International Summer Course on Integrated Marine Biology andEcology in Hokkaido University
Date: August 5th – 10th (1st phase), August 11th-16th (2nd phase), 2013
Places: Muroran Marine Station, Hokkaido University (1st and 2nd phase), Akkeshi Marine Station,
Hokkaido University (2nd phase)
Organizer: Field Science Center for Northern Biosphere, Hokkaido University
Organizing committee: Masahiro Nakaoka*, Taizo Motomura**, Chikako Nagasato (HokkaidoUniversity) *Chief, **Vice-Chief

Objectives: Marine biodiversity and ecosystem functions are declining rapidly worldwide due tomultiple stresses from human activities, such as overexploitation, eutrophication, coastaldevelopment, invasive species and global climate changes. To understand the responses of marineorganisms and ecosystems toward better management of ocean and coastal areas, it is requited togain integrated knowledge of the responses of marine organisms to these stresses at various levels,
i.e., molecular, cell, organisms, population, community and ecosystems. This summer course
provides unique opportunities for international and Japanese graduate students and undergraduate
students with sufficient basic knowledge of biology to learn the structures and dynamics of marineorganisms at the multiple levels. In the school, participants will learn about various topics:
biodiversity of algal community in Hokkaido, cellular response of marine algae against
environmental changes, community structure of rocky intertidal organisms across environmental
gradient and variation in plant-animal interactions in relation to environmental changes. Based onthese subjects, the program aims to encourage the participants to develop future research proposalthat includes international perspectives.

Keyword: Marine algae and seagrass, species diversity, cell structure and cellular response,
community structure, plant-animal interactions, cold current system

Participants:(i) up to 8 graduate and undergraduate students studying in Japan (including foreign students)(ii) up to 8 international graduate and undergraduate students currently enrolled in programs that
focus on the overall theme and objectives of the Summer Course.

Cost: No registration fee is required. The organizer will also cover the minimum travel expenses(international and domestic flight tickets, domestic ground transportation and accommodations)based on the requests of participants.

Program structure:
1st phase: from August 5th to 10th: All the Japanese and international students will take a series

of lectures and field practices at Muroran Marine Station,
2nd phase: from August 11th to 16th : The international students (and some Japanese students)
will conduct individual project at either Muroran or Akkeshi Marine Station (subjected tohis/her research interest). Extension of the stay is possible with consultant with host scientists.
Application: Application forms need to be submitted to the administration office of theSummer Course (see below) no later than 31 May 2013 (extended) for international
students. Participants will be selected based on information provided in the application.

Contact: Prof. Masahiro Nakaoka (nakaoka@fsc.hokudai.ac.jp)

Related URLs:
Muroran Marine Station, Hokkaido University, http://www.fsc.hokudai.ac.jp/muroran/Akkeshi Marine Station, Hokkaido University, http://www.fsc.hokudai.ac.jp/akkeshi/