Learning activities and teaching methods
Problematic methods (research and exploration), Lecture, Students' portfolio
Learning outcomes
The aim of the course is to familiarize students with the specifics of aquatic ecosystems (characteristics, classification, revitalization, interactions, use, protection) with an emphasis on domestic freshwater ecosystems. Experiential learning methods will also be used (simulated conference with assigned roles) and students will hear from a speaker with practical experience. The practical part will take place in the laboratory (microscopic workshops?phytoplankton, phytobenthos, zooplankton, zoobenthos) and in the field (short excursions to places where interesting management/revitalization is/was carried out).
Learning outcomes: Students will gain a basic, comprehensive understanding of how aquatic ecosystems function. Students will gain a basic overview of biodiversity and become familiar with key examples of aquatic organisms (non-vascular and vascular plants, vertebrates and invertebrates). Students will acquire knowledge of selected topics in the field of the management and conservation of aquatic ecosystems. Students will gain a basic understanding of current (bioindication, biomonitoring) and potential future applications in nature conservation.
Prerequisites
unspecified

Assessment methods and criteria
Oral exam

Credit will be awarded on the basis of active participation in the practical sessions. The oral examination focuses on understanding and grasping the subject matter as a whole.
Recommended literature
  • BÍLÝ, M. a kol. Úvod do hydrobiologie. Praha: MŠMT, 1994.
  • BRÖNMARK, C. & HANSSON, L. A. The biology of lakes and ponds. Oxford. 2017.
  • GILLER, P. S. & MALMQVIST, B. The biology of streams and rivers. Oxford: Oxford university press, 1998.
  • KOLÁŘ, F. a kol. Ochrana přírody z pohledu biologa. Praha: Dokořán, 2012.
  • LELLÁK, J. a KUBÍČEK, F. Hydrobiologie. Praha: Karolinum, 1992.
  • PRIMACK, R. B., KINDLMANN, P. & JERSÁKOVÁ, J. Úvod do biologie ochrany přírody. Praha: Portál, 2011.


Study plans that include the course
Faculty Study plan (Version) Category of Branch/Specialization Recommended year of study Recommended semester