BIO4381 – Harmful Algae and Algal Culturing
Course description
Course content
The course gives an introduction to the significance of harmful algal blooms, and the ecology, taxonomy, toxicity, toxins and monitoring of harmful algae in marine and limnic waters. It also includes training and demonstrations in laboratory methods used in harmful algal research such as light microscopy, cell isolation and quantification, algal culturing, growth experiments, toxicity assays, toxin analysis and molecular biological detection assays.
Learning outcome
After following the course you should:
- Have solid knowledge on the significance of harmful algal blooms in marine and freshwater environments
- Know the major harmful algal species causing problems in Europe, their ecology, toxins and effects
- Be able to identify these algal species under the light or electron microscope
- Have experience with isolation of microalgae from natural water samples, algal culturing, and determine growth rate in cultures
- Have knowledge on methods for identification, detection and quantification of harmful algae using molecular biological methods and microscopy
- Be able to perform simple toxicity assays and toxin analyses
Admission to the course
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for?in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about?admission requirements and procedures.
PhD-candidates?must register at BIO9381.
The courses BIO4381 and BIO9381 have common admission. Applicants are ranked by the following criteria:
- PhD candidates?and master students at the MN faculty who have the course as part of the approved curriculum.
- Other PhD candidates?and visiting PhD candidates.
- Students with admission to single courses on master’s level and exchange students
Applicants are ranked by credits in each group; all applicants within 1st rank before applicants in 2nd etc. If admission is limited to a fixed number of participants, admission will be decided by drawing lots for students who are ranked equally
Recommended previous knowledge
BIO1150, BIO2220?and?BIO4400 – Pelagic Ecology (continue