The aim of this course is to provide students with the theoretical base needed to pursue independent ecological
investigations within stream environments. Lectures will incorporate the research experience of the lecturer, as well as
loosely follow material from the listed textbooks. While no prerequisites are required for enrollment, a basic knowledge of
chemistry, biology, and ecology will be useful. The course will run for 12 weeks.
Last update: Kohler Tyler Joe, Ph.D. (07.10.2025)
The aim of this course is to provide students with the theoretical base needed to pursue independent ecological
investigations within stream environments. Lectures will incorporate the research experience of the lecturer, as well as
loosely follow material from the listed textbooks. While no prerequisites are required for enrollment, a basic knowledge of
chemistry, biology, and ecology will be useful. The course will run for 12 weeks.
Last update: Kohler Tyler Joe, Ph.D. (07.10.2025)
Literature -
Textbooks: Stream Ecology: Structure and Function of Running Waters, by Allan, Castillo, and Capps
Freshwater Ecology, by Dodds and Whiles
Required reading: Vannote, R.L., Minshall, G.W., Cummins, K.W., Sedell, J.R. and Cushing, C.E., 1980. The river continuum concept. Canadian journal of fisheries and aquatic sciences, 37(1), pp.130-137.
Last update: Kohler Tyler Joe, Ph.D. (07.10.2025)
Textbooks: Stream Ecology: Structure and Function of Running Waters, by Allan, Castillo, and Capps
Freshwater Ecology, by Dodds and Whiles
Required reading: Vannote, R.L., Minshall, G.W., Cummins, K.W., Sedell, J.R. and Cushing, C.E., 1980. The river continuum concept. Canadian journal of fisheries and aquatic sciences, 37(1), pp.130-137.
Last update: Kohler Tyler Joe, Ph.D. (07.10.2025)
Requirements to the exam -
Grading will be based upon an in-class exercise and a final oral examination.
Last update: Kohler Tyler Joe, Ph.D. (07.10.2025)
Grading will be based upon an in-class exercise and a final oral examination.
Last update: Kohler Tyler Joe, Ph.D. (07.10.2025)
Syllabus -
1: INTRO TO STREAM ECOSYSTEMS - why study streams? - fluvial geomorphology - spatial scales of investigation
2: HYDROLOGY - the hydrologic cycle - streamflow generation - interpreting hydrographs - measuring discharge - suspended material transport
3: THE ABIOTIC ENVIRONMENT - special properties of water - temperature - light - pH - dissolved gasses and solids
4: NUTRIENTS - minor nutrients - sources and cycles of Si, P, N - introduction to carbon - nutrient spiraling
5: PRIMARY PRODUCTION - photosynthesis - algal diversity and growth forms - macrophytes - environmental controls
6: ORGANIC MATTER - organic matter fractions - stages of breakdown - controls on decomposition - stream metabolism
7: HYPORHEIC AND RIPARIAN ZONES - physical and chemical characteristics - methods for observation - ecological relevance - flora and fauna
8: STREAM CONSUMERS - macroinvertebrate diversity and life history - functional feeding groups - drift - fish guilds and ecomorphology - ecological roles and longitudinal patterns
9: SPECIES INTERACTIONS - classic studies of competition, herbivory, predation, facilitation, and parasitism in streams
10: STREAM COMMUNITIES - types and drivers of diversity - disturbance and succession - trophic cascades and foodwebs - ecosystem engineers and keystone species
11: STREAMS OF THE ANTHROPOCENE - physical alterations - invasive and non-native species - contaminants - overexploitation - climate change
12: MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING - ecosystem services - common management and restoration practices - techniques for monitoring
Last update: Kohler Tyler Joe, Ph.D. (07.10.2025)
1: INTRO TO STREAM ECOSYSTEMS - why study streams? - fluvial geomorphology - spatial scales of investigation
2: HYDROLOGY - the hydrologic cycle - streamflow generation - interpreting hydrographs - measuring discharge - suspended material transport
3: THE ABIOTIC ENVIRONMENT - special properties of water - temperature - light - pH - dissolved gasses and solids
4: NUTRIENTS - minor nutrients - sources and cycles of Si, P, N - introduction to carbon - nutrient spiraling
5: PRIMARY PRODUCTION - photosynthesis - algal diversity and growth forms - macrophytes - environmental controls
6: ORGANIC MATTER - organic matter fractions - stages of breakdown - controls on decomposition - stream metabolism
7: HYPORHEIC AND RIPARIAN ZONES - physical and chemical characteristics - methods for observation - ecological relevance - flora and fauna
8: STREAM CONSUMERS - macroinvertebrate diversity and life history - functional feeding groups - drift - fish guilds and ecomorphology - ecological roles and longitudinal patterns
9: SPECIES INTERACTIONS - classic studies of competition, herbivory, predation, facilitation, and parasitism in streams
10: STREAM COMMUNITIES - types and drivers of diversity - disturbance and succession - trophic cascades and foodwebs - ecosystem engineers and keystone species
11: STREAMS OF THE ANTHROPOCENE - physical alterations - invasive and non-native species - contaminants - overexploitation - climate change
12: MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING - ecosystem services - common management and restoration practices - techniques for monitoring
Last update: Kohler Tyler Joe, Ph.D. (07.10.2025)
Learning outcomes
After completing the course, students will be able to:
Explain the physical, chemical, and biological processes that shape stream ecosystems and their spatial and temporal dynamics.
Describe key hydrological concepts, including streamflow generation, discharge measurement, and sediment transport.
Characterize the abiotic environment of streams, including temperature, light, pH, and dissolved substances, and evaluate their effects on aquatic organisms.
Discuss nutrient cycling in streams, including the principles of nutrient spiraling and the roles of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon.
Interpret the sources, processing, and ecological roles of organic matter within stream ecosystems.
Identify and classify stream biota (macroinvertebrates, fish, algae, macrophytes) and analyse their ecological roles, functional feeding groups, and adaptations to flow conditions.
Characterise species interactions and community dynamics in running waters, including competition, predation, facilitation, and succession.
Evaluate the impacts of anthropogenic activities—such as pollution, habitat alteration, invasive species, and climate change—on stream structure and function.
Apply ecological principles to the management, restoration, and monitoring of stream ecosystems.
Integrate theoretical knowledge and case studies to design and interpret independent ecological investigations in fluvial environments.
Last update: Gáliková Kristýna, Mgr. et Mgr., DiS. (21.10.2025)
