ENVB30010 Systems Ecology

Academic Year 2020/2021

The module comprises online lectures, computer practicals and field trips to cover key ecosystem concepts in freshwater, marine and terrestrial systems. These include food chains, food webs, trophic pyramids, functional groups, energy/nutrient inputs and cycling. The module will also explore the processes that affect the distribution and abundance of species.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students should be able to:
- demonstrate an understanding of key ecosystem concepts;
- describe the physical environment of terrestrial and aquatic systems;
- carry out sampling and make scientific observations in terrestrial, marine and freshwater habitats;
- identify common freshwater and marine invertebrate taxa to become familiar with the diversity, function, and adaptation of invertebrates in these habitats;
- describe the processes that affect the distribution and abundance of species;
- examine monitoring techniques and ecological responses of freshwater organisms to water quality deterioration and habitat destruction;
- evaluate hydrochemical data;
- learn to critically read original research articles relating to systems ecology, analyse field data and write concise scientific reports.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Field Trip/External Visits

24

Specified Learning Activities

25

Autonomous Student Learning

53

Online Learning

23

Total

125

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
- online lectures
- computer-based practical
- field work assessments 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

Students entering this course should have taken and passed ENVB20050 or an equivalent.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Pre-requisite:
ENVB20050 - Principles of EnvBiol&Ecology


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Assignment: Field course & assignments Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

40

Examination: Online exam 2 hour End of Trimester Exam Yes Graded No

60


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
Dr Jan-Robert Baars Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Paul Brooks Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Adam Kane Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Mary Kelly-Quinn Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Elizabeth Conroy Tutor