ISATEC Student Handbook
ISATEC Student Handbook
Biologie / Chemie
ISATEC
International Studies in
Aquatic Tropical Ecology
International Studies in
Aquatic Tropical Ecology
Student’s Handbook
Coordination
Dr. Oliver Janssen-Weets
INTRODUCTION TO THE ISATEC STUDY PROGRAMME .............................................. 4
LECTURERS................................................................................................................................. 26
PARTNER INSTITUTIONS ...................................................................................................... 28
2
Jordan .................................................................................................................................... 31
Peru ....................................................................................................................................... 31
Sri Lanka ............................................................................................................................... 31
Tanzania ................................................................................................................................ 32
USEFUL INTERNET LINKS .................................................................................................... 33
3
INTRODUCTION TO THE ISATEC STUDY PROGRAMME
ISATEC is a two-year international Master As early as 1991 courses related to tropical
of Science study programme in tropical aquatic ecology were implemented into the
aquatic ecology at the University of Bremen biology curriculum at the UB once the ZMT
(UB). It is conducted in collaboration with started to operate. In addition two-week
the associated Leibniz Center for Tropical block courses (“Diploma courses”) were
Marine Ecology (ZMT). The programme offered to postgraduates and young interna-
aims at the joint education and specialisation tional scientists, providing ample opportuni-
of German and foreign students in the field ty to gain experience in the co-teaching of
of tropical aquatic ecology. Students receive German and foreign students and young sci-
a broad knowledge in theoretical and applied entists. The topics of those courses are now
ecology, with emphasis on concepts and included in the ISATEC syllabus and repre-
methodologies for sustainable utilisation and sent integral parts of the programme
conservation of tropical aquatic ecosystems.
Bremen is well suited for the implementa-
Thus, general ecology, as well as fisheries tion of the MSc-programme thanks to its
biology, aquaculture sciences, ecological high scientific standard in aquatic sciences,
economics, environmental law, and social its modern scientific infrastructure, its inter-
sciences relevant to coastal planning and
national scientific co-operation, and its nu-
management will be one part of this study merous lecturers experienced in teaching
programme. abroad.
4
DED, CIM etc.).
(I) Fundamentals of aquatic ecology their associated species (i.e. mangrove estu-
Essential base for the understanding of eco- aries, mud flats, coral reefs, sandy and rocky
system function: The basic structure of beaches, lagoons, riverine and lake systems)
Methods and concepts for the investigation terms of conventional or eco-tourism, fish-
ing, aquaculture, wood processing, mining in
of populations and species assemblages:
Knowledge of the species composition, coral reefs, extraction of pharmaceutically
trophic structure, and the population dynam- important substances / species etc.) and pos-
ics of target species is essential for experts sible impacts for the species or communities
are discussed.
working in tropical ecology and coastal zone
management. In lectures and exercises stu- (II) Fundamentals for the evaluation &
dents learn to adequately interpret and pro- management of aquatic resources
cess scientific data in the investigation of Concepts and methods for resource assess-
population dynamics and species community ment and sustainable yield calculations:
structures using modern analytical methods,
Students are introduced to fisheries biology
including relevant computer software. and resource assessment theory. Yield mod-
Knowledge about tropical aquatic habitats els are constructed and the inclusion of rele-
and their living communities: A description vant socio-economic variables into fishery
of the typical physical and bio-geo-chemical models is demonstrated.
environment of tropical aquatic habitats and
Knowledge about aquaculture systems /
5
rearing techniques and their effects on natu- interpretation of data in different scientific
ral ecosystems: Aquaculture systems for fields (i.e. fisheries biology, ecology, econ-
fish, shrimps, molluscs, and other inverte- omy, and demography) is essential for ex-
brates as well as algae are described along perts involved in coastal zone management.
with the impact of certain culturing tech- The students learn where to locate and ac-
niques on the natural environment. cess the necessary information resources and
how to process the obtained data.
Understanding of the complex process of
decision making in environmental manage- Knowledge of different approaches for eco-
ment: Students are introduced to the com- system modelling, the ability for analysis of
plex process of decision making in coastal complex problems and capacity for oral and
zone management. Steps needed to ade- written communication: The use of model-
quately evaluate management options in ling is an important tool for ecological inves-
terms of their environmental, social and eco- tigations and the development of manage-
nomic implications are explained. ment strategies. Ecosystem, bio-economic or
(III) General skills demographic models provide the basis for
decision making in environmental manage-
Ability to study independently and to work ment and are important tools of communica-
and co-operate as a team member: The par- tion between members of a team and non-
ticipants learn how to address and solve
experts. However, the correct analysis and
complex problems studying in teams as well interpretation of data is only one part that
as alone. Their written and oral proficiency ensures successful management of natural
is stimulated by essay writing and oral resources. Equally important are skills to
presentations, which are important elements
present the results in an adequate and con-
of the study programme. vincing manner, both in written and oral
Use of modern information sources, such as presentations. Training this is an essential
data banks specific for tropical ecology and part of the study programme.
coastal zone management: The adequate
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
The ISATEC programme takes two years semesters consist of teaching modules com-
(four terms) and includes the submission of a posed of thematically linked block courses,
written MSc-thesis. The first two terms are usually lasting four weeks. Basic courses are
spent at University of Bremen, Germany, offered in the beginning to ensure that stu-
where students attend an intense schedule of dents from different educational back-
lectures. The lectures of each of the first two grounds receive the necessary training be-
6
fore proceeding with more advanced classes. of a foreign supervisor. Before travelling
Hands-on training is provided in a two-week abroad, each student has to elaborate a pro-
excursion to the biological station of the posal for the MSc-thesis and data collection
German Isle of Helgoland. Participation in in accordance with his/her German supervi-
all modules and courses is obligatory. Credit sor. Upon arrival the student presents this
points are gained by attending the courses proposal to the scientific auditorium at the
and completing all required assignments. partner institution. Under the supervision of
Exams on each module are performed in the the foreign advisor the data for the MSc the-
first and second term. All exams must be sis have to be collected. Before leaving the
passed. student has to give an oral final report on the
research carried out during the third term.
In the third term, students are required to
stay at one of the partner institutions of The fourth term is spent evaluating the field
ZMT/University of Bremen in the tropics. data, writing the MSc-thesis, and preparing
There they conduct field studies to obtain the and passing the oral thesis defence.
data for their MSc-thesis under the guidance
7
1st term (at UB) 2nd term (at UB)
M1-02 Tropical coastal ecosystems M5-02 Biogeochemical cycling of elements in the aquatic
environment
M1-03 Introduction to marine microbiology
M5-03 Aquatic pollution
M1-04 Aquatic flora & fauna
M5-04 Coastal geomorphology & coastal processes
examinations (graded)
examinations (graded)
module II: Ressource use & assessment (6 CP)
module VI: Computer use & modelling (9 CP)
M2-01 Introduction to Fisheries biology
M6-01 Population dynamics & stock assessment
M2-02 Monitoring of marine ecosystems and GIS
M6-02 Trophic modelling of ecosystems
M2-03 Tropical aquaculture and its physiological basics
M6-03 Modelling spatio-temporal dynamics
M2-04 Tropical fisheries and catching methods
M6-04 Modelling in conservation biology
examinations (graded)
examinations (graded)
module III: Fundamentals of scientific work (9 CP)
module VII: Coastal planning and management (9 CP)
M3-01 Introduction to systems analysis
M7-01 Ecological economics
M3-02 Experimental design & advanced statistics
M7-02 Participatory techniques & stakeholder analysis
M3-03 Scientific writing
M7-03 Interdisciplinarity between natural & social sci-
examinations (graded)
ences
M7-04 Law of the sea and international environmental
module IV: Semester Study and its Oral Presentation
marine law
(6 CP)
examinations (graded)
oral presentation (graded)
3rd term (at tropical partner institution) 4th term (at UB)
Student Project (27 CP) Master thesis & colloquium (30 CP)
8
Supervision of the students dents to succeed in the course: Work steadi-
The main contact persons and councillors for ly, attend classes regularly, plan your time,
review all teaching material quickly, take
the students are the student tutor and the
programme coordinator. Programme lectur- advantage of working and learning with your
ers mainly function as scientific mentors for colleagues, use the libraries, make use of the
the ISATEC students. They assist the stu- institute and its computer facilities. In case
of problems contact your tutor or the
dents to successfully satisfy their study per-
formances and with the preparation for the ISATEC coordinator immediately.
term abroad and the thesis proposal. Each Assessment of study performances
student is supervised individually during the Credit points are gained by attending the
entire study period. The student tutor pro- course and completing all required assign-
vides guidance in practical and every-day
ments. Students who cannot attend the clas-
matters. That includes the search for ac- ses due to illness (certified by a doctor) may
comodation, support in bureaucratic matters still pass the module. Each module is as-
such as enrollment at the university, registra- sessed by an examination in the first and
tion at the residence office, extending the
second term. A module examination may
visa, obtaining a health insurance, etc. Also consist of a combination of assessment
for advice what to do in Bremen and its sur- methods e.g. an oral performance and a writ-
roundings during spare time the tutor can be ten exam. The module grades obtained con-
asked.
tribute to the final MSc grade. All module
Teaching methods exams must be passed. Within a module bad
Teaching methods include formal lectures, performances in thematic parts can be com-
tutorials, seminars, group projects, computer pensated by good performances in the other
workshops, laboratory and fieldwork, inde- parts. The total performance in the module
examination has to be at least 50 % to pass
pendent study and field trips. Students are
encouraged to ask questions during and after the module. Compensation between modules
lectures or seminars if anything requires is not possible, but repeat examinations can
9
The grading system often differs between the ISATEC Programme is presented in the
universities. In order to make conversions table below.
comprehensible, the grading system used in
Course work assignment & group member of the academic staff of ISATEC.
projects Students who have been involved in a re-
Written assignments are required in some search project at their home institution prior
courses. These are valuable learning aids and to joining ISATEC are encouraged to carry
out their thesis work within this project. The
provide means for the lecturer to assessing
the students‘ understanding of the course Master thesis must be written in English. In
content. Course work assignments may take addition to the submission of the written
the form of group project work, thus requir- thesis, each student must give a 30 minutes
oral presentation of his/her thesis work, fol-
ing the submission of a report jointly by a
team of students. This form of assessment lowed by another 30 minutes of questions by
demands teamwork, co-operation and organ- and discussion with the examiners at the end
isation, skills that a MSc student should de- of the 4th term.
10
Form Name / Purpose Time of submission
Form Ex Examination Registration Until 2 days before the date of the exam
Form 3 Proof of Study Performances End of the semester of the respective module
Form 5 Application for Admission to the MSc Thesis End of 2nd term, before going abroad
and Abroad Registration
Form 6a 3rd Term Agreement End of 2nd term, before going abroad
Form 6b 3rd Term Performances Take abroad and return signed by foreign
supervisor after 3rd term, April 01st at the latest
11
LOGISTICS FOR INCOMERS
Searching for a place to live versity campus. Apartments may be sin-
One of the biggest problems is to find a gle or shared by up to eight persons. All
room at the beginning of the term. Unfortu- rooms and apartments have cooking fa-
nately, at German institutions of higher edu- cilities and bathrooms. All rooms are
furnished and include a small kitchen.
cation there are no student residences on
campus. Students have to find a place to live Students should however note that bed
thing to do. If you want to bring your family etc. are not inclusive. In the vicinity you
may find some students’ clubs, which
with you and are eligible to do so under the
law relating to foreigners, we strongly advise promote social interaction with other
you to find a place to live before they join students and an international flair. These
you. How to find a place to live without too facilities are maintained by the Student
Services (Studentenwerk). Once a stu-
much effort is outlined in the following pag-
es. Not only you, but also all new students of dent's housing application has been pro-
the Bremen University are looking for nice cessed, the Studentenwerk can arrange
places to live. Therefore we strongly rec- accommodation for the duration of the
student's studies. Students wishing to ap-
ommend that you start looking for a room
before you leave home! Unfortunately there ply for accommodation at student resi-
are only limited rooms in the student hous- dences are required to complete an appli-
ing facilities available and most other places cation form for accommodation, which is
available from the Studentenwerk web-
are usually unfurnished. There are, however,
several possibilities to obtain very cheap site. Applications have to be filled out
12
Wohnheimwesen, Bibliothekstraße 3 phone numbers to ring potential land-
(Studentenhaus, 2nd floor), 28359 Bre- lords and make an appointment to have a
men. Phones: 0421/2201-10121, -10122, look at the accommodation. Most land-
-10123, -10124, fax 0421/2201-21290, lords will ask you how long you are in-
email: [email protected]. Of- tending to stay in Germany and what
fice Hours: Monday 10 am – 1 pm, guarantees you can offer for paying the
Wednesday 2 pm – 5.30 pm. rent (your scholarship e.g.).
Private student residences also let rooms The ABC of advertisements: When you
at reasonable prices. The Studentenwerk scan through the advertisements you
can assist you to get in touch with the will stumble across a lot of abbrevia-
landlords. Please contact Mrs. Bakker on tions, such as “2 Zi.-Whg” = 2 room ap-
that subject. partment; “2 ZKDB” = 2 rooms, kitch-
Looking for rooms when you are in Bre- en, hall, bathroom; “zzgl. NK” = plus
men: If you are not successful in finding a extra charges; “ZH” = central heating;
room before your arrival in Germany try to “K” = deposit; “NR” = non-smokers;
“KN” = kitchenette; “NMM” = net
reserve a bed at a youth hostel or a motel.
You should also inform the ISATEC students monthly rent (costs for heating, elec-
tutor that you are still looking for an ac- tricity, gas, water, and waste disposal
commodation, she may be able to assist you. have to be paid additionally); “MZV” =
rent in advance; “Prov.” = commission;
The earlier you come before the term starts
the better your chances to find a room. We “WG” = shared housing; “WBS er-
strongly recommend that you schedule your forderlich” = only for those students
arrival in Germany well before the term be- granted a special permit on social
grounds; “kalt” = cold (heating and oth-
gins. By the time lectures starts, most rooms
will be let already. er costs have to be paid additionally);
“Abstand” = you have to buy part of the
Notice boards: Student Services and AStA
furnishings.
(Student’s Union) has put up several large
notice boards (“Schwarzes Brett”) at differ-
ent locations at campus. There you can Arrival & first destination:
search for ads offering accommodation, etc.
We recommend you do not to arrive during
Newspapers: Once or twice a week local the weekend as all public administration
newspapers advertise available accom- offices and, from Saturday afternoon on-
modation. You will have an advantage wards, many shops, too, are closed. The In-
over your competitors if you get hold of ternational Office at the University of Bre-
a copy as early as possible There are men opens from 9 am to 12 am and will help
13
you to arrange your first days in Germany. the City of Bremen and its surroundings for
Students from abroad are advised to arrive at the duration of one term. The money has to
be transferred before you can be issued your
the latest one week before the programme
starts. The week of arrival will be occupied student card and the public transport pass.
with house hunting, registration at the for- Please note that you have to register at the
In order to get registered at the University of tion office you can hand in the registration
renewal form (will be send to you in advance
Bremen you have to go the administrative
building’s ground floor (VWG) to the regis- via mail) and a health insurance certificate
tration office for international students for the next term. Please note: the closing
(opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday dates for renewing registration usually fall
within the previous term. Registrations dead-
9:00 am - 12:00 pm (at noon) and Wednes-
day 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm). You have to appear lines are August 15th for the following winter
in person. You need to bring a certificate terms and February 15th for the summer
confirming statutory health insurance cover terms. If you fail to renew your registration
in time you cannot continue your studies!
in Germany or proof that you are exempt
from compulsory insurance because your Health insurance
home insurance cover is recognised in Ger- Germany has an excellent health service.
many (see below), the letter of admission to The health service is governmentally subsi-
the ISATEC programme, your passport, and dised and about 75 million people (i.e. al-
several passport photographs. You will be
most 90% of the population) are insured via
given an invoice form which you use to pay a statutory or a private health insurance
the obligatory semester contribution of about scheme. The statutory health insurance
280 Euro per term. The University of Bre- scheme covers the costs of treatment by a
men does not charge tuition fees, but this
doctor or dentist, medication, hospital treat-
financial contribution, which has to be paid ment, and many other palliative and preven-
every term, is used to maintain student’s tive measures. Everyone insured in statutory
activities and for organisational services. It health insurance has to pay a basic charge on
also includes a semester ticket that allows
medication and other items if he/she is not
you unlimited use of public transport within exempt from this additional charge. You can
14
be exempted from these additional payments organisation is most advantageous for you
if your monthly income is below a certain and in case, for your family members as
level but you have to apply for this exemp- well.
tion when you sign your health insurance Some countries’ health insurance schemes
contract. This sometimes applies to students; are recognised in Germany. You have to go
your health insurance company will advise to an insurance office in the main glass hall,
you. In addition, there are certain costs
bring your insurance documents and fill out
which are not covered in full, such as charg- the paper work. The German insurance will
es for dentures, orthodontic work, and spec- then issue you a document which proves that
tacles where you merely receive a part- your home insurance is valid in Germany.
subsidy.
This document is essential for your enroll-
Private health insurance prices as well as ment. Your insurance company at home and
benefits vary greatly. Since medical treat- the International Office will advise you in
ment in Germany is expensive we recom- the run-up to your stay. Please note that you
mend that you chose a scheme covering need proof of health insurance coverage in
more than just the basic minimum. order to register at the University. Usually,
Students are eligible to statutory health in- the health insurance company will issue you
surance at the lowest monthly rate. Per term a certificate, the institution stamps it and
(6 months) you will have to pay around 600 returns it to the company. However, if the
insurance company requires a certificate
Euros. This regulation does not apply to stu-
dents who have spent more than 14 semes- from the institution of higher education in
ters studying and students who are older than order to register with them, just get informal
30 years of age. The largest statutory insur- confirmation from your institution that you
fulfill the requirements for studying in Ger-
ance company is the “Allgemeine
Ortskrankenkasse (AOK)”. Offices of the many.
15
do not register as a student at the bank they Office at the University! In order to register
will charge a basic fee every month plus fees here you need: your passport and possibly
for every transaction. Allow for 2-4 weeks your visa, the Confirmation of Registration
before you receive an ATM card that enables from the Residents’ Registration Office, the
you to use the automatic teller machines. notification of admission from your institu-
Drawing cash at ATM machines of your tion of higher education, proof of financial
bank is free of charge, whilst you have to resources or the scholarship award letter,
pay for using those of other banks. possibly a passport photograph. Your visa
The Residents’ Registration Office (usually granted for 3 months) has the status
of a temporary residence permit. Before
During the first few days after arrival you these 3 months have elapsed you will have to
have to register at the Residents’ Registra- extend the visa for 12 months. If your initial
tion Office. In order to do this you need a visa is valid for the whole time you only
permanent residence. You will find a bureau
have to report to the authority at the begin-
of the Residents’ Registration Office dedi- ning of your stay and will be spared exten-
cated especially to students directly at the sion procedures.
University. The address is: bremen_service
universität (bsu), Klagenfurter Straße (Zen- Most Foreigners’ Registration Authorities no
tralbereich) 28359 Bremen University. Of- longer require you to undergo a medical ex-
have to present your passport and visa and thority and re-register with the new one. If
fill in a registration form. The forms are you move within the same place or town you
only have to update your resident’s registra-
available both from the municipal authorities
and from local stationery shops. The final tion.
section has to be completed by your landlord A piece of advice: dealing with the German
(possibly the owner of the guesthouse or the authorities is not always easy (as it is with
person in charge of administration for stu- bureaucracy in many countries…). If civil
dent residences). Every time you change servants send you from one place to another
your place of residence you have to inform or are unfriendly, do not despair. Stay calm
the Office within the first two weeks. and polite and ask the person for his or her
The Foreigner Registration Authority name and that of their boss. Make a point of
writing down this information. You are enti-
This is your next port of call if you intend to tled to it and unfriendly officials will fear a
stay in Germany for more than 3 months. It complaint and be more co-operative. And
should not be confused with the International
going to the next person presumably in
16
charge you may say “Herr/Frau ... sent me to surance agency, your bank, the DAAD if
you” so you won’t be blamed for ending up you have a scholarship, and the ISATEC
in a wrong office. team. You can, in addition, order the post
Important moving information office to redirect your mail from the old to
the new address for a limited time period by
If you are moving from one room or apart-
filling out a specific form (“Nachsende-
ment to another at any time during your stay antrag”) available at any post office or on
in Germany, please make sure that you regis- their webpage.
ter your change of address with at least the
following offices: The Resident’s Registra-
tion Office, the University, your health in-
17
other languages. Further information is equipped workspaces containing PC work-
available from Fremdsprachenzentrum, Bib- stations and printing devices. The library has
liothekstr. 1, 28359 Bremen, phone: ++49 - internet access via which students may ac-
421 – 21861960, fax: ++49 - 421 – 2187563, cess the electronic library services such as e-
email: [email protected]. books, etc. Searches for both internal and
Access to computer facilities and internet external (commercial) databanks are also
possible.
service are provided directly via the Com-
puter Network Centre “Zentrum für Netze” In order to borrow books, it is necessary to
(ZfN) located on campus. After your regis- register at the library after being enrolled at
tration at the University of Bremen you will the university. To apply for a library card
automatically receive a university account please consult the Enquiry Desk on the
activation code in your semester documents. ground floor. The library also acts as a link
The account includes an e-mail address and to the resources of other libraries by means
access to computer and online facilities. of an interlibrary loan service. Advice and
Zentrum für Netze der Universität Bremen, additional information are available at the
building SFG, 2nd floor, Enrique-Schmidt- Enquiry Desk. Tours of the library are ar-
Str. 7; 28359 Bremen. Phone: ++49 - 421 - ranged regularly throughout the year and you
218 - 61305, fax: ++49 - 421 - 218-9861306, will have an introduction to the library at the
email: [email protected]. beginning of the study programm.
The university library has a large collection The ZMT also offers a small but specialised
of current journals, an extensive microfiche library of books and journals about tropical
collection with reference and bibliographical marine ecology and coastal aquatic man-
sources, and CD-ROM databanks containing agement. In addition, the affiliated marine
bibliographical and specific information institutes also have accessible libraries that
relevant to coursework. Journals can be con- complement the library facilities available at
sulted free of charge. In addition, the library the university.
also offers the students a number of well
18
commodation, the first instalment of the rent, er necessary study materials or xerox cop-
health insurance, semester fee, enrollment ies. A two-week excursion is part of the
etc. Thus, we recommend you to reserve at first term. Students have to contribute part
least 1000 EURO for these initial expenses. of the expenses (up to 200 Euro).
You are allowed to import as much foreign Cash & currency
currency into Germany as you wish, but you
may have to announce it at the customs au- The smallest unit of German currency is the
thorities and you should check on currency “Cent” (Ct.). 100 “Cents” are 1 “Euro”
regulations in your own country. At present There are 8 different coins: 1 Cent, 2 Cent, 5
Cent, 10 Cent, 20 Cent, 50 Cent, 1 Euro, and
you need about 800 Euros per month to lead
a modest life: 2 Euro. Similarly, there are 7 different notes:
5 Euro, 10 Euro, 20 Euro, 50 Euro, 100 Eu-
Accommodation: 300 Euros per month on
ro, 200 Euro, and 500 Euro. The reverse side
average. Deposit: one to two months’ rent of each coin will show individual designs
(returned on expiry of the duration of rent relating to the respective Member State.
- if there is no cause for complaint). However, they are valid in all 18 countries
Medical insurance: approximately 100 of the “Euro Zone”, regardless of their na-
Euros per month. tional sides. In large stores, restaurants and
Lunch at the University: 3 Euros on aver- hotels you can usually use credit cards, but
The amount required for other costs Banks & money transfer
(food, books, stationery, travel, clothes, All banks, even private ones, are subject to
sport/leisure etc.) vary from person to state control. The major banks are the Com-
person, but are unlikely to be less than merzbank, the Deutsche Bank, and the Dres-
200 Euros per month. dner Bank, as well as the Sparkasse Bremen,
Tuition fees: ISATEC is free of tuition and the Postbank. Opening times differ from
fees. Students at Bremen University are one bank to another but are usually week-
days from 9 am to 6 pm. Some banks close
however required to pay the obligatory
semester contribution of approximately during lunchtime from 12 pm to 2.30 pm.
280 Euros (DAAD scholarship holders In Germany, in contrast to many other coun-
pay a reduced amount). The cost of the tries, it is rather unusual to send cheques to
semester ticket is included in this fee. people via mail (e.g. the rent to your land-
lord). There are various ways of conducting
An additional budget of approximately 50
Euros per month should be calculated to monetary transactions: A transfer form ena-
cover costs of excursions, books and oth- bles you to move money from your account
to another. Standing order: you empower the
19
bank to transfer a set sum (such as the rent) PIN-number issued with this card enables
regularly and automatically on an agreed you to draw money at cash points or pay
date (e.g. the first of the month), which is directly via your card. In case of loss the
recommendable for paying your rent. Direct card can be blocked by a phone call 24 hours
debit: this is a practical method of payment a day. The EC card should not be confused
if you have recurring sums that vary in size with the Eurocard, which is a globally valid
(such as the telephone bill). A direct debit credit card. Overdraft facilities/credit cards:
given to the recipient empowers him to de- overdraft facilities allow you to overdraw
duct the respective amounts from your ac- your account to a certain agreed limit. How-
count. You don’t have to worry about abuse: ever, interest on overdrafts can be steep. If
you can always cancel the authorisation and you need a credit card your bank will advise
stop the direct debit. EC cards: with Euro you on that subject. Home banking: many
cheques you have been able to pay anywhere banks now offer their clients the opportunity
in Europe in the currency of the country. to carry out their personal monetary transac-
However, their use has been replaced by the tions via their own computer. Ask the bank
use of charge cards (Euro cheque cards or for advice but bear in mind that your person-
credit cards). If you setup a bank giro ac- al data is protected much better if you got to
count, your bank usually provides you with the bank in person. There have been a num-
an EC card (the card may show the EC logo ber of security breaches with online-banking
which once stood for Euro Cheque, but now recently. Also, many home banking web
indicates the Electronic Cash system). The sites are available in German only.
20
insurance scheme will cover the costs, alt- Notdienst”. You can also ring any doctor’s
hough you will usually have to pay a contri- number; the answering machine will tell you
bution. For the exact costs please inquire at the number of the doctor currently on call.
the hospital in question. Emergency call: 112 is the free-call number
Emergency services & emergency calls: If to ring in order to get an ambulance, the fire
you need urgent medical treatment at night brigade, the police or any other assistance in
or at the weekend you can either go to the a real emergency. Do not dial this number
outpatients’ department at a hospital or ring for fun or trivial reasons. If you make an
the doctor on call. You will find the address- emergency call, state clearly what happened
es of these doctors in the daily newspaper or and where it happened and stay on line for
the internet under the heading “Ärztlicher further instructions.
21
wrapped up in paper which nearly always 5 Euros you allow about 10 % for a tip - of
tears before you get home. course only if the service was friendly and
the food tasty. Nobody expects large tips
Shops are usually open between 8 am and
8/10 pm on workdays and from 8 am until 6 from students because they are known to be
Many Germans like eating solid foods, but Telephones - public call boxes: You can ring
not exclusively. In the cities you can find any number you like in Germany and nearly
restaurants from nearly all the countries in every number abroad from any telephone
the world. Whether Persian, Thai, Russian, box. There are only very few countries for
Mexican, or Korean - the choice of restau- which you have to ring the exchange first
rants in Germany is vast. Students are par- under 0010 and ask to be connected. In most
ticularly fond of Italian, Greek, and Turkish public telephone boxes it is also possible to
restaurants as they are often comparatively receive a call; there should be a sign with the
reasonably priced. Others prefer fast food at number and a bell. Costs for calls within
take-aways or delivery services delivering Germany and abroad vary according to dis-
pizzas, Chinese, and Mexican dishes. tance and time of day. Payphones have be-
Tipping: the prices cited actually include come fairly rare; most public call boxes are
card-phones. However, even they are rare
19 % value added tax and a service charge.
Nevertheless, it is customary to leave a tip in today, as everyone uses mobiles. You can
restaurants, cafés, and other places where buy a telephone card at kiosks or the post-
your bill is brought to your table. The rule of office. The Telecom’s “Telefonkarte Com-
fort” enables you to ring within Germany
thumb is: if a bill is under 5 Euros you round
the sum up to the next full Euro; if it is over and to many other countries without using
22
coins. The international code starts with 00 They enthusiastically separate waste paper,
then country code. In the Yellow Pages you bottles, cans, corks, batteries, bio- degrada-
can find the numbers of doctors and other ble waste, and everything you can collect
occupational groups. Emergency: 110 (po- and recycle. Paper, glass, and cans are put in
lice), Fire Brigade: 112 (emergency medical special containers. Many bottles are return
services and ambulance). In the internet you bottles that are taken back to the shop where
can find numbers to dial before the actual the initial deposit (10-35 Cents) is refunded.
phone number that link you to different pro- Anything with a specific green-white symbol
viders which can be considerably cheaper for on it goes into the “yellow bags” to be recy-
international or long distance calls. cled. In order to reduce the number of plastic
bags used, many shops charge 10-20 cents
Waste separation
for a plastic carrier bag.
Germans are ecologically conscious people.
Etiquette & attitudes ducing people to each other you simply add
As in all countries there are certain forms of (by way of explanation) “(Das ist) Herr
Schmidt - (Das ist) Frau Meier”. Young
behaviour and manners that are considered
polite or impolite. You should know about people of the same age merely say “Max -
the German version of these if you don’t Ingrid”. Usually you introduce the men to
want to put you foot in it. Students are more the women first and then the women to the
men, just as you usually greet the women
informal so it is advisable to take note of
behavioural codes. first and then the men. If it is a formal occa-
sion you use the formula. “Darf ich vorstel-
Greeting people
len?” or „Darf ich bekannt machen? (“May I
Students who know each other usually greet introduce...?”) - Herr Meier - Frau Schmidt“.
each other at all times of the day and night To shake hands or not to shake
by saying “Hallo” or “Grüß dich”. They do hands.
not usually shake hands. Otherwise, it is
polite and common to say “Guten Morgen” The rule of thumb is: do not shake hands
until about midday, “Guten Tag” until about with other students or in public offices. If
6 pm and “Guten Abend” later on. You usu- you attend an interview or a consultation
session with a professor, always shake
ally say “Auf Wiedersehen” if you leave,
students just say “Tschüs”. If you are intro- hands. In such cases you wait until the senior
23
person (i.e. the professor or prospective also come into play if you have been invited
boss) offers you his/her hand. Employees of to someone’s home. For casual invitations
the institution of higher education or large you could be a few minutes late. If the invi-
companies do not shake hands when they tation is more formal or you are invited to a
meet. If you see someone you know in the big dinner, however, you should try to be on
street you greet him or her, at least in pass- time.
ing. There are also situations in which it is
Invitations
polite to greet strangers, for example, in lifts,
on the stairs of a block of flats, or in the Germans are often rather reserved with invi-
tations to begin with. Only good friends can
waiting room at the doctor’s. You also greet
the postman bringing the post and the dust- just drop in on each other unannounced. If
men taking away the rubbish. you are invited to dinner with your professor
or boss you should take a bunch of flowers
Dress code with you for the hostess. When you are in-
On the whole, there are no strict rules about vited to share a pan of spaghetti with other
what to wear in Germany: You wear more or students in their “WG” you do not need to
less what you like. Youngsters can get away take flowers with you, but it is common to
with holes, patches, and (far too short) short ask if you can bring anything. If you are told
trousers. Adults, on the other hand, will not no, a bottle of wine will certainly be wel-
find it so easy. Students wear whatever they come.
like, but people who wear slashed jeans will Relations between the sexes
certainly attract different sorts of friends
than those who prefer a more conservative As in many other parts of the world, the
24
in every country, but in Germany it is toler- too, live openly and the topic is not longer
ated. In the wake of the “sexual revolution” taboo. In any case, the requisite precautions
of the Sixties both men and women take the should be taken: unfortunately, AIDS is a
initiative in making contacts. Homosexuals, problem in Germany, too.
Email: [email protected]
25
ISATEC draws primarily on the resources Dr. Werner Ekau
and staff of the University of Bremen and Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Ecology
the Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine (ZMT), Bremen - Ecology
Ecology (ZMT). Staff from the Alfred- Dr. Sebastian Ferse
Wegener-Institute for Marine and Polar Re- Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Ecology
search (AWI), the Max Planck Institute for (ZMT), Bremen - Ecology/Social Sciences
Marine Microbiology (MPI), and other uni-
versities including partner universities in the Prof. Dr. Wilhelm Hagen
tropics, augments them. With their expertise University of Bremen - Marine Zoology
26
Dr. Benjamin Rabe Dr. Marc Taylor
Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Ecology
for Polar and Marine Research (AWI), (ZMT), Bremen - Ecological Modelling
Bremerhaven - Climate Sciences Dr. Mirta Teichberg
PD Dr. Hauke Reuter Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Ecology
Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Ecology (ZMT), Bremen - Ecology
(ZMT), Bremen - Ecological Modelling Dr. (cand) Gabriela Weber de Morais
Prof. Dr. Claudio Richter Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Ecology
Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre (ZMT), Bremen - Social Sciences
for Polar and Marine Research (AWI), Dr. Frank Wenzhöfer
Bremerhaven - Biosciences Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre
Prof. Dr. Achim Schlüter for Polar and Marine Research (AWI),
Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Ecology Bremerhaven / Max Planck Institute for Ma-
(ZMT), Bremen - Social Sciences rine Microbiology, Bremen - Deep Sea
Dr. Kathleen Schwerdtner Máñez Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Ecology
27
PARTNER INSTITUTIONS
Partner institutions in Bremen
The ZMT is member of MARUM, an association of marine research institutions in the state of
Bremen. This facilitates a multidisciplinary link between the scientists working in the fields of
marine science at the University of Bremen. Good relationships have been established particular-
ly between the biological and geosciences faculties, and also with the Max-Planck-Institute of
Marine Microbiology (MPI), the Alfred-Wegener-Institute for Polar and Marine Research (AWI)
and with the "Biologische Anstalt Helgoland" (BAH), part of the AWI.
Brazil
Embassy of Brazil, Wallstr. 57; 10179 Berlin; phone: +30-726280; fax: +03-72628320/21;
email: [email protected]
A visa is required to travel to Brazil. A letter of invitation from the Brazilian partner university /
supervisor should be sent by fax to the visa department in Berlin.
Chile
Dr. Wolfgang Stotz, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile, [email protected], [email protected],
28
Visa information for Chile:
Generalkonsulat Chile, Kleine Reichenstr. 1, 20457 Hamburg, phone: +40 - 335835, fax: +40 – 326957
Costa Rica
Centro de Inv-stigaciones Marinas y Limnológicas (CIMAR), Universidad de Costa Rica, Apdo. 2060, San José, CR
Embassy of Costa Rica, Dessauer Str. 28/29; 10963 Berlin; +03-26389990; +03-26557210; email:
[email protected]
You need to apply for a visa with an application written in Spanish to the Office of Migration and
Foreign Affairs in Costa Rica (address: Dirección General de Migración y Extranjeria; Apartado
762-1150-La Uruca; San José; Costa Rica; phone: +220 0355; fax +231 7575). You need to en-
close in your application the usual personal data and the purpose of your stay in Costa Rica.
Cuba
Egypt
Embassy of Egypt, Waldstr. 15; 13156 Berlin; phone: +03-4775470; fax: +03-4771049; email: egembas-
[email protected]
Ghana
29
Prof. Dr. C.J. Vanderpuye
Department of Oceanography & Fisheries, University of Ghana, P.O. Box 99, Legon, Ghana, 774381, Ext. 8449
You need to apply for a visa application form at the above mentioned address, enclose a prepaid
envelope with your address
Israel
Embassy of Israel, Konsularabteilung; Auguste- Victoria- Str. 74-78; 14193 Berlin; phone: +03-89045500; fax: +03-
89045222; email: [email protected]
Indonesia
Fisheries Faculty of Bogor University, Bogor, Indonesia (IPB)
Dr. Indra Jaya & Dr. Harry Palm
Marine Center Building 4th Floor, Faculty of Fisheries, Kampus IPB Darmaga, Jl, Rasamala Bogor, Indonesia
Prof. Rubiyanto Misman, Grendeng Campus, P.O. Box 15, Purwokerto, Indonesia
30
Jordan
Embassy of Jordan, Beethovenallee 21; 53173 Bonn, phone: +228-357046; fax: +228-353951; email: embjor-
[email protected]
You need to apply for a visa application form, enclose a prepaid envelope with your address. For
Ghanaians: a copy of passport & residence permit in Germany, passport photo, a confirmed letter
with length and purpose of the stay, a copy of immatriculation at the University of Bremen.
Peru
Universidad Nacional Agraria, La Molina, Lima, Peru
Jaime Mendo, Universidad Nacional Agraria, Facultad de Pesquera, La Molina, Apdo. 456, Lima, Peru
Embassy of Peru, Godesbergerallee 125-127; 53173 Bonn, Tel: +228-379475 or +228-3084570; email:
[email protected]
No visa is required for a visit of less than 90 days. If you wish to stay longer, you need to apply
for a student visa.
Sri Lanka
FCDRMP Fisheries Community Dev. & Resource Management Project, Tangalle Hambantota
District
Bertold Schirm, FCDRMP, Matara Road No. 249 / Mihindu Marwata, Tangalle – Hambantota District, Sri Lanka,
phone: +94-47-40486, -40594, fax: +94-47-486, email: [email protected]
31
Visa information for Sri Lanka:
Embassy of Sri Lanka, Niklasstr. 19, 14163 Berlin, phone: +30-80909749, fax:: +30-80909757, email: in-
[email protected]
Tanzania
32
USEFUL INTERNET LINKS
University of Bremen
Other links
33
ISATEC-Course Catalogue
Content
Aquatic Ecology .................................................................................................................35
Concepts of Aquatic Ecology ............................................................................................35
Tropical Coastal Ecosystems ............................................................................................36
Introduction to Marine Microbiology ..................................................................................37
Aquatic Flora and Fauna ...................................................................................................37
Resource Use and Assessment ........................................................................................39
Fisheries Biology ..............................................................................................................39
Monitoring of Marine Ecosystems and GIS .......................................................................40
Tropical Aquaculture and its Physiological Basics .............................................................41
Tropical Fisheries and Catching Methods .........................................................................41
Fundamentals of Scientific Work ......................................................................................43
Introduction to Systems Analysis ......................................................................................43
Experimental Design and Data Analysis ...........................................................................44
Scientific Writing ...............................................................................................................44
Semester Study and its Oral Presentation .......................................................................46
Oral Presentation ..............................................................................................................46
The Abiotic Environment ...................................................................................................47
Fundamentals in Physical Oceanography .........................................................................47
Biogeochemical Cycling of Elements in the Aquatic Environment .....................................48
Aquatic pollution ...............................................................................................................49
Coastal Geomorphology & Coastal Processes..................................................................50
Computer Use and Modelling ............................................................................................52
Population dynamics &stock assessment .........................................................................52
Trophic modelling .............................................................................................................53
Modelling Spatio-Temporal Dynamics ...............................................................................54
Modelling in Conservation Biology ....................................................................................54
Coastal Planning and Management ..................................................................................56
Ecological Economics & Social-Ecological Systems .........................................................56
Participatory Techniques & Stakeholder Analysis .............................................................57
Interdisciplinarity between Natural & Social Sciences .......................................................58
Law of the Sea and International Environmental Marine Law ............................................59
Scientific Essay ..................................................................................................................60
Student Project ...................................................................................................................61
Master Thesis & Colloquium .............................................................................................62
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Chapters are:
World aquaculture production; Principles of aquaculture, Mariculture,
Techniques incl. RAS, Planning, Environmental impact, Economics,
Diseases, Physiological basics, full day experiments
Part of combined 25 % of Module 2 examination
examination
Assessment Study Searching FAO databases, brainstorming with TOPP
performance: cards, seminar talks
Examination: written examination
Literature A. Kunzmann, C. Schulz 2016 Kultur von Meerestieren– mehr Proteine
aus dem Meer. In: Hempel G. et al. Faszination
Meeresforschung, Hausschild Verlag, in press
FAO 2014 SOFIA The state of world fisheries and aquaculture, Rome,
223 pp.
J.S. Lucas, P.C. Southgate 2012 Farming Aquatic Animals and Plants.
Wiley-Blackwell, Oxford, 2nd Edition, XVI + 629 pp
FAO 2009 Integrated mariculture, Technical paper 529, Rome 183 pp.
Naturland 2005 Standards for Organic Aquaculture, Naturland Gräfeling,
20 pp.
J.C. Cato, C.L. Brown (eds.) 2003, Marine Ornamental Species:
Collection, Culture and Conservation, Wiley-Blackwell, 395 pp.
J. E. Bardach, W. O. McLarney, J. H. Ryther. 1995. Aquaculture: The
Farming and Husbandry of Freshwater and Marine Organisms.
John Wiley & Sons (Paperback)
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Learning Students know the main species that contribute to both marine and
outcome freshwater living resources, especially in tropical and subtropical
regions. These comprise fish, shellfish and shrimp species with special
emphasis on their auto-ecology and the major fishing areas where they
are exploited. Students will be able to describe the main fish catching
methods and will know the population dynamics of key resources. The
Management strategies such as the ICES or the Large Marine
Ecosystem concept are understood.
Content 1. Introduction to fisheries resources and their management in
tropical seas, catching methods (artisanal fisheries,
commercialised fisheries)
2. Geographical approach (relevance of different aquatic areas,
open sea, Mediterranean seas, marginal seas, rivers & lakes).
3. Inland fisheries (lake & river fisheries).
4. Estuarine and coastal fisheries
5. The open ocean and its fisheries resources
6. Invertebrates, Fish preservation and processing
7. Large Marine Ecosystem concept
8. Excursion to Bremerhaven/Cuxhaven to visit fish industry
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Assessment Study
performance: --
Examination: written examination
Literature Introduction to Physical Oceanography, Robert Stewart, Texas A&M
University, 2007,
http://oceanworld.tamu.edu/ocean410/ocng410_text_book.html
Tomczak & Godfrey: Regional Oceanography: an Introduction 2nd
edn (2003), http://www.es.flinders.edu.au/~mattom/regoc/index.html
Open University. 1989. Ocean Circulation. Oxford: Pergamon Press.
Open University. 1989. Seawater: Its Composition, Properties, and
Behavior: Pergamon Press.
Open University. 1989. The Ocean Basins: Their Structure and
Evolution. Pergamon Press.
Open University. 1989. Waves, Tides, and Shallow-water Processes.
Pergamon Press.
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Additionally:
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Practical
Sediment transport and coastal processes
Beach profiles and storm impact
Estuarine dynamics
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Prior to leaving for the field work in the 3rd semester, the ISATEC
Coordination Office provides the student with a form/template to write
down the topic of the field work research and to collect the signatures
from the partners when the two oral presentations have been done.
Assessment Study performances: written proposal, oral presentation / report
Literature project related
Person Prof. Dr. Matthias Wolff
responsible for
the module
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