606-203 Biodiversity of Protists

Biology 600-141 and 600-142

Topics covered include:

• the classification, morphology, cytology and commercial value of the protistan phyla: 1) the macroscopic green, brown and red seaweeds; 2) the microalgal and phytoplankton classes: diatoms, dinoflagellates, chlorophytes, chrysophytes and other lesser-known but ecologically and phylogenetically significant groups;

• the evolutionary history of protistan organisms; and

• marine ecosystems: the importance of algae to biodiversity and habitats.

After completion of the lecture and practical components of this subject, students will have acquired a knowledge of:

• the variety and classification of algae (macro- and micro-);

• techniques for identifying algal organisms; and

• modern cytological researches and the pivotal roles that ancient bacterial and photosynthetic organisms played in the evolution of vital cellular components (e.g. mitochondria and chloroplasts) in algae, animals and higher land plants.

A 3-hour written examination at the end of semester and two 2-hour laboratory examinations during term time.