Overview

The module is based on a series of lectures and seminars. The lectures provide a conceptual background and overview. The seminars are conducted by groups of students and provide an opportunity for in-depth study and discussion. Seminars are based on research papers which are critically reviewed and presented by a group of students in the class. The lecturer provides a platform for understanding the topic area and provokes discussion about the background of the paper, assumptions, weaknesses, and politics eg. Why did the author write that?

Lecture Topics

1. Ecosystem Theory
2. Ecosystem Processes
3. Warming
4. Fire
5. Ozone
6. CO2
7. Soil Acidification
8. Nitrogen Deposition
9. Genetic Diversity
10. Tropical Forests

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -Grade D- to D+A basic understanding of: •Concepts of forest ecosystem stability. •Cellular, tree and stand level effects of environmental stress. •Stand structure and environmental interactions. •Genetic diversity and forest ecosystems.

-good -Grade C- to B+An understanding of: •Concepts of forest ecosystem stability. •Environmental stress at cellular, tree and stand levels. •The impact of stand structure on element budgets, and habitat provision. •Genetic diversity and forest ecosystems in relation to changes in the environment.

-excellent -Grade A- to A**An advanced understanding of: •Concepts of forest ecosystem stability in terms of process hierarchy. •Environmental stress at cellular, tree and stand levels. •The impact of stand structure on element budgets, and habitat provision. •The impact of atmospheric pollution on forest biogeochemistry. •Implications of forest structure and diversity for ecosystem stability. •Conservation of habitats in relation to changes in the environment.

Learning Outcomes

• Be able to discuss biogeochemistry and ecosystem concepts.

• Have an understanding of complex systems.

• Understand concepts of ecosystem stability.

• Understand the destabilisation effects of environmental pollutants.

• Understand the importance of genetic diversity in ecosystem stability.