Coordinators
Prof. Dan Tchernov, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa.
Dr. Shani Levy, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa.
Lecturers
Prof. Maoz Fine, The Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences in Eilat .
Prof. Nir Keren, Faculty of Mathematics & Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem .
Prof. Hezi Gildor, Institute of Earth Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem .
Prof. Dan Tchernov, The Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa.
Course Brief Description
Marine environments are experiencing significant environmental changes, a result of global changes. The aim of this course is to expose students to the processes taking place and the threats to habitats in marine environments following climate change. What are the trends and what are the ecological, sociological, and economic implications? We will deal with issues of problems and solutions to the major threats to marine habitats.
Course Structure
This intensive 6-day course will be taught in the waters of the Gulf of Aqaba and in laboratory and will include lectures given by experts in the field, a short research project, presentation of articles in the field and guided tours. Students will be asked to read a variety of selected texts as well as a series of contemporary scientific articles.
Key topics covered in the course
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Impact of climate change in the marine environment.
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The coral reef under global and local changes.
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Seagrasses response to global changes.
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Ecological, physiological and behavioral responses of marine organisms under climatic changes.
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Rising sea level.
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Ocean acidification.
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Invading species.
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Warming and bleaching corals, possible solutions: minimizing changes, acclimatization and adaptation.
The Grade Structure
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Journal club (15%)
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Two (2) written exams to be held during the course (40%).
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Presentation of group projects (20%)
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Group Project Report (25%). The written report is submitted 4 weeks after the course ends.
Audience
The course is limited to 24 students.
Graduate students in all fields of natural, exact and applied sciences are invited to apply. Third year undergraduate students will be accepted on the basis of available places.
Language
The language of instruction is Hebrew (there may be several lectures in English by lecturers from abroad via Skype), however, if students who do not speak Hebrew will take part in the course, the language of instruction will be English. If the language of instruction is English, Hebrew speakers will be given the opportunity to take the exam in Hebrew but the rest of the assignments will be submitted in English.