ENVB30010 Systems Ecology

Academic Year 2023/2024

The module comprises face-to-face lectures, 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
Lectures

23

Laboratories

14

Field Trip/External Visits

10

Specified Learning Activities

25

Autonomous Student Learning

53

Total

125

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
- face to face lectures
- computer-based practical
- field work assessments
- lab work 
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
Examination: End of trimester exam 2 hour End of Trimester Exam No Graded No

60

Assignment: Field course & assignments Varies over the Trimester n/a Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

40


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
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Autumn
     
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 12 Mon 13:00 - 13:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Wed 13:00 - 13:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 2 Wed 16:00 - 16:50
Workshop Offering 1 Week(s) - 6 Wed 16:00 - 17:50
Practical Offering 1 Week(s) - 3, 4, 5, 7, 8 Wed 16:00 - 17:50
Practical Offering 2 Week(s) - 3, 4, 5, 7, 8 Wed 16:00 - 17:50
Practical Offering 3 Week(s) - 3, 4, 5, 7, 8 Wed 16:00 - 17:50
Autumn