Program Overview

Introduction to the Program

The Marine Biodiversity: Flora Taxonomic Expertise program is a 60-hour course that takes place over three weeks. It is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of marine biodiversity, with a focus on the taxonomy and ecology of marine algae.

Objectives

The program aims to equip participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to identify and classify marine algae, as well as understand their role in the marine ecosystem. The course covers topics such as:

• Systematics, phylogeny, taxonomy, biology of large groups of algae
• Cytology, biochemistry, ecology and life cycles of the main groups (green, red and brown algae, and more succinctly, diatoms and dinoflagellates)
• Field trips at low water in varied coastal habitats
• Practical laboratory work: observations with a magnifying glass and microscope, practice of identification with determination keys, biochemical analyzes (pigments)

Target Audience

The program is designed for individuals who wish to gain a comprehensive understanding of marine biodiversity, including:

• Environment/marine biodiversity project managers
• Researchers, engineers and technicians from research and monitoring laboratories
• Higher and secondary school teachers

Prerequisites

Participants are expected to have a background in biology, with knowledge of biology at the license level and/or experience as a naturalist.

Program Structure

The program consists of a combination of theoretical and practical sessions, including:

• Field trips at low water in varied coastal habitats
• Practical laboratory work
• Personal work and projects

Rating

Participants will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the program.

Additional Information

The program is organized by the Faculty of Sciences and Engineering, and takes place at the Station Biologique de Roscoff. The course fee is €900, with additional costs for accommodation and meals.

Faculty

The program is led by Nathalie Simon, a Lecturer at Sorbonne University, with expertise in marine ecology and biodiversity.

Research Areas

Nathalie Simon's research focuses on the ecology and biodiversity of marine phytoplankton, with a particular emphasis on the structure and dynamics of species and communities.

Publications

Nathalie Simon has published numerous articles on marine ecology and biodiversity, including recent publications on the seasonal dynamics of marine protist communities and the diversity and dynamics of relevant nanoplanktonic diatoms in the Western English Channel.