This block course explores the intricate relationships between marine organisms and their symbiotic partners, with a strong emphasis on the role of microbiomes in these interactions. The course covers a wide range of marine symbioses, from corals and their microbial partners to other key marine organisms such as sponges, algae, and fish. Students will examine how these symbiotic relationships are crucial for maintaining marine ecosystem health, biodiversity, and resilience, especially in the face of climate change and other anthropogenic stressors.

The course will focus on understanding the biological, ecological, and evolutionary significance of marine symbioses, with an in-depth exploration of the structure and function of marine microbiomes. Key topics include microbial diversity, symbiont-host co-evolution, metabolic exchange in symbiotic partnerships, and how marine symbioses adapt (or not) to changing environmental conditions.