Arctic Marine Ecology

The specialization Arctic Marine Ecology provides you with advanced knowledge within aspects of Arctic marine system ecology. You will understand how organisms respond to biotic and abiotic factors, the dynamics of primary and secondary production in high-latitude marine ecosystems, the role of trophic interactions in regulating communities and marine food webs, and the functioning of biogeochemical cycles like the carbon cycle in Arctic systems.

You will learn about study designs relevant in marine environments, and critically reflect on the approaches benefits and limitations. You will be able to evaluate diverse information sources and apply your knowledge to societal issues such as marine resource management and pollution control.

Programme description

The ecology of high-latitude coastal and oceanic systems is the focus of this specialization. Polar marine ecosystems, their unique characteristics, and their functioning will be explored. The structure of food webs in various Arctic marine habitats will be examined, along with the requirements for their sustainable use and the influence of the physical environment on species and their ecology. Through a master’s in Arctic Marine Ecology, a wide variety of organisms, ranging from bacteria and plankton to benthos and top predators such as fish and marine mammals, will be introduced. Arctic marine food webs across the entire Arctic can be compared, and the responses of organisms and ecosystems to climate change and environmental variation can be studied.

Students will be an integral part of the Arctic Marine System Ecology (AMSE) Research Group and are expected to participate actively.

For a complete overview of the learning outcomes, please see the programme study plan.