Responses in a changing Marine Environment - Experiment in marine global change ecology

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Responses in a changing Marine Environment - Experiment in marine global change ecology

University
Ghent University
Module
2.8 Experimental Marine Ecology
Teacher
Semester
Semester 2
Credits
6

This course deals with the experimental quantification of the effect of (a)biotic changes on the functioning of marine organisms and ecosystems and the critical interpretation of the outcome of experiments in relation to its design and the organism(s) and ecosystem under study. To answer ecological research questions by means of well-designed experiments (lab or field). To use experimental tools for the observation, quantification and modification of non-trophic species interactions under variable abiotic conditions. To be able to quantify biogeochemical cycling in marine communities. To be able to critically interpret the results of experimental approaches in relation to the characteristics of the species, community and habitat under study at different temporal and spatial scales.

Course contents

The course will follow a 3-steps approach, whereby each step will consist of theory followed by a substantial practical part consisting of a specific case:

  1. Step 1 (preparatory phase): analysis of an actual research question on global change in the marine environment, literature study and design of an experiment to answer the question put forward: correct formulation of a research question and hypothesis, digital sources analysis, experimental design, selection of model organism and model system, obtaining biological material (field or culture), critical interpretation of available protocols.
  2. Step 2 (experimental phase): set-up of the experiment and application of up-todate experimental facilities within the Belgian node of the network EMBRC (including culture collections): sample collection in the field, lab experiments, planning and feasibility and risk analysis of an experiment, application of physiological and biogeochemical measurements, use of chemical tracers.
  3. Step 3 (interpretation phase): interpretation and correct reporting of the obtained outcome, standardisation of obtained measurements, failure analysis.

Final competences

  1. To be be able to apply biological, ecological and chemical knowledge to make decisions about practical aspects of the design and set-up of experiments making use of up-to-date techniques to answer ecological questions in relation to climate change and anthropogenic disturbance in marine ecosystems.
  2. Critical interpretation of and correct reporting on the material & methods of an experiment and its outcome.
  3. To be able to critically interpret the results of experimental approaches in relation to the characteristics of the species, community and habitat under study at different temporal and spatial scales.

Further course information can be found here: https://studiekiezer.ugent.be/2026/studiefiche/en/C003891