Learning objectives
This course will illustrate theoretical and practical insight into sampling and analytical methods in continental waters. Techniques for water, sediment and biological samples collection in surface waters (lentic and lotic) and interstitial and hyporheic habitats will be presented.<br />The specific objectives are:<br />-to give a base of knowledge for the implementation of limnological studies;<br />-to help in the interpretation and critical appraisal of the collected data;<br />- to become familiar with tools for the management of inland water ecosystems.<br /><br />
Prerequisites
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Course unit content
Fundamental concepts of physical, chemical and biological limnology. Spatial-temporal variability of abiotic and biotic factors. Sampling methods in inland waters. Maintenance and use of scientific instrumentation. Collection, preservation, sorting and analysis of biological samples. Light microscopy techniques. Preparation of permanent slides of microinvertebrate specimens. Treatment and analysis of limnological data.
Full programme
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Bibliography
Suggested books:<br />Dodson S.I. 2005. Introduction to limnology. McGraw-Hill.<br />Wetzel R.G., G.E. Likens. 2000. Limnological Analysis. 3rd edition. Springer Verlag.<br /><br />Other reading materials (mostly scientific papers) will be available from the teacher’s website.<br />
Teaching methods
The assessment will be done on a written report on a selected subject related to the topics presented during the course. The report must be submitted to the teacher at least one week before the oral examination, which is mainly based on the discussion of the written work. <br />
Assessment methods and criteria
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Other information
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