HYDROBIOLOGY

Part one
Molecular structure and properties of water. Optical properties of water: irradiance attenuation coefficient and transparency. Seasonal thermal cycles and heat budgets in lakes. Water movements in lakes. Basic water chemistry of lakes: electric conductivity, salinity, pH, alkalinity. Dissolved oxygen. The biogeochemical cycles of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, iron, sulphur and silica in lakes. The role of biota in the nutrient cycles. Trophic state of lakes.
Part two
Taxonomic and functional classification of the freshwater phytoplankton. General characteristics of the lacustrine zooplankton (Rotifers, Cladocerans, Copepods): morphology, development, feeding, reproductive modes, diapause and quiescence, cyclomorphosis, vertical migrations. Seasonal succession of zooplankton communities. Zoobenthos: taxonomic and functional classificaton criteria, spatial gradients of community structure, trophic role. Interstitial and hyporheic fauna.

Part three
Methods for measuring primary production, secondary production and microbial activity in water ecosystems. Study of trophic relationships in lentic and lotic systems.

Part four
Biological assessment of water quality. Changes in aquatic communities due to water pollution. Impacts of the introduction of exotic species in inland waters.
Part five
Field and/or laboratory experiences.