Overview

This module will cover aspects of biodiversity, soil science, and matter cycles (water, nutrient and carbon) within an ecosystem context. The processes which define ecosystems will be used to illustrate the services they deliver, particularly biomass and carbon sequestration. The module will give an overview of biodiversity, ecosystem development, soil formation and properties, carbon and nutrient fluxes in ecosystems and plant tolerance to abiotic stress, as well as case studies of a range of ecosystem types.

This module with provide an introduction to ecosystem concepts, and how matter flows within them. There are four main themes covered in the lectures:

Ecosystems & biodiversity Soil Science Belowground & Microbial Ecology Plant Physiology

Case studies will be used to illustrate these themes. The lectures for this module will also be put into a context through field trips and practical sessions.

Assessment Strategy

Students will complete the Ecosystems Services assessment, the Exam, the field trip poster and the Laboratory Practical writeups.

-threshold -Grade D- to C+: The student displays a basic understanding of concepts of ecosystem and their developments, soils and soil properties, and element fluxes in ecosystems. Most of the key issues are identified but there may be some omissions or gaps in understanding. Links between theory and practice are not well developed.

-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 above: In depth knowledge of the concepts of ecosystem and their development, soils and soil properties, and element fluxes in ecosystems. There are no major areas omitted. 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

Learning Outcomes

• Describe different soils, their properties and how soil develops.

• Discuss the concept of ecosystems and their dynamic nature.

• Give examples of ecosystem function across a number of key ecosystems.

• Identify the the processes involved in ecosystem carbon fluxes, such as photosynthesis, food webs and decomposition.