Introductory course on marine biology

‘Introduction to marine biology’ is a new course organised by the Uni­ver­sity’s Department of Biology open to students not reading Biology at degree level as well as to the public.

The course, comprising seven two-hour sessions and two field visits, starts on March 14. Lectures will be held from 6 to 8 p.m.

Topics will include: An introduction to the general marine environment and the physical, chemical and biological factors that affect the lives of marine plants and animals; The characteristic Mediterranean shallow water habitats; Aspects of marine pollution; The ecology of the Mediterranean Sea and what makes this sea different from the global ocean and a biodiversity hotspot; Shores and shore life; Fisheries and aquaculture and their socio-economic contribution and environmental sustainability; Dolphins, whales, marine reptiles, sharks and rays; Aspects of marine conservation biology from molecular genetic diversity to ecosystem conservation, covering issues related to threatened marine species, over-exploitation, climate change and jellyfish blooms.

For details, e-mail the course coordinator Adriana Vella on adriana.vella@um.edu.mt or call Tiziana Micallef on 2340 2272.