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Department of Biology
Laboratory of Biodiversity and Evolutionary GenomicsProf. Flip Volckaert
Master theses topics 2018-2019
The VOLCKAERT
Team
Ecology Evolution
Fundamental research at the interface of ecology & evolution
with applications in fisheries, aquaculture, human biologyand conservation biology
Topics for master
theses
Human
Parasites
Adaptation in
Fish
Ocean
Connectivity
Marine
ecology
Topics Master in Biology
The following seven topics can be selected by students
following the English taught Master in Biology or Dutch
taught Master Biologie.
Promoter Prof. Dr. Filip Volckaert ([email protected], 016 32 39 72)
Supervisor Sarah Maes ([email protected])
Aim
Climate-induced changes put an increasing pressure on the Arctic ecosystem
and its populations, including the most abundant circumpolar fish polar cod.
As a keystone species, changes in its abundance and distribution will impact
the entire Arctic food web. However, intra-specific genetic differentiation
could mean that some polar cod populations are at greater risk than others.
Therefore, you will investigate the genetic population structure of polar cod in
space and time.
ApplicationNext to global change, also global fisheries are expandingtowards the poles, putting more pressure on these
ecosystems. Solid understanding of local populations and
their genetic make-up is needed, to advance
conservation measures and/or sensible management.
Evolutionary ecology –
Genetic structure of polar cod (Boreogadus
saida): connectivity in a changing
ecosystem
This is a great opportunity for students with interest in marine polar biology & genetics!
This project involves molecular laboratory techniques (DNA extraction, PCR, gel
electrophoresis) and statistical examination of the genotypes.
Evolutionary ecology –
Genetic structure of polar cod (Boreogadus
saida): connectivity in a changing
ecosystem
Boreogadus saida
Promoter Prof. Dr. Filip Volckaert ([email protected])
Supervisor Dr. Kris Hostens (ILVO, [email protected])
Dr. Ir. Karen Bekaert (ILVO, [email protected])
AimEstuaries and shallow coastal systems are key habitats for many organisms. They function
as nurseries for flatfish where the trade-off between growth and survival is related to the
abundance of food resources, predation levels and favorable environmental condi-
tions. Habitat quality features thus have the potential to influence recruitment levels.
Growth is a proven index to asses habitat quality. You will study juvenile growth on a
small spatial scale based on the analysis of daily growth rings in otoliths of juvenile
European plaice Pleuronectes platessa. You will track the inter- and intra-annual
variation in individual growth by cohort in the Belgian part of the North Sea. The realized
growth will be compared with the potential growth based on a Dynamic Energy Budget
Model (DEB), which predicts maximal growth in relation to temperature and fish size. The
combination of individual growth (otoliths) and population growth (DEB) will provide an
unbiased growth analysis.
Population Ecology
Growth in juvenile European plaice based on
daily growth rings of otoliths
ApplicationThe results will help to calibrate a biophysical dispersal model for flatfish as developed
by Lacroix et al. (2013, 2017) and Savina et al. (2016). They will also contribute to the
sustainable management of fish stocks of the North Sea.
Population Ecology
Growth in juvenile European plaice based on
daily growth rings of otoliths
Research involves the reading of daily growth rings after polishing, microscopy &
image analysis of otoliths, statistical analysis (growth vs. habitat quality parameters) &
statistical modeling.
European plaice Pleuronectes platessa Otoliths in a fish head Yearly growth rings of otoliths (5 yr
old plaice)
Image analysis of daily growth
rings in an otolith
Some equations used in Dynamic
Energy Budget (DEB) modellingActual length-frequency and
simulated DEB growth in juvenile
plaice
Promoter Prof. Dr. Filip Volckaert ([email protected], +32 16 32 39 72)
Co-promoter Christophe Loots ([email protected])
Aim
Heavy fishing and climate change have critically changed the dynamics of
marine communities. As a consequence the fauna of the Eastern English
Channel has measurably changed. It is important to continue to document
this process in order to fully understand the drivers and consequences.
Therefore you will study the ichthyoplankton community at the Gravelines
station based on historical and recently collected samples. You will DNA
barcode a set of samples collected bimonthly, and correlate the temporal
species distribution with the locally collected environmental data and long
term databases (such as egg surveys).
ApplicationThe results will help to calibrate biophysical dispersal models for flatfishes as
developed by Lacroix et al. (2013, 2017) and Savina et al. (2016). They will also
contribute to the conservation management of the Eastern English Channel.
Molecular ecology –
Population dynamics of ichthyoplankton of the
Eastern English Channel
This is a great opportunity for students with interest in marine polar biology & genetics!
Molecular ecology –
Population dynamics of ichthyoplankton of the
Eastern English Channel
Plaice eggs and yolk sac larvae
by Ueberschär
You will identify fish eggs with DNA barcoding and analysea time series of their population dynamics statistically. .
Aim
Highly adapted icefish (Notothenioidei) inhabit the Southern Ocean
surrounding Antarctica. Rapid environmental changes and increasing
human impact are not only challenging for these peculiar fish, but also their
prey. For many of these species it is even unknown on what they prey.
However, this kind of information is important in regulating conservation
measures and protecting ecosystem functions.
This project involves molecular laboratory techniques (DNA extraction, PCR,
gel electrophoresis) and statistical examination of the prey composition of
the stomach. This is a great opportunity for students with interest in marine
polar biology & genetics!
Application
Next to global change, also global fisheries are expandingtowards the poles, putting more pressure on these
ecosystems. Solid understanding of local food webs and
their interaction is needed, to advance conservation
measures and/or sensible management.
Evolutionary ecology –
Metabarcoding of Antarctic fish: prey item
composition in a changing ecosystem
Promoter Prof. Dr. Filip Volckaert
[email protected], phone: 016 32 39 72
Supervisor Franz Maximilian Heindler
Evolutionary Ecology –
The effect of water quality on the health of
three-spined stickleback
Promoter Prof. Dr. Filip Volckaert ([email protected], 016 32 39 72)
Supervisor Io Deflem ([email protected], 016 32 4296)
AimGlobal biodiversity is declining. The largest biodiversity loss is occurring in
freshwater ecosystems. Hence freshwater systems are considered among
the most endangered habitats worldwide. In Flanders, the riverine
landscape is drastically altered by human activities. Poor water quality, the
construction of migration barriers and the introduction of invasive species
threatens fish populations and health and in turn alters whole fish
communities.
ApplicationThree-spined sticklebacks were caught at 40 locations in de Dijle-Demer
basin. You will dissect each fish and screen for the presence of parasites.
You will perform morphometric analyses to study the impact of water
quality on body shape. In a final step, you will study other measures of fish
health such as spleen and liver size. All traits will be linked to environmental
data (measured by the Flemish Environmental Agency, VMM) to investigate
how human-induced pollution affects fish population health.
The effect of water quality on the health of
three-spined stickleback
Sampling locations in the Dijle-Demer basin Stickleback sampling
Picture for morphometric analysis Parasite infecting three-spined stickleback
AimFish are endangered by numerous anthropic effects, such as pollution.
Parasites can also have a substantial impact on fish, yet little is known of
how these two factors interact in the wild. You will sample rivers in
Flanders to assess the level of mercury in the water and in the sediment.
You will also measure the parasite load of three-spined sticklebacks
caught in the same sites. You will use this data to build statistical models
describing the relationship between pollution levels and parasite load,
to understand how pollution affects the risk of parasite infection in fish.
ApplicationYour thesis will help understand whether increased
pollution causes fish to be more vulnerable to parasites.
Your results will give a better assessment of the risks our
freshwater ecosystems are facing.
Evolutionary ecology –
Effects of mercury pollution on
parasite load in three-spined stickleback
Promoter Prof. Dr. Filip Volckaert ([email protected], tel: 016 32 39 72)
Supervisor Dr. Federico Calboli ([email protected])
Supervisor Mr. Vyshal Delahaut ([email protected])
Evolutionary cology –
Effects of Mercury Pollution on
Parasite Load in Threespine Stickleback
Field work Lab work: parasite and
toxicological analyses
Statistical modeling
This Project has three components
Evolutionary ecology –
Effects of mercury pollution on
parasite load in three-spined stickleback
Aim
You will work with samples of sardines of Lake
Tanganyika in order to understand more of their
feeding habits, life cycle and population structure.
The much needed information will improve the
sustainable management of LT fisheries.
You will do lab work, including genetic work or
morphometric analyses, and will be responsible for
data collection and analysis. If the opportunity arises,
the project may involve fieldwork in DR Congo(IRO
grant).
ApplicationThe fisheries of Lake Tanganyika are an important food
source for millions of people living near the lake shores.
Almost 60% of the catch consists of two sardine species,
and these populations now threaten to collapse. To
enable effective management, more information about
the biology of the two sardine species is much needed.
Evolutionary ecology – IRO
Life history traits of Tanganyika sardines:
scientific input for sustainable management
Promoter Prof. Dr. Filip Volckaert
[email protected], tel: 016 32 39 72
Supervisor Els De Keyzer
els,dekeyzer@@kuleuven.be
DNA barcoding of stomach content to
unravel feeding habits
Morphometrics to discover hidden
population structure
Evolutionary ecology –
Life history traits of Tanganyika sardines:
scientific input for sustainable managment
Relevant for management of an
indispensable food source
Tanganyika, one
of the oldest and
biggest lakes in
the world
Stolothrissa tanganicae
Limnothrissa miodon
Two endemic pelagic clupeids make
up most of the fisheries catch
Promotor: Dr. Tine Huyse ([email protected], 02 769 57 63)
Prof. Dr. Filip Volckaert ([email protected], 016 32 39 72)
Aim: Schistosomiasis or bilharzia is a major poverty-related disease which affects over
200 million people worldwide. Despite available control strategies the disease
continues to re-emerge. One of the possible reasons behind this is the
phenomenon of hybridization. Recent molecular studies showed that hybridization
between animal and human schistosome species is frequent. This complicates
control due to the existence of animal reservoirs that are not included in current
control measures. Moreover, hybrid parasites can have an enhanced transmission
potential and can have a greater tolerance against drug treatment. A special
focus on the identification, distribution and host use of hybrid parasites is therefore
warranted. This includes a thorough parasitological study of gastropod snails, to
identify their role in disease transmission, and new molecular methods to detect
hybrid species in the field.
1. Fieldwork, snail shedding experiments and PCR analysis (Zimbabwe)
2. Statistical analysis & writing at Royal Museum for Central Africa and KU Leuven (Belgium)
Justification: to estimate potential threat to human and animal health due to hybrids
Evolutionary ecology – IROHybridization of Schistosoma species in Zimbabwe
and South Africa: Implications for animal and human
disease transmission
Life cycle Schistosoma Schistosome parasite Bulinus snails infection experiments
Evolutionary ecology – IROHybridization of Schistosoma species in Zimbabwe
and South Africa: Implications for animal and human
disease transmission.
Topics Master Biology
The following two topics can be selected by students
following the English taught ICP Master in Sustainable
Development
Promoter Prof. Dr. Filip Volckaert ([email protected])
Supervisor Dr. Kris Hostens (ILVO, [email protected])
Dr. Ir. Karen Bekaert (ILVO, [email protected])
AimEstuaries and shallow coastal systems are key habitats for many organisms. They function
as nurseries for flatfish where the trade-off between growth and survival is related to the
abundance of food resources, predation levels and favorable environmental condi-
tions. Habitat quality features thus have the potential to influence recruitment levels.
Growth is a proven index to asses habitat quality. You will study juvenile growth on a
small spatial scale based on the analysis of daily growth rings in otoliths of juvenile
European plaice Pleuronectes platessa. You will track the inter- and intra-annual
variation in individual growth by cohort in the Belgian part of the North Sea. The realized
growth will be compared with the potential growth based on a Dynamic Energy Budget
Model (DEB), which predicts maximal growth in relation to temperature and fish size. The
combination of individual growth (otoliths) and population growth (DEB) will provide an
unbiased growth analysis.
Population Ecology
Growth in juvenile European plaice based on
daily growth rings of otoliths
ApplicationThe results will help to calibrate a biophysical dispersal model for flatfish as developed
by Lacroix et al. (2013, 2017) and Savina et al. (2016). They will also contribute to the
sustainable management of fish stocks of the North Sea.
Population Ecology
Growth in juvenile European plaice based on
daily growth rings of otoliths
Research involves the reading of daily growth rings after polishing, microscopy &
image analysis of otoliths, statistical analysis (growth vs. habitat quality parameters) &
statistical modeling.
European plaice Pleuronectes platessa Otoliths in a fish head Yearly growth rings of otoliths (5 yr
old plaice)
Image analysis of daily growth
rings in an otolith
Some equations used in Dynamic
Energy Budget (DEB) modellingActual length-frequency and
simulated DEB growth in juvenile
plaice
Promoter Prof. Dr. Filip Volckaert ([email protected], 016 32 39 72)
Supervisor Dr. Peter Galbusera ([email protected]
Ing. Bart Hellemans ([email protected])
AimThree of the five species of horned pheasants (Tragopan caboti, T.
temminckii. and T. satyra; Phasianidae) are commonly bred by fowl
breeders across Europe. Their native range are the forests of southern and
southeastern Asia; several species feature on the IUCN red list as
threatened. Since 2005 breeding pairs have been screened with
microsatellite markers for species status with the purpose of reducing
hybridisation. You will be genotyping new samples with DNA microsatellite
markers and analyzing the database for genetic diversity, relatedness and
structure. You will be working with fowl and zoo managers, and your results
will contribute to the management of genetic biodiversity.
ApplicationYour results are guiding hobby breeders to manage their fowl with a
conservation perspective.
Conservation Genetics –
Ex-situ conservation genetics
of horned pheasants
Tragopan temminckii
This project involves literature and database research, sample preparation,
genotyping and computational work. Knowledge of numerical computing in R
is appreciated.
This is a great opportunity for students with an interest in the sustainable
management of tropical fowl. Working place will be Leuven.
Conservation Genetics –
Ex-situ conservation genetics
of horned pheasants
Tragopan satyra
Tragopan caboti
Good to remember
Our research involves :
- field sampling
- lab work
- collaborative research
- excellent tutoring
- international contacts
- useful societal applications
For information consult bio.kuleuven.be/eeb/lbeg and https://wet.kuleuven.be/apps/thesis
Please drop by at our lab for more information!
Human
Parasites
Adaptation in
Fish
Ocean
Connectivity
Marine
ecology
http://bio.kuleuven.be/eeb/lbeg
