Modiwl BNS-3001:
Freshwater Ecosystems
Freshwater Ecosystems & their Goods & Services 1 (10 credits) 2023-24
BNS-3001
2023-24
School Of Natural Sciences
Module - Semester 1
10 credits
Module Organiser:
Morag McDonald
Overview
Introduction to freshwater ecosystems. Habitat type: Plants & algae, physical & chemical characteristics, geomorphology/hydrology & structure of freshwater ecosystems. Classification of lakes, rivers & wetlands. Freshwater communities & relationships Human impacts on freshwaters & approaches to conservation & restoration. Fisheries ecology, life assessment and management & fisheries economics. Ecosystem goods and services services and their management.
Learning Outcomes
- Appreciate how the ecological characteristics of particular habitats determines their management.
- Demonstrate knowledge of actual and potential human impacts on freshwaters and their EG&S, but understand the available options for conservation and management of fresh water ecosystems and the context in which any decisions must be made.
- Demonstrate the ability to think critically and apply a problem-solving approach (identifying hypotheses, considering options, drawing conclusions from data and considering implications of these conclusions) when presented with a hypothetical or real scenario based on a freshwater ecosystem.
- Demonstrate the skills necessary for self-managed and lifelong learning (undertaking directed reading, time management, working to a deadline)
- Describe the main processes and mechanisms which lead to the formation of fresh water ecosystems.
- Distinguish between different freshwater systems and describe their main features.
- Understand and compare the scientific methods employed to study freshwater ecosystems.
- Understand the relationships between chemical, physical and biological components of these systems.
Assessment type
Summative
Weighting
100%