300519 SE Dietary pathways in aquatic foodwebs (2009W)

The aim of this course is to demonstrate and discuss mechanisms that drive sources, movement, and function of dietary organic matter through aquatic food webs. This course will bring together important aspects of ecology, molecular biology, and ecotoxicology to (a) review currently emerged techniques, in particular biomarkers such as stable isotopes and lipids, and to (b) discuss their applicability for studying current challenges in aquatic ecology (food web structure, diet quality, trophic interaction, somatic growth and production, physiological stress, etc.). This course targets students with a strong background in ecology and/or with sufficient background in biochemistry as both groups will greatly benefit from learning how to address conceptual food web questions using biochemical methods. Students are required to read, present and discuss research papers (40%) and to write a final exam (60% of final grade).