Module Details

Module Code: ENVR S8016
Full Title: Aquatic Sciences
Valid From:: Semester 1 - 2019/20 ( June 2019 )
Language of Instruction: 
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits:: 7.5
Module Owner:: Siobhan McCarthy
Departments: Unknown
Module Description: The purpose of this course is to provide students with an introduction to some key concepts and processes in aquatic ecology. There will be an emphasis on development of skills required to monitor and assess different freshwater and marine ecosystems.
 
Module Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Module Learning Outcome Description
MLO1 Evaluate the fundamental principles and processes of freshwater and marine ecosystems
MLO2 Complete an appropriate environmental assessment of an aquatic habitat or population, including the analysis, presentation and interpretation of results.
MLO3 Assess the interconnectivity of rivers, lakes and marine systems and appraise integrated ecosystem management
MLO4 Develop the skills to collect, record, analyse, present and interpret data generated from the field and laboratory techniques.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named DkIT module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
 
Module Indicative Content
River Ecology
Hydrology cycle; physical characteristics and classification of rivers; lotic communities and indicator species; biological and chemical assessment of rivers; biotic indices of pollution assessment ;design of sampling programmes; freshwater pollution issues; legislation associated with freshwater pollution (WFD, Nitrates Directive)
Lake Ecology
Lake formation; physical, chemical and biological characteristics of lakes; zonation, stratification and mixing; trophic status; aquatic biota, including fish, macroinvertebrates, phycology such as freshwater phytoplankton and macrophytes; effects and causes of pollution; integrated catchment management; sampling and analytic techniques; legislation
Marine Ecology
Primary production processes; marine systems including estuarine, rocky shore and pelagic ecosystems; marine pollution issues; current legislation including Marine Strategy Framework Directive
Field Trips
A number of field trips will be conducted including a river survey; lake survey; rocky shore survey
Module Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Course Work10.00%
Project15.00%
Practical25.00%
Final Examination50.00%
Module Special Regulation
 

Assessments

Full Time On Campus

Course Work
Assessment Type Presentation % of Total Mark 10
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcome 2,4
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Students will present on their findings of their project on an aquatic ecosystem to the class.
Project
Assessment Type Group Project % of Total Mark 15
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 2,4
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Students will carry out a survey of an aquatic habitat or population. A report will be produced outlining results.
Practical
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 25
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing n/a Learning Outcome 1,3,4
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Practical skills will be evaluated each week in the laboratory. Practicals will include chemistry and biology of freshwater systems, identification of macroinvertebrates for assessment of river water quality and taxonomy of rocky shore organisms. Three fieldtrips will be conducted - a river survey; lake survey; rocky shore survey
Final Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 50
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcome 1,3
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
A repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

DKIT reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time On Campus
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact No Description Every Week 3.00 3
Practical Contact No Description Every Week 3.00 3
Independent Study Non Contact No Description Every Week 3.00 3
Directed Reading Non Contact No Description Every Week 3.00 3
Total Weekly Learner Workload 12.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 6.00
This module has no Part Time On Campus workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Wetzel, R.. (2001), Limnology, 3rd Ed. Academic Press, London, [ISBN: 978-0-12-7447].
  • Kaiser, M., Attrill, M.J., Jennings, S., Thomas, D.N. and Barnes, D.. (2012), Marine ecology : processes, systems, and impacts, 2nd ed. Oxford University Press, New York, [ISBN: 9780199227020].
  • Moss, B.. (2010), Ecology of Freshwaters, 4. Wiley-Blackwell, [ISBN: 978-14051133].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Mason, C.. (2002), Biology of freshwater pollution, 4th Ed.. Prentice Hall, New York, [ISBN: 0130906395].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources