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.

Location and time

Please note that the course is partly integrated with the Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry course. The chemistry labs are integrated with this course's field trip. See lecture schedules, topics and classrooms from Lukkarikone at https://lukkarit.tamk.fi/

Exam schedules

Exam will be organized during the first two weeks in May 2019, the exact date and time will be announced later. Possible re-exams will be announced 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.
The final grade consists of the following elements:
- Exam, 25 %
- Essay, 30 %
- Field work and report, 20 %
- Bioindicator study and report, 15 %
- Weekly assignments with submissions (all submitted = 5, max. 1 missing = 4, max. 2 missing = 3, max. 3 missing = 2, 4 or more = 0), 10 %

Assessment scale

0-5

Teaching methods

Contact teaching, field and laboratory experiments, demonstrations, exercises and calculations.

Learning materials

Handouts and e-material given during the course.

Student workload

Contact teaching, field work and laboratory exercises 36-44 hours, self-study (reports, exercises, exam) 64-72 hours. Approximately 108 hours in total. Given hours are approximates and are based on general guidelines.

Content scheduling

See lecture schedules, topics and classrooms from Lukkarikone at https://lukkarit.tamk.fi/

Completion alternatives

In case you have studied and completed courses in e.g. ecology earlier in a higher education institute, discuss with the course's teacher on alternative ways to complete the course.

Practical training and working life cooperation

N/A

International connections

One or two lectures will be given by an international guest lecturer. Names and topics will be announced during the course.

Further information

All lecture materials are distributed via the Tabula.

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. A students has participated in doing the groupworks, and have submitted all obligatory assignments.

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. A student has participated in doing the groupworks and has shown to have been active in preparing the group reports. In addition, a student has submitted all obligatory assignments by their deadlines.

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. A student has actively participated in doing the groupworks and has shown to have been active also in preparing the group reports. In addition, a student has submitted all obligatory assignments by their deadlines.