Dynamic Drifters: Planktonic Biology & Ecology – Early Semester

This online course, "Planktonic Biology and Ecology", delves into the world of plankton, exploring the dynamics, interactions, and ecological significance of these drifting organisms. Students will study microbes, phytoplankton, and zooplankton, understanding their roles in oxygen production, carbon sequestration, and marine food webs. The course also covers settlement and recruitment dynamics for larval organisms among plankton and introduces students to research techniques, data interpretation, and plankton identification. It encourages engagement with scientific articles and the development of scientific skills through practical exercises.