2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
GEOG2085 Ecosystems: process, pattern, and change
20 creditsClass Size: 100
Module manager: Dr David Galbraith
Email: d.r.galbraith@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
Pre-requisite qualifications
A-level Biology useful (but not absolutely necessary)Pre-requisites
| GEOG1045 | Living Planet |
This module is not approved as a discovery module
Module summary
This module aims to provide students with an in-depth understanding of how ecosystems function. Understanding this is only possible through examination of fundamental ecological, biogeochemical and evolutionary processes. The module will include content on biogeochemical cycling within ecosystems, soil controls on ecosystem functioning, structure and function of ocean and river ecosystems and lectures on specific terrestrial ecosystems. By the end of the module, students will be able to answer questions such as: How do carbon and nitrogen move through soils, vegetation and rivers? What factors control whether trees or grasses will dominate ecosystems? How do plant ecophysiology and water biochemistry determine ecosystem responses to climate? What makes tropical forests so diverse?This module ultimately aims to shed light on the future of the biosphere in the “Anthropocene”. In a geological instant and for the first time in Earth’s history, a single species is changing the face of our planet. Deforestation, fragmentation and hunting diminish biodiversity. Atmospheric changes, including warming, increased nitrogen deposition, and elevated carbon dioxide concentrations alter the environment of even the best-protected areas. The rate of change in these basic ecological drivers may be without precedent in the evolutionary span of most species on earth today. The course assumes a basic understanding of ecology and evolution and will challenge the student to cover a lot of ground, expecting wide reading in support of lectures, and developing associated scientific skills.Objectives
On completion of this module, students should have:(I) acquired a theoretical understanding of the key ecological and evolutionary processes that shape life on Earth, now and through Earth’s history; (II) a working knowledge of the structure and functioning of selected biomes ; (III) an ability to critically assess the ecological and evolutionary impacts of human actions;(IV) developed their skills in ecosystem modelling and field techniques.Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
On completion of this module, students should have gained an understanding of:
(i) Key ecological and evolutionary principles
(ii)Soil ecology and biogeochemistry
(ii)The carbon cycle and its interaction (cause, effect) with climate change
(iv)The structure and function of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems
(v) Human impacts on ecosystems
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
1. Computing skills, associated with simple data analysis and presentation
2. Critical thinking: the ability to gather information from a range of sources, analyse, and interpret data to aid understanding.
3. Academic writing: the ability to write in a clear, concise, focused and structured manner that is supported by relevant evidence.
Syllabus
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Fieldwork | 1 | 8.00 | 8.00 |
| Lecture | 20 | 1.00 | 20.00 |
| Practical | 2 | 3.00 | 6.00 |
| Independent online learning hours | 5.00 | ||
| Private study hours | 161.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 34.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200.00 | ||
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Assessments will be well distributed through the module period and will include an individual ecological data report/synthesis essay, an individual laboratory practical report and a policy briefing note. The assessments will include elements requiring conceptual thinking, reading, and argument, allowing staff to monitor progress beyond simply the acquisition of technical skills. Drop-in sessions have been planned before the submission of the assessments to allow students the opportunity to have questions about the assessment answered.Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Assignment | Coursework | 50.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 50.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Exams
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 3 hr | 50.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 50.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 29/04/2024 16:14:36
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