Universität Wien

300175 VO Microbial Oceanography (2026S)

3.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 30 - Biologie

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Details

Language: English

Examination dates

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

Lecture will start on the 10 of March.

  • Tuesday 10.03. 09:45 - 11:15 Seminarraum 1.5, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.012, Ebene 1
  • Tuesday 24.03. 09:45 - 11:15 Seminarraum 1.5, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.012, Ebene 1
  • Tuesday 14.04. 09:45 - 11:15 Seminarraum 1.5, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.012, Ebene 1
  • Tuesday 21.04. 09:45 - 11:15 Seminarraum 1.5, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.012, Ebene 1
  • Tuesday 28.04. 09:45 - 11:15 Seminarraum 1.5, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.012, Ebene 1
  • Monday 04.05. 13:15 - 14:45 Seminarraum 1.7, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.010, Ebene 1
  • Tuesday 05.05. 09:45 - 11:15 Seminarraum 1.5, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.012, Ebene 1
  • Tuesday 12.05. 09:45 - 11:15 Seminarraum 1.5, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.012, Ebene 1
  • Tuesday 19.05. 09:45 - 11:15 Seminarraum 1.5, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.012, Ebene 1
  • Tuesday 26.05. 09:45 - 11:15 Seminarraum 1.5, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.012, Ebene 1
  • Tuesday 02.06. 09:45 - 11:15 Seminarraum 1.5, Biologie Djerassiplatz 1, 1.012, Ebene 1

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

Microbial Oceanography integrates microbiology, oceanography, molecular biology, ecology, and biogeochemistry to understand the role of microorganisms in ocean processes, global biogeochemical cycles, and marine food webs. This lecture series covers selected topics on marine microorganisms and their interactions with the physical, chemical, and biological environment, as well as fundamental concepts in marine microbiology.
Topics include: microbial diversity and community structure, primary and secondary production, microbial food webs, organic matter cycling, nutrient regeneration, microbial contributions to global
carbon and nitrogen cycles, and emerging methodological approaches in microbial oceanography.

Students will acquire a comprehensive overview of current knowledge and research directions in microbial oceanography. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
• Understand the functional roles of marine microorganisms in biogeochemical processes
• Evaluate the impact of microbial activity on ocean productivity and global climate
• Apply fundamental concepts of microbial oceanography to interpret oceanographic phenomena
• Critically assess current research questions and methodological approaches in the field

The course consists of lectures supplemented by discussions of recent primary literature.

Assessment and permitted materials

Written in-person examination. Questions require comprehensive written answers demonstrating understanding of key concepts and the ability to synthesize information. Multiple-choice questions are not used.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Passed with more than 60% positive overall performance with a total of 50 points.
Grading: 45-50 = 1, 40-44 = 2, 32-39 = 3, 25-31 = 4, <24 = 5.

Examination topics

All contents of the lecture.

Reading list

• Gasol, J. M., and Kirchman, D. L. (Eds.). (2018). Microbial ecology of the oceans (Third edition). Hoboken, NJ, USA: Wiley Blackwell.
• Kirchman, D. L. (2010). Microbial ecology of the oceans (2nd ed.). Hoboken, NJ, USA: Wiley Blackwell.
• Hansell, D. A., and Carlson, C. A. (2015). Biogeochemistry of marine dissolved organic matter. Elsevier.
• Kaiser, M. J. (2020). Marine ecology: Processes, systems, and impacts (3rd ed). Oxford, United Kingdom: Oxford university press.
• Kirchman, D. L. (2018). Processes in Microbial Ecology (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press.

Association in the course directory

MEC-9, UF MA BU 01, UF MA BU 04, MMEI III, MMIC V:

Last modified: Tu 14.04.2026 11:27