Overview

Wetland determination and delineation will be covered in detail, along with global wetland classifications. The wildlife of wetlands will be a key part in many of the lectures and sessions. This area will also include specific organismal adaptations to cope with the stresses created by wetland conditions. Crucial wetland-biogeochemical cycles will be explained and the importance of wetlands, in terms of the ecosystem services and Nature-based Solutions (NbS) they provide will be covered in-depth.

Wetland determination and delineation will be covered in detail, along with global wetland classifications. The wildlife of wetlands, with particular emphasis on animal species, will be a key part in many of the lectures and sessions. This area will also include specific zoological adaptations to cope with the stresses created by wetland conditions. Crucial wetland-biogeochemical cycles will be explained and the importance of wetlands, in terms of the ecosystem services they provide will be covered in-depth.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -(D) A threshold student should have a basic knowledge of the essential facts and key concepts presented in the module. Written answers should demonstrate an ability to organise relevant lecture material into a coherent argument. Practical reports should demonstrate a basic ability to analyse data and interpret and present results

-good (B) -A good student should have thorough factual knowledge across all aspects of the module, and be able to name examples where appropriate. Written answers should demonstrate an ability to think about the subject and to synthesise lecture material and some information from background reading. Practical reports should display a good level of understanding of data, analysis, interpretation and presentation

-excellent -(A) An excellent student should have a high levels of detailed factual knowledge across all aspects of the module, and be able to detail examples where appropriate. Written answers should demonstrate an ability to think critically about the subject and to synthesise lecture material and information from extensive background reading. Practical reports should display a high level of critical understanding of data, analysis, interpretation and presentation

Learning Outcomes

• Be able to communicate aspects of wetland science to different audiences (3.8, 3.10, 5.7)

• Be able to understand key wetland-biogeochemical cycles and complete some standard biogeochemical analyses (3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.6, 3.7, 5.7, 5.17)

• Know how organisms have adapted to living in wetland ecosystems (3.2, 5.7, 5.17)

• Understand and appreciate the complexities in defining a wetland ecosystem and know the physical, hydrological and biological differences between different wetland habitats (3.2, 5.17)

• Understand the role wetlands play in a range of ecosystem services and Nature-based Solutions (NbS), and understand the importance and key implications in the management and conservation of wetland habitats (3.2, 5.17)