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.