300213 PP Biodiversity and Ecology of the Black Sea (2026S)

The practical part of the course takes place from August 25 - September 4, 2026, at the Laboratory of Marine Ecology of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences in Sozopol, in cooperation with the local researchers and the University of Shumen, Bulgaria.

The course familiarises students with the biodiversity and ecology of marine animals and plants in brackish habitats of the Black Sea. The course is an excellent complementary and/or follow-up course to "Introduction to the fauna and flora of marine habitats" (300199 UE) as well as "Biodiversity of marine coastal habitats" (300202 UE) taking place in the euhaline Northern Adriatic Sea (but can also be attended independently from these courses).
In a weekly preparatory lecture starting on Monday, 27. 04. 2026, 16:45 - 18:15, students obtain basic knowledge in hydrography and ecology of marine habitats.
In Sozopol, students first become acquainted with the organisms of various habitats, e.g. macroalgae communities, seagrass beds, sand bottoms, etc. Subsequently they conduct mini-projects in small groups. Topics range from assessing changes in species compositions along transects, comparing abundances of selected organisms in different habitats, to zonations within complex habitats. The results are presented in oral and written form. The written report follows the guidelines for Bachelor theses of the University of Vienna.

Costs and logistics:
Students will be responsible to arrange their travel and accommodation. Expected costs are around 600-700 €. Details will be presented at the preparatory meeting.