Limnologi
15 hp

Allmänna uppgifter

The course is part of the Biology Programme. It is also provided as a single-subject course.

Förkunskaps- och behörighetskrav

Innehåll

The content of this course is selected to provide optimum coverage of the key principles, concepts and techniques governing sustainable urban water management. Namely:

Principles in Aquatic Ecology
* Biogeochemical cycles (C, N, P, S, Si)
* Bacterial production / sediment
* Primary production (algea & macrophytes)
* Secondary production (zooplankton, invertebrates, fish)
* Organic-carbon cycling (decomposition).

Aquatic Ecosystems
* Lake ecosystems (oligotrophic / eutrophic, litoral / pelagic)
* Wetland ecosystems (natural / manmade)
* Running-water ecosystems (headwaters to mouth: RCC).

Sampling techniques in aquatic ecosystems (theory and practice)
* Open-channel flow (velocity measurements)
* Sub-surface flow (Groundwater & hyporheic)… piezometric / flownet analysis
* Lake / ponds / wetland profiling (bathymetry / sketching)
* Water quality (field & laboratory analyses)
* Population assessment (benthic / pelagic invertebrates / fish / algae / zooplankton) (continuation of taxonomical skills).

Mans influence on aquatic systems
* Eutrophication
* Acidification
* Climate change.

Lärandemål

Having successfully completed the course, a student should have acquired

Knowledge and Understanding
* a integrated view of the functioning and dynamics of surface freshwater ecosystems and a practical understanding of the critical linkages between their hydrological, geomorphologic, biogeochemical and ecological components
* an increased ability to identify, define and discuss the potential impacts human activities have on the various aquatic ecosystems, at both local and basin wide levels
* a capacity to identify, formulate and make a case for suitable prevention, mitigation and restoration approaches based on ecological principles.

Proficiency and Abilities
* an ability to integrate interdisciplinary knowledge and handle complexity, as to formulate its own judgement and course of action in the development of- or analysis of- practical solutions of a water management problem, although information may be incomplete
* an increased ability to function and communicate effectively both individually and in a multidisciplinary team, toward both specialist and popular audiences.

Assessment ability and attitude
* a deeper understanding of professional, societal and ethical responsibility associated with sustainable water and water resources management.

Genomförande

Formal lectures, laboratory exercises, field work and excursions form ca. 50% of the course schedule. The remaining consists of multidisciplinary group project-work (ca. 30%) and individually tailored subject-specific readings (ca. 20%), both involving oral presentations in a seminar or workshop format. Teaching and mentoring is provided by teachers of various professional backgrounds and expert guest-lecturers. The learning approach is strongly focused on problem solving, where exercises and project works are based on practical issues and the teachers" on-going research at both national and international levels. Exercises, excursions, seminars and presentations are compulsory.

Examination – prov och former

Examination consists of one written test (worth 50% of the course marks), one group project written report and its oral presentation (30%), and one individual subject-specific written report and oral presentation (20%). Examinations cover lectures, obligatory readings and exercises. To pass the course, a student must also participate in- and report on- all laboratories, fieldwork exercises, excursions and group-project work. Students will receive the grades according to the following: Passed with distinction; Passed and Failed. ECTS grades are also provided.

Kursutvärdering

In accord with the University of Kristianstad policy on quality control and quality assurance, an evaluation of the course is carried out when it is completed and involves the willing participation of all attending students. The information is used to adjust both the teaching methodology and content of the course as part of the overall quality maintenance and improvement of the Programme. Any changes in course outline or course literature are reviewed and endorsed by the Departmental Board.

Beslut

Fastställd i nämnden 2008-06-10. Giltig från och med 2008-08-25. Ersätts av: BI481F - Limnology.

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