Freshwater Ecology

Freshwater ecology (limnology) describes our freshwater ecosystems (lakes, streams and rivers) in a river basin context. Emphasis is on how aquatic organisms interact with each other and with their habitats, and distribution, variation and role of the organisms. This course combines theory with practical training of standardized methods for sampling and analysis of water quality and biotic factors in the shoreline, bottom and free water masses. This includes exercises in identification of important groups of organisms. Freshwaters are under many kinds of threat such as eutrophication, contamination and water extraction. All over the world, clean water and flourishing lakes are environmental objectives of high priority. The course addresses such objectives and actions against major environmental problems in freshwaters. The demand for ecologists who are trained in basic freshwater ecology has never been greater. The course consists of lectures, seminars, field and lab work, and assignment and report writing. It is recommended to read the course in conjunction with Marine Ecology (15 ECTS).