Module DXX-1001:
Ecosystem Function & Services
Ecosystem Function & Services 2022-23
DXX-1001
2022-23
School Of Natural Sciences
Module - Semester 2
20 credits
Module Organiser:
Paula Roberts
Overview
Lectures:
- Introduction ecosystem concepts and matter flows
- Ecosystem services
- Ecosystem development
- Ecosystem Function & Biodiversity models
- Ecosystem productivity
- Ecosystem collapse
- Climate and microclimate
- Soil formation
- Soil mineralogy and weathering
- Soil organic matter and chemical properties
- Ecosystem productivity
- Food webs and below-ground biodiversity
- Above and below-ground biodiversity
- Root processes
- Plant water relations
- Plant reproduction
- Plant structure
- Photosynthesis types, pigments, environmental control
- Plant stress tolerance I (moisture stress)
- Plant stress tolerance II (heat and cold)
- Temperate grasslands
- Mangroves
- Wetlands and salt marshes
- Polar ecosystems
Practicals
a) Wetland Ecology and GHG
b) Soil Field Trip
c) Water Quality - Nitrate practical
d) Plant Reproduction / ecophysiology
Assessment Strategy
-threshold -Grade D- to C+Understanding of the concepts of ecosystem and their developments, soils and soil properties, and element fluxes in ecosystems.
-good -Grade B- to B+Good understanding of the concepts of ecosystem and their development, soils and soil properties, and element fluxes in ecosystems. The ability to interlink the ecosystems, soils and element fluxes.
-excellent -Grade A- and aboveIn depth understanding of the concepts of ecosystem and their development, soils and soil properties, and element fluxes in ecosystems. Understanding of the complexity of ecosystem and how biodiversity, soils and element fluxes determine the properties of ecosystems, as well as and understanding of these in key ecosystems.
Assessment method
Coursework
Assessment type
Summative
Description
Field Ttrip (Wetlands C and N diagrams)
Weighting
15%
Due date
03/03/2023
Assessment method
Clinical Practical Assessment
Assessment type
Summative
Description
Lab (Nitrate practical)
Weighting
15%
Due date
17/03/2023
Assessment method
Coursework
Assessment type
Summative
Description
Lab (Plant reproduction / ecophysiology)
Weighting
15%
Due date
21/03/2023
Assessment method
Exam (Centrally Scheduled)
Assessment type
Summative
Description
Exam
Weighting
55%