Freshwater Ecosystems

Learning Outcomes

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Analysing, synthesising and summarising information critically, including prior research
• Applying knowledge and understanding to complex and multidimensional problems in familiar and unfamiliar contexts
• Recognising and using subject-specific theories, paradigms, concepts and principles

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
• The terminology, nomenclature and classification systems used in environmental science
• 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

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Planning, conducting, and reporting on environmental investigations, including the use of secondary data
• Referencing work in an appropriate manner

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Developing the skills necessary for self-managed and lifelong learning (e.g. working independently, time management and organisation skills)
• Using the internet critically as a means of communication and a source of information
• 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 an adaptable and flexible approach to study and work
• Receiving and responding to a variety of information sources (e.g. textual, numerical, verbal, graphical)

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.

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

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.