Ecosystem Function (IE 5502) – 15 credits
Delivered by the Institute for the Environment, in term 1 (3 hours/week for 12 weeks)
Main aims of the module:
To develop an understanding of
- rovide a broad overview of ecological principles and major developments in the field of ecology, including the possible impacts of climate change on biodiversity
- ritically appraise ecological theories relating to the role of biodiversity in ecosystem function (including species redundancy)
Main topics of study:
- Global ecology
- Biodiversity and ecosystem function
- Ecological energetics and nutrient cycles
- Factors affecting biodiversity and conservation
Learning activities:
Lectures, tutorials, analysis, interpretation and oral presentation of biodiversity data, essay writing
Written exam
Coursework essay
Data analysis exercise
