1. komponenta

Lecture type	Total
Lectures	30
Practicum	45
Seminar	15

* Load is given in academic hour (1 academic hour = 45 minutes)

COURSE OBJECTIVES
The aim of the course Protista is to introduce and adopt the principles of taxonomic classification, cell structure, anatomy and morphology of heterotrophic and autotrophic protists, as well as their modes of reproduction and life cycles. Students will acquire knowledge about their distribution and importance in ecosystems and in human life. Emphasis is placed on linking theoretical content with practical skills in identification and the application of protists in research and education.

To successfully attend the course, students must have a solid knowledge of biology, ecology, and other natural sciences. Recommended prior knowledge includes botany, zoology, and the basics of ecology.

At the program level, the course contributes to the development of motivation for expanding knowledge, self-confidence, and self-esteem. Students will develop systematic and critical thinking, clear communication, teamwork, and the ability to apply knowledge in a broader scientific and educational context.

At the course level, by actively participating in classes, students will acquire basic knowledge of protist anatomy and morphology, which is a prerequisite for further studies in botany, zoology, and ecology. They will develop the ability to identify and determine common protist species and understand their role in ecosystems and human life. Through practical work, students will gain experience in planning and conducting research and critically analyzing literature.

In particular, students will master the classification and determination of protists using specialized literature; linking morphology and anatomy with lifestyles and adaptations; distinguishing autotrophic, heterotrophic, and mixotrophic forms; discussing their roles in ecosystems and impact on humans; applying field and laboratory methods for identification; as well as preparing and presenting a seminar paper.

Upon completion of the course, students will have developed analytical and critical thinking skills, communication skills, and an appreciation of diversity in a scientific context.

COURSE CONTENT

I. Protozoa
1. lecture (2 hours) Position of Protista in the classification of life. Cell organization of Protista.
2. lecture (2 hours) Comparative morphology and physiology of heterotrophic Protista (Protozoa).
3. lecture (2 hours) Morphogenesis and reproduction, life cycles, evolution, and distribution of Protozoa. Principles of taxonomic classification.
4. lecture (2 hours) Structure, lifestyle, and diversity of flagellated and amoeboid protozoa.
5. lecture (2 hours) Apicomplexa and Ciliophora.

II. Algae
1. lecture (2 hours) Introduction: What are algae? General features.
2. lecture (2 hours) Origin and evolution of autotrophic organisms.
3. lecture (2 hours) Cyanobacteria and their importance.
4. lecture (2 hours) Archaeplastida: Glaucophyta, Rhodophyceae, Chloroplastida - structure, function, reproduction, ecological importance.
5. lecture (2 hours) Green algae from A to Z
6. lecture (2 hours) Euglenophyta
7. lecture (2 hours) Stramenopiles - forms, reproduction, ecological role and application.
8. lecture (2 hours) Diatoms -Ochrophyta,(syn. Bacillariophyta).
9. lecture (2 hours) Dinoflagellates -Eucaryota, Alveolata.
10. lecture (2 hours) Ecology of phytoplankton and phytobenthos in freshwater and marine environments.

PRACTICUM
(3 hours/week) Follow the content of the lectures. Through laboratory and field exercises, students gain practice in the identification, study, and analysis of protists. Activities include microscopy, cultivation, field sampling, slide preparation, and data analysis.

SEMINARS
(1 hour/week) Students independently work on current topics related to the course material using scientific journals and online sources. Part of the seminar work is directed toward creating teaching materials that include objectives, hypotheses, and a research plan for protists in freshwater, which can be applied in field classes in the following year.

TEACHING METHODS
Lectures, seminars, exercises, blended e-learning, independent assignments, multimedia and online resources, and mentoring. Students actively participate in all forms of teaching.

STUDENT OBLIGATIONS
Students are required to regularly attend all forms of teaching and actively participate in teamwork and seminar activities. They must keep laboratory notebooks and submit them to the instructor for review. Additionally, students must prepare and present a seminar paper and participate in discussions.

1. Habdija, I., Primc Habdija, B., Radanović, I., Vidaković, J., Kučinić, M., Špoljar, M., Matoničkin, R., Miliša, M., 2004: Protista-Protozoa i Metazoa-Invertebrata. Funkcionalna građa i praktikum.- Meridijani, Samobor.
2. Lee, R.E., 1999: Phycology. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge
3. Margulis, L., Schwartz, K.V., 1999: Five kingdoms. An illustrated guide to the phyla of life on Earth. W.H.Freeman and Comp., New York
4. Plenković-Moraj A. 2006: Sistematika i biologija alga i gljiva. Biološki odsjek PMFa, Interna skripta Biološkog odsjeka PMFa Sveučilišta u Zagrebu. p.p. l-87.
5. Habdija, I., Primc Habdija, B., Radanović, I., Špoljar, M., Matoničkin Kepčija, R., Vujčić Karlo, S., Miliša, M. Ostojić, A., Sertić Perić, M. (2011): Protista-Protozoa i Metazoa-Invertebrata. Strukture i funkcije.- Alfa d.d., Zagreb, 584 str.
6. Hausmann, K., Huelsmann, N., Radek, R., 2003: Protistology. E. Schwezerbart'sche Verlagsbuchhandlung, Berlin.
7. Hoek, van den C., Mann, D.G., Jahns, H.M., 1995: Algae. An introduction to phycology. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
8. John, D.M., Whitton, B:A., Brook, A.J., 2002: The freshwater algal flora of the British isles. Natural History Museum. Cambridge University.
9. Viličić, D., 2002: Fitoplankton Jadranskog mora. Biologija i taksonomija. Školska knjiga , Zagreb
10. Znanstveni časopisi i internetske stranice.

Mandatory course - Regular study - Environmental Sciences