BS352-6-AU-CO:
Freshwater Ecology
2020/21
Life Sciences (School of)
Colchester Campus
Autumn
Undergraduate: Level 6
Current
Thursday 08 October 2020
Friday 18 December 2020
15
08 October 2020
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
MSCIB097 Tropical Marine Biology,
MSCIBA97 Tropical Marine Biology (Including Placement Year),
MSCIBB97 Tropical Marine Biology (Including Year Abroad)
Freshwater systems constitute only a small proportion of the Earth's aquatic environments yet they play an essential role in the ecology of many species. Freshwater resources are increasingly threatened by water extraction, pollution and climate change.
This module describes the major groups of freshwater habitats (streams, rivers, ponds, lakes) and outlines key principles of hydrology and limnology, including chemistry and physical properties, production and cycling of organic matter, the functioning of different trophic groups, eutrophication, and places this in context of the challenges in managing freshwater resources for biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human populations.
This module aims to describe the major groups of freshwater habitats (streams, rivers, ponds, lakes) and outlines key principles of hydrology and limnology, including chemistry and physical properties, production and cycling of organic matter, the functioning of different trophic groups, eutrophication, and places this in context of the challenges in managing freshwater resources for biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human populations.
This module aims to describe the major groups of freshwater habitats (streams, rivers, ponds, lakes) and outlines key principles of hydrology and limnology, including chemistry and physical properties, production and cycling of organic matter, the functioning of different trophic groups, eutrophication, and places this in context of the challenges in managing freshwater resources for biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human populations.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
1. discuss how principles of hydrology and limnology underpin the structure and function of communities in freshwater systems;
2. describe the roles of the major groups of organisms in freshwater systems in the functioning of habitats, the flow of materials (nutrients, energy) through these communities;
3. demonstrate an ability to analyse data and interpret findings in the context of limnology;
4. discuss topical issues in freshwater management demonstrating the importance of ongoing scientific understanding in these debates.
No additional information available.
20 x 1 hour lectures, plus 1 revision class before summer exam
- Dodds, Walter K.; Whiles, Matt R. (c2010) Freshwater ecology: concepts and environmental applications of limnology, Burlington, MA: Academic Press.
- Persson, Lennart; de Roos, André M. (2013-07) 'Symmetry breaking in ecological systems through different energy efficiencies of juveniles and adults', in Ecology. vol. 94 (7) , pp.1487-1498
The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course. The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students. Further reading can be obtained from this module's reading list.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Exam |
Main exam: 24hr during Summer (Main Period)
|
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Prof Thomas Cameron, email: tcameron@essex.ac.uk.
Dr Tom Cameron, Dr Eoin O'Gorman
School Undergraduate Office, email: bsugoffice (Non essex users should add @essex.ac.uk to create the full email address)
Yes
No
No
Dr Nicholas Kamenos
University of Glasgow
Reader
Available via Moodle
Of 686 hours, 0 (0%) hours available to students:
686 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s).
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