Module DDL-4204:
Forest Ecosystems
DDL-4204 Forest Ecosystem 2023-24
DDL-4204
2023-24
School Of Natural Sciences
Module - PGT
20 credits
Module Organiser:
Andy Smith
Overview
World forest ecosystems, alpine, boreal and temperate forests, tropical moist and dryland forests. Forest soils, chemical and physical properties, soil formation and conservation. Carbon cycling in Forests. Forests in global carbon cycles. Nutrient cycling in forests.
This module will be taught by distance-learning in the format common to all distance-learning modules in SENRGY.
Module material will be supplied electronically in a module e-handbook. In addition to the module handbook material, the TALISaspire readinglist system will be used to provide guided reading materials. Further, the module will include discussion forums via Blackboard and formative self-assessments with model answers provided on submission. A substantial piece of assessment will be submitted at the end of the module and marked. Students will sit an examination at the end of the module; Students will be able to contact the module organiser by phone or email to seek guidance.
Learning Outcomes
- Critically evaluate the extent and importance of forested ecosystems.
- Show a comprehensive understanding of soil structure, formation and conservation.
- Show a comprehensive understanding of the ecology of forest trees.
- Show a comprehensive understanding of the importance and pathways of nutrient cycling.
- Show a comprehensive understanding of the role of forests in catchment hydrology, and evaluate the hydrological implications of forest operations.
- Show a comprehensive understanding of the role of forests in global carbon budgets and discuss the implications of climate change for forested ecosystems.
Assessment method
Coursework
Assessment type
Crynodol
Description
Formative Assessment of Unit #1
Weighting
0%
Assessment method
Coursework
Assessment type
Crynodol
Description
Formative Assessment of Unit #2
Weighting
0%
Assessment method
Coursework
Assessment type
Crynodol
Description
Formative Assessment of Unit #3
Weighting
0%
Assessment method
Coursework
Assessment type
Crynodol
Description
Assessed essay on a topic selected from a list provided
Weighting
60%
Assessment method
Coursework
Assessment type
Crynodol
Description
End of module examination
Weighting
40%