ALKOR AL601

The curriculum of the Master Program “Biological Oceanography” at GEOMAR and Kiel University is characterized by the strong ties between current research and practical work of the students. This 12-day cruise is part of the module “Multidisciplinary Oceanographic Research” (MNF-bioc-301) and gives the students an in-depth experience of modern methods in biological oceanography and associated research areas. During the stay on board, students will learn about the work flows on research vessel in order to spark their interest for future participation in cruises. Samples will partly be directly analysed on board while other samples will be used for later analyses during follow-up practical modules (in particular MNF-bioc-102 and 202). The Baltic Sea has been chosen as the working area because of its surface salinity gradient and strong anthropogenic impacts. Using the salinity gradient, the students will examine changes in the biota in relation to physical parameters. Further, they will use time-series data to assess the effects of climate change as well as variations between years. As an example, the focus will be put on the diversity, structure and function of pelagic ecosystems and their plankton groups.