Structure and Function of Ecosystems (4 cr)
Code: 5E00EK89-3003
General information
Enrolment period
02.12.2021 - 14.01.2022
Timing
10.01.2022 - 06.05.2022
Credits
4 op
Virtual portion
1 op
Mode of delivery
75 % Contact teaching, 25 % Distance learning
Unit
Environmental Engineering
Campus
TAMK Main Campus
Teaching languages
- English
Seats
10 - 40
Degree programmes
- Degree Programme in Energy and Environmental Engineering
- Open University of Applied Sciences
Teachers
- Mika Nieminen
- Seija Haapamäki
Person in charge
Hilda Szabo
Groups
-
21IENVEDegree Programme in Environmental Engineering
Objectives (course unit)
After completing this course student knows the principles of structure and function of different ecosystems and understands the role of ecosystems as natural reserves and the sustainable use of them. Student is able to combine ecology with engineering. Student knows different kinds bioindicators as monitoring methods of the aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Student knows the principles of taking water and biological samples and is able to do 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; ecosystem processes (eutrophication, acidification, succession, paludification, terrestrialization).
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.
Further information (course unit)
Students will do field work during the course and it is recommended to prepare for outdoor activities.
Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2) (course unit)
Knowledge and understanding of the core concepts, processes and phenomena of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Student has 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.
Student manages the assigned tasks under supervision and is able to do routine operations. Student knows courses of action but cannot necessarily justify his/her choices.
Student can give and receive feedback and can work in a group. Student is able to consider and assess the topics from his/her viewpoint. Student takes responsibility for his/her own work. Student can describe sustainability related effects of his/her own work related to structure and function of ecosystems.
Assessment criteria, good (3-4) (course unit)
Student is able to apply, explain and compare the basic concepts, processes and phenomena of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Student has 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. Student has fluent theoretical knowledge and understanding in limnology, forestry and bioindicator studies. Student is also able to structure things in relation to one another.
Motivation and interest towards the subject expressed clearly. Student can select the most appropriate course of action from different sampling or indicator options and justify his/her choices. In practice, this means that the student is able apply his/her skills and make plans accordingly. Student is able to limit tasks and solve problems during the course.
Student can give and receive feedback actively and constructively. Student is able to consider and assess the topics both from his/her and the close community’s viewpoint. Student can cooperate responsibly and is ready to develop his/her interaction skills. Student recognizes and follows the important courses of action in the field. Student takes responsibility and commits to the group activities in addition to his/her own work. Can describe and assess the sustainability related effects of his/her own work in relation to structure and function of ecosystems.
Assessment criteria, excellent (5) (course unit)
Student understands extensive entities and relations between them, and is able to generalize, analyze and relate ecological information to the professional context. Student has fluent knowledge and understanding of the basic concepts, processes and phenomena of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. In addition, the student is able 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. Student has fluent theoretical knowledge and understanding in limnology, forestry and bioindicator studies.
Motivation and high interest towards the subject and developing oneself in these fields. Student can search for diverse courses of action and solution alternatives for ecological issues and sampling, justify his/her choices and try new courses of action. Student is also able to assess diverse alternatives, combine solution alternatives creatively or creates new ones.
Student uses feedback systematically as a professional growth tool in his/her own work and the community. Student considers and assesses himself/herself and his/her professional community or task. Student can cooperate responsibly, flexibly and constructively, and develops his/her own and the group’s interaction. Student works responsibly and in a committed manner considering the community and field requirements and needs. Student understands the sustainability related effects of his/her work and can anticipate them in his/her work in relation to contaminated site remediation.
Location and time
The course's official timetable will be found via the Lukkarikone (https://lukkarit.tamk.fi/). Changes to the timetable are possible and you will be informed about the changes via the Moodle.
Exam schedules
Exam will be organized during the weeks 18-19, the exact dates and times will be announced later. Possible re-exams will be announced later.
Assessment 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 parts:
- Exam, 20 %
- Essay, 40 %
- Field work and report, 20 %
- Bioindicator study and report, 20 %
Assessment scale
0-5
Teaching methods
Contact teaching when possible, due to the COVID19 pandemics contact teaching will be organised as online teaching, field and laboratory experiments, demonstrations, exercises and calculations.
Learning materials
All teaching materials will be made available in the Moodle. In addition, the materials available in the Tampere University Library will be used during the course.
Student workload
Lectures, fieldwork and laboratory exercises approximately 36-44 hrs, self-study (reports, exercises, exam) 64-72 hrs. Approximately 108 hrs in total. Students use of time and effort are estimates.
International connections
One or two lectures will be given by a guest lecturer. Names and topics will be announced during the course.
Further information
All lecture materials are distributed via the Moodle.