Module overview
Freshwater Ecosystems initially considers the interplay between the physics, chemistry and biology of freshwater ecosystems. A comparative approach is adopted, in which upland streams, lowland rivers, lakes and other standing freshwater environments are considered. Emphasis is placed on the relationships between physics, chemistry and biology, and the differences in these relationships in contrasting freshwater environments. Theoretical aspects are supported by case study seminars. The module finishes by examining the interactions of humans with freshwater ecosystems, with emphasis on impacts and management.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Referencing work in an appropriate manner
- Planning, conducting, and reporting on environmental investigations, including the use of secondary data
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Developing an adaptable and flexible approach to study and work
- Preparing, processing, interpreting and presenting data, using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques and packages including geographic information systems
- Identifying and working towards targets for personal, academic and career development
- Developing the skills necessary for self-managed and lifelong learning (e.g. working independently, time management and organisation skills)
- Receiving and responding to a variety of information sources (e.g. textual, numerical, verbal, graphical)
- Using the internet critically as a means of communication and a source of information
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Recognising and using subject-specific theories, paradigms, concepts and principles
- Analysing, synthesising and summarising information critically, including prior research
- Applying knowledge and understanding to complex and multidimensional problems in familiar and unfamiliar contexts
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- The contribution of environmental science to debate on environmental issues and how knowledge of these forms the basis for informed concern about the Earth and its people
- The processes which shape the natural world at different temporal and spatial scales and their influence on and by human activities
- Methods of acquiring, interpreting and analysing environmental science information with a critical understanding of the appropriate contexts for their use
- The need for both a multi-disciplinary and an interdisciplinary approach in advancing knowledge and understanding of Earth systems, drawing, as appropriate, from the natural and the social sciences
- The contribution of environmental science to the development of knowledge of the world we live in
- The terminology, nomenclature and classification systems used in environmental science
Syllabus
Topics typically consider:
Introduction to Freshwater Ecosystems.
Structural and functional ecology of standing and running waters.
Interactions between human and freshwater ecosystems, including impacts, restoration and management.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
The module is delivered through lecture and seminar sessions. The sessions will be delivered by the module leader with some contributions from others, typically providing case studies to reinforce and extend learning.
Learning activities include
- Attendance at lectures and seminars.
- Self-directed learning - supplementary and complementary to lecture materials.
- Private study – research for and preparation of module assignment.
- Attendance at a field visit – observations of degradation of urban standing waters
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Preparation for scheduled sessions | 14 |
Lecture | 28 |
Follow-up work | 10 |
Revision | 32 |
Completion of assessment task | 20 |
Wider reading or practice | 40 |
Seminar | 6 |
Total study time | 150 |
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Assessment | 100% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Assignment | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External