Biology of important animal species in the Adriatic (2409)

Prof.dr.sc. Branimir Hackenberger Kutuzović

Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Department of Biology

Izv.prof.dr.sc. Davorka Hackenberger Kutuzović

To know the importance of the ocean (abiotic and biotic factors) in the sustainability of life on land, the importance of marine organisms in the diet and treatment of various diseases (leukemia, tumors, cystic fibrosis, arthritis).

Oceans – abiotic and biotic factors that determine the spatial and temporal distribution of biota (salinity, temperature, pressure, transparency, concentration of dissolved gases, nutrients, currents, tides). Ecological systems of high biodiversity: coral reefs, mangrove forests, brown algae settlements and forests, polar seas, deep-sea area and rocky bottom communities. Biology and ecology of marine organisms used in medical research as a source of chemical compounds for the purpose of finding drugs for the treatment of cancer, leukemia, arthritis, cystic fibrosis: Algae, Porifera, Cnidaria, Echinodermata, Tunicata, Chondrychthyes. Unconventional sources of food from the sea and protection of marine ecosystems in view of the increasing exploitation of ecological systems known for their extremely large number of species.
Bioactive natural substances from marine organisms (Algae, Porifera, Cnidaria, Echinodermata, Tunicata, Chondrychthyes) that can/or are used in the pharmaceutical industry and medicine.

1. Analyse the biology and ecology of marine organisms used in medical research (algae, sponges, cnidarians, echinoderms, mongrel and cartilage fish).
2. Identify the possibilities of the use of marine organisms in research for the purpose of finding cures for various diseases.
3. Assess how environmental factors affect spatial and temporal fluctuations in abundancia, biomass, excellent and functional diversity of organisms important in medical research.
4. Critically judge the possibility of exploiting resources with regard to the degradation of marine habitats and the reduction of biodiversity.

Regular attendance at classes and seminars.

lectures and seminars - multimedia and internet

1. From Monsoons to Microbes. Understanding the Oceans Role in Human Health (1999). The National Academies Pres
2. Bioactive Marine Natural Products. D.S. Bhakuni and D.S. Rawat, (2005): Springer Anamaya.

1. Scientific papers

The success of the course will be evaluated annually by the joint expert committee of the Ruđer Boskovic Institute, the University of Dubrovnik and the University of Josip Juraj Strossmayer in Osijek based on exam success and surveys.