Course: Introduction to Ecology of Algae and Cyanobacteria

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Course title Introduction to Ecology of Algae and Cyanobacteria
Course code KBO/142
Organizational form of instruction Lecture + Lesson
Level of course Master
Year of study not specified
Frequency of the course In each academic year, in the summer semester.
Semester Summer
Number of ECTS credits 5
Language of instruction Czech
Status of course Compulsory
Form of instruction Face-to-face
Work placements This is not an internship
Recommended optional programme components None
Lecturer(s)
  • Juráň Josef, Mgr. Ph.D.
  • Kaštovský Jan, prof. RNDr. Ph.D.
Course content
Content of lectures: 1) A brief introduction to the diversity of algae and cyanobacteria, definition of basic concepts (communities , habitats typology ... ), methods of monitoring of communities 2 ) Phytoplankton I - specific properties of water such as environment, adaptation to life in the water column, size distribution of phytoplankton, phytoplankton role on a global scale, the specifics of marine phytoplankton , phytoplankton impact on other organisms in the water, diurnal vertical migration. 3 ) Phytoplankton II - The effect of nutrients on the community structure , seasonal dynamics of phytoplankton communities, Reynolds classification system, PEG model, Hutchinson paradox , water blooms , HAB 4 ) Bentos , periphyton , metafyton - adaptation to life in flowing water, non-planktonic communities in standing and flowing water 5 ) Non-planktonic marine algae and cyanobacteria - zonation of communities, adaptation to mechanical stress, defense against browsing , biogeography of dominant groups. 6 ) Aerical cyanobacteria and algae - adaptation to extreme conditions , life strategies, cyanobacteria and algae as an important factor in erosion 7 ) Soil algae and cyanobacteria - blue-green algae and algae as colonizers, microbial soil crusts 8 ) Extremophile algae and cyanobacteria ( I) - halophilic , thermophilic, types of adaptation to life in the presence of toxic substances 9 ) Extremophile algae and cyanobacteria (II ) - desert and polar types, kryoseston 10) Algae and cyanobacteria in interaction with other organisms - symbionts , parasites , commensals. 11) Algae and cyanobacteria as bio-indicators - the use of bioindicator skills in practice, water quality measurement based on algae and cyanobacteria 12) Mechanisms of algae propagation, distribution, biogeography, invasion and expansion of algae and cyanobacteria, examples of invasion and expansion and impacts on local communities Content of practicals: Measurement of the basic characteristics of water (pH, temperature, conductivity, transparency), determination of primary production and chlorophyll a concentration, comparison of the results of laboratory analysis with field measurements, the practical use of algae as bioindicators.

Learning activities and teaching methods
Monologic (reading, lecture, briefing), Laboratory
  • Class attendance - 48 hours per semester
  • Preparation for credit - 10 hours per semester
  • Preparation for classes - 25 hours per semester
  • Preparation for exam - 65 hours per semester
Learning outcomes
Provide the basic information of the ecology of algae and cyanobacteria.
Deeper knowledge of ecology of cyanobacteria and algae.
Prerequisites
basal course of Phycology.

Assessment methods and criteria
Written examination

Active participation in the exercises and showing the results of the exercises in the form of a presentation in front of the class is required for credit. Students pass the exam test at least 55%.
Recommended literature
  • Dodds W.K., Whiles M.R. (2010): Freshwater Ecology, Second Edition: Concepts and Environmental Applications of Limnology (Aquatic Ecology). 829 p. Academic Press.
  • Metting B. (1995): The systematics and ecology of soil algae. - Botanical Review.
  • Round F.E. (1981): The Ecology of Algae. 653 p. Cambridge University Press.
  • Stevenson R.J., Bothwell M.I., Lowe R.L. (Eds) (1996): Algal ecology: freshwater benthic ecosystems. 573 p. Academic Press/Elsevier.
  • Whitton B. (Ed.) (2012): The Ecology of Cyanobacteria II: Their Diversity in Time and Space. 760 p. Springer.
  • Whitton B., Potts M. (Eds) (2000): The Ecology of Cyanobacteria: Their Diversity in Time and Space. 669 p. Springer.


Study plans that include the course
Faculty Study plan (Version) Category of Branch/Specialization Recommended year of study Recommended semester
Faculty: Faculty of Science Study plan (Version): Botany (1) Category: Biology courses - Recommended year of study:-, Recommended semester: Summer