Climate change and the ocean
Course description
This course offers a unique opportunity to get a broad introduction from research scientists around the world on the impact of climate change on oceans. The ocean is the largest habitat on the planet, and it’s a major regulator of climate, interacting at long and short timescales with the atmosphere and the continents. In this Special Topics course, we explore the ocean as a global system along with its key components. We will look at the causes of past climate change, the current situation, the effects on ecosystems large and small, and impacts on organisms and humans.
The course is especially relevant to students who want broad insight into the effects of climate change on oceanic and aquatic ecosystems, including fish, fisheries, and larger marine environments.
Course facts
P000160, Climate change and the ocean, 3.0 Hp
Print syllabus
Syllabus
Level
Third cycle
Subject
Biology
Grading Scale
The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.
Course language
English
Entry Requirements
Objectives
The course aims to give the students a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms and processes through which climate change affects aquatic ecosystems, organisms, and humans across multiple spatial and temporal scales.
The course is of particular relevance to students seeking insight into the effects of climate change on oceanic ecosystems, including physical circulation, biogeochemistry, fish/fisheries, economic impacts and the path forward.
After completing the course, the students should be able to:
- Describe and give examples on impacts of climate change concerning warming, deoxygenation and ocean acidification on oceanic ecosystems.
- Explain the main ecological responses of fish populations to environmental and climate variability regarding warming, deoxygenation and ocean acidification
- Explain the connection between healthy oceans and the economic and cultural aspects concerning fisheries, coastal communities, and food security on a national and international scale.
- Describe and give examples on how direct and indirect impacts of climate change-related events, degrade or alter critical aquatic habitats and food webs.
Content
The primary objective of the course is to teach climate change science, based on the study of aquatic ecosystems. The course is structured in six modules: i) Introduction to Climate change, ii) Ocean acidification, iii) Temperature, iv), Hypoxia, v) Economical and cultural aspects, vi) Communication of science.
Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course
Grading scale: Pass/Fail Grading criterion: - Students are required to attend a minimum of 28 out of 31 scheduled online lectures to successfully complete the course. - Contribute to a productive discussion forum at the online platform. - Initial Posting Content: - Response addresses the question with thought and clarity. - Applies content and material from the course readings and/or lecture content in the response. - Follow-up Posts - Responds to initial question and responds to one or more classmates. - One or more postings include references to class content, either readings or lecture content. - Timing - Responds by Friday or earlier in the module week.
Responsible Department/Equivalent
Department of Aquatic Resources
Supplementary information
Other Information
The course will be held online via Zoom, with one-hour sessions twice weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays (16:30–17:30 Swedish time) from January 12 to April 27 2026. An online discussion component together with students from three other universities will supplement the scheduled meetings providing a unique learning experience.