Freshwater Biology Section
The history of the Section for Freshwater Biology dates back to 1897 and is thus founded on strong scientific traditions. Our research answers questions related to patterns in biological diversity, adaptations of organisms in relation to their environment and the structure and ecological processes in streams, lakes, wetlands and coastal waters. We offer and contribute to a large number of courses both at BSc and MSc level that cover all aspects of freshwater ecology.
The section consists of a single research group, Freshwater Ecology, which focuses on research in lakes, streams, wetlands and coastal areas, in Denmark and around the globe.
Our research answers questions related to patterns in biological diversity, adaptations of organisms in relation to their environment and to the structure and ecological processes of whole aquatic ecosystems. Together with our extensive network of external collaborators, both nationally and internationally, we focus on five main research areas (see right menu), all of which are interlinked, and with a timely focus on current challenges related to e.g. climate change, land-use and nature management. Research approach covers field experiments and surveys, and experimental setups in the lab. All staff members are involved to a varying degree in most of the five described research areas.
Research infrastructure includes modern laboratory facilities equipped with extensive hardware for analysis of samples, various gear and vessels for field sampling, a state-of-the-art greenhouse and temperature-controlled rooms.
Research areas
- Back to the future for lakes and streams at "Erik den Rødes land" (West Greenland)
- Calcification and P dynamics in lake plants
- Climate gases – Carbon dioxide concentrations and exchange in lakes and streams across Denmark and Europe
- Climate-smart African rice
- Inducible barriers to radial oxygen loss in plant roots
- Oxygen, carbon and ecosystem metabolism in lakes and streams
- Plain of Jars – the world’s oldest man-made biological experiment
The section gives high priority to our teaching activities and takes great pride in offering a wide range of high quality courses. We are currently responsible for 11 courses and contribute to 4 more, at both BSc and MSc level. Courses cover those focused specifically on aquatic organisms and ecology as well as courses in general ecology, biodiversity, statistics, Arctic biology and nature management. Many of the courses are part of the Ecology specialization in the Biology Master program. Please refer to the Dept. of Biology list of courses.
We always have a wide variety of ideas for BSc and MSc projects, but other ideas are certainly welcome.
Bachelor courses
FBS responsible
● Basic ecology (Almen Økologi)
● Statistics for biologists (Statistik for biologer)
● Field course in limnology (Feltkursus III)
● Biodiversity (Biodiversitet)
● Basic Arctic Biology (Basal Arktisk Biologi)
● Freshwater Macrofauna (Makrofauna i Ferskvand: Økologi og Miljøbedømmelse)
Contribute
● Diversity of organisms (Organismernes Diversitet)
Master courses
FBS responsible
● Freshwater Ecology
● Theme course 1: Ecology and Management of nature and semi-natural areas
● Arctic Biology
● Arctic Field course
Contribute
● Advanced Ecology
● Methodology and Sampling in Environmental Management
In addition to our research output as peer-reviewed scientific papers, the Freshwater Biology Section publishes text books, in Denmark as well as internationally.
We also take science dissemination very serious, and the Section has a proud and continuous dedication for making our research available to the public through numerous articles in popular science magazines.
In addition, our engagement in society is strong, and we therefore participate frequently in political hearings and TV debates, contribute to web-based media, and give interviews and write articles to newspapers.
At the Freshwater Biology Section, besides our core research collaborations with other departments and universities, we have multiple partnerships with external organizations. These external partners contain both public organizations and private companies:
NIVA Danmark (Norwegian Institute for Water Research) is a private, independent and non-profit company focusing on research and consulting supporting evidence-based implementation and reporting of the Water Framework Directive and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive as well as other EU Directives.
Nationalpark Thy is a national park in the northern part of Jutland containing a large number of lakes. The collaboration has so far focused on the environmental conditions of the lakes, particularly focusing on carbon concentrations and aquatic plant communities.
Danish nature and environmental agencies are partners in student projects and collaborators in field sites and data collection.
Tropica Aquarium Plants is the world’s largest producer of ornamental aquatic plants. Our collaboration focuses on knowledge‑sharing and their large collection of rare aquatic plants serves as a valuable resource in research and teaching.
Unisense A/S is the leading manufacturer of microsensors and instrumentation for use in biological and medical sciences, and our close collaboration guarantees access to the latest technology for students and researchers.
Contact
Freshwater Biology Section
Universitetsparken 4
DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
SECTION HEAD
Associate Professor Dean Jacobsen
Email: djacobsen@bio.ku.dk
Phone: +45 3533 0132
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