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.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -Awareness of the fundamentals underlying the science as outlined in learning outcomes 1-7, based on lecture material, but with limited or absent analytical ability.Equivalent category CNS general marking criteria:D- (42%) to D+ (48%)

-good -A good grasp of the fundamentals and demonstration of critical thought with evidence of additional reading. An ability to present a coherent argument with clarity. A good appreciation of the main approaches which might be employed in studying fresh water ecosystems and the ability to critically assess their suitability in a given situation.Equivalent category CNS general marking criteria:B- (62%) to B+ (68%)

-excellent -An excellent grasp of the fundamentals of the science (as in learning outcomes 1-7) and demonstration of the ability to analyse, critically assess and clearly construct a reasoned argument based on information from a variety of sources.Equivalent category CNS general marking criteria:A- (74%) to A* (95%)

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.