Structure and Function of Ecosystems (4 cr)

Objectives (course unit)

After completing this course a student:
- Knows the principles of structure and function of different ecosystems ecosystems
- Knows the significance of ecosystems as natural reserves and the sustainable use of them
- Knows the principles and can use different kinds bioindicators as monitoring methods of the aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems
- Knows the principles of taking water and biological samples and doing basic physico-chemical water analyses with field and laboratory instruments.

Content (course unit)

Ecosystem ecology, bioindicators, hydrobiology, ecosystems as natural reserves and the utilization of natural resources, ecosystem services, biodiversity.

Prerequisites (course unit)

There are no prerequisities for this course, although it is helpful if you have studied some biology earlier. The course introduces several different ecological concepts and theories, so in case you do not have any knowledge on biology, you may need to do some extra work during the course.

Exam schedules

April 2nd 2015, re-exams will be decided later.

Evaluation methods and criteria

The evaluation of the course is based on continuous evaluation:
Learning outcomes that are based on the knowledge and skills achieved with the course assignments, exercises, reports based on them and exam.

Teaching methods

Contact lessons, field and laboratory experiments, demonstrations, exercises, calculations

Learning materials

Grafton, R. Quentin; Hussey, Karen 2011 Water Resources Planning and Management, Cambridge University Press, ISBN 978-0-521-76258-8, Electronic ISBN 978-0-511-98648-2
Handouts and e-material given during the course.

Student workload

Contact lessons and laboratory exercises 55 h
Self-study (reports, exercises, exam) 55 hours
total 110 hours

Assessment criteria - satisfactory (1-2) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

Knowledge and understanding of the core concepts, processes and phenomena of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Basic skills in water sampling and study of basic physico-chemical and biological parameters of freshwater and ability to do the analyses in practise when instructed and supervised. Basic theoretical knowledge and understanding in limnology, forestry and bioindicator studies.

Assessment criteria - good (3-4) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

Fluent knowledge and understanding of the core concepts, processes and phenomena of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Sufficient skills and ability in independent water sampling and study of basic physico-chemical and biological parameters of freshwater and ability to do the analyses in practise independently. Fluent theoretical knowledge and understanding in limnology, forestry and bioindicator studies. Motivation and interest towards the subject expressed clearly.

Assessment criteria - excellent (5) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

Fluent knowledge and understanding of the core concepts, processes and phenomena of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. In addition ability to apply the knowledge in new situations. Sufficient skills and ability in independent water sampling and study of basic physico-chemical and biological parameters of freshwater and ability to do the analyses in practise independently. Ability to make suggestions for developing and/or improving these methods. Fluent theoretical knowledge and understanding in limnology, forestry and bioindicator studies. Motivation and high interest towards the subject and developing oneself in these fields.