Course objectives - Using active preparation and participation in the course, students will acquire basics for the study of ecological processes in nature and for educational and experimental work. They will obtain a basic knowledge of the anatomy and morphology of algae and invertebrates that will be the basis for participation in courses on higher years of their study (botany, ecology). Students will develop abilities to identify and determine the most prevailing species; they will also recognize the role of those organisms in nature. By means of practical and fieldwork, students will acquire knowledge on the improvement of school equipment for biology or on inventive approaches in teaching or in some forms of pupil's competitions.
Course enrolment requirements and entry competencies required for the course: Invertebrates (lectures and practicum lessons completed), Algae and Mycota (passed)
Learning outcomes expected at the level of the course
1. Practically use the acquired field and laboratory methods
2. Correctly apply the acquired knowledge on basic autotrophic and heterotrophic organisms in nature, their evolution, and adaptations to different environmental conditions
3. Recognize and classify marine invertebrates and protists as well as terrestrial entomofauna
4. Compare diversity of invertebrates and algae on different types of marine benthal using diversity indices
5. Create hypotheses, design and conduct an experiment using the scientific method
6. Use theoretical and practical bases to develop an efficient strategy of teaching
7. Develop abilities of analytical and critical thinking and using acquired information; they will increase their communication skills, abilities to accept and develop recognition of diversity with a reflection on the personal experience, frames, and values
Course content
Classes are held in Zagreb, Rovinj, and Pula. Laboratory work is held in the premises of Department of Biology in Zagreb, Centre for Marine Research of Institute Ruđer Bošković in Rovinj and Aquarium in Pula. Students learn the methodology of education in nature with basic contents of conservation of samples and cultivation as basic biological methods.
Zoology classes:
1. Collection of invertebrates on the rocky shore in supralittoral, mediolittoral and upper infralittoral zone. Observation of habitat biodiversity and adaptations of some invertebrate species to conditions in supratidal (i.e., wave splash) zone and intertidal zone.
2. Collection of sea invertebrates by dredging within the infralittoral zone at the depth of 25 m. Abundance and diversity of invertebrates at different types of substrate. Invertebrate anatomical, physiological and ethological adaptations to the environmental conditions.
3. Analysis of collected material in the laboratory of Institute Ruđer Bošković (Rovinj). Invertebrate taxonomical determination; principles of conservation and permanent/temporary preparation of invertebrates.
4. Through sections and morphological analysis of the fresh invertebrate material, students get insight into various marine invertebrate morphological types, their anatomy as well as life functions. The anatomy and ethology of the marine invertebrates are observed and analyzed as a reflection of adaptations to a particular biotope.
5. Artificial insemination of sea urchin. Observation of the early stages of embryonic development. Anatomical characteristics of Echinodermata and their diversity within the Northern Adriatic basin.
6. Collection, taxonomical determination, and preparation of terrestrial invertebrates (Gastropoda; Pulmonata, Lumbricidae, Chelicerata, Myriapoda, Insecta). Insect collecting methods using different traps and supplies (different types of insect nets and traps, sticky and blacklight i.e., UV light traps).
Algology classes:
1. Collection of algae in the littoral zone with aim to observe adaptations to different life conditions.
2. Basic techniques of preparation and making of the herbarium of marine algae.
3. Charting at the field and drawing of maps of algal diversity at investigational sites.
4. Phytoplankton and sublittoral algae and methods of their collection with plankton nets and tow nets from the boat.
5. Analysis of human impact on the distribution of littoral algae.
6. Creative workshop of acquired knowledge.
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