Modiwl DXX-1001:
Ecosystem Function & Services

Ffeithiau’r Modiwl

Rhedir gan School of Natural Sciences

20.000 Credyd neu 10.000 Credyd ECTS

Semester 2

Trefnydd: Dr Paula Roberts

Amcanion cyffredinol

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 and 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.

Cynnwys cwrs

Lectures:

  1. Introduction ecosystem concepts and matter flows
  2. Ecosystem services
  3. Ecosystem development
  4. Ecosystem Function & Biodiversity models
  5. Ecosystem productivity
  6. Ecosystem collapse
  7. Climate and microclimate
  8. Soil formation
  9. Soil mineralogy and weathering
  10. Soil organic matter and chemical properties
  11. Ecosystem productivity
  12. Food webs and below-ground biodiversity
  13. Above and below-ground biodiversity
  14. Root processes
  15. Plant water relations
  16. Plant reproduction
  17. Plant structure
  18. Photosynthesis types, pigments, environmental control
  19. Plant stress tolerance I (moisture stress)
  20. Plant stress tolerance II (heat and cold)
  21. Temperate grasslands
  22. Mangroves
  23. Wetlands and salt marshes
  24. Polar ecosystems

Practicals a) Wetland Ecology and GHG b) Soil Field Trip c) Water Quality - Nitrate practical
d) Plant Reproduction / ecophysiology

Meini Prawf

trothwy

Grade D- to C+ Understanding of the concepts of ecosystem and their developments, soils and soil properties, and element fluxes in ecosystems.

da

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.

ardderchog

Grade A- and above In 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.

Canlyniad dysgu

  1. Understanding of the concept of ecosystems and their dynamic nature.

  2. Understanding of soils and soil development.

  3. Understanding of the process involved in ecosystems carbon fluxes, such as photosynthesis, food webs and decomposition.

  4. Appreciation of the ecosystem function of a number of key ecosystems.

Dulliau asesu

Math Enw Disgrifiad Pwysau
Field (Wetlands C and N diagrams) 15.00
Lab (Nitrate practical) 15.00
Lab (Plant reproduction / ecophysiology) 15.00
Exam 55.00

Strategaeth addysgu a dysgu

Oriau
Lecture

25 * 1 hour lectures (2-3 per week over 10 weeks).

 25
Laboratory

2*3 hour practicals

 6
Private study 161
Fieldwork

2*4 hour field visits

 8

Sgiliau Trosglwyddadwy

  • Llythrennedd - Medrusrwydd mewn darllen ac ysgrifennu drwy amrywiaeth o gyfryngau
  • Rhifedd - Medrusrwydd wrth ddefnyddio rhifau ar lefelau priodol o gywirdeb
  • Hunanreolaeth - Gallu gweithio mewn ffordd effeithlon, prydlon a threfnus. Gallu edrych ar ganlyniadau tasgau a digwyddiadau, a barnu lefelau o ansawdd a phwysigrwydd
  • Archwilio - Gallu ymchwilio ac ystyried dewisiadau eraill
  • Adalw gwybodaeth - Gallu mynd at wahanol ac amrywiol ffynonellau gwybodaeth
  • Dadansoddi Beirniadol & Datrys Problem - Gallu dadelfennu a dadansoddi problemau neu sefyllfaoedd cymhleth. Gallu canfod atebion i broblemau drwy ddadansoddiadau ac archwilio posibiliadau
  • Cyflwyniad - Gallu cyflwyno gwybodaeth ac esboniadau yn glir i gynulleidfa. Trwy gyfryngau ysgrifenedig neu ar lafar yn glir a hyderus.

Sgiliau pwnc penodol

  • Recognize and apply appropriate theories and concepts from a range of disciplines.
  • Appreciate the interdisciplinary and/or reciprocal nature of relationships within the subject area.
  • Appreciation of the complexity and diversity of processes through the study of relevant systems.
  • Apply subject knowledge to the understanding and addressing of problems.
  • Conduct fieldwork and/or laboratory work competently with awareness of appropriate risk assessment and ethical considerations
  • Consider issues from a range of interdisciplinary perspectives.
  • Prepare effective maps, diagrams and visualizations.
  • Undertake field and/or laboratory studies to ensure competence in basic experimental and/or fieldwork skills.
  • Engagement with current subject developments and their application.

Adnoddau

Rhagofynion a Chydofynion

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