2013/14 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 2013/14
Pre-requisite qualifications
A-level Biology or A-level GeographyPre-requisites
| GEOG1045 | Living Planet |
This module is approved as an Elective
Module summary
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.This module ultimately aims to shed light on what the future of the biosphere may hold in the “Anthropocene”. Understanding this future is only possible through examination of the biological fundamentals. How have past mass extinctions altered the path of evolution? How have species migrated and changed before at times of rapid global environmental change? How do carbon and nitrogen move through soil, water, and air? What factors control whether trees or grasses will dominate ecosystems? How do plant ecophysiology and water biochemistry determine responses to climate? The module 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 the development of 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 and a local ecosystem;
(III) an ability to critically assess the ecological and evolutionary impacts of human actions;
(IV) developed their skills in IT and field techniques.
Learning outcomes
Instil key ecological and evolutionary principles
Deepen understanding of long-term life processes in history of our planet
Soil ecology and biogeochemistry
Carbon cycle and its interaction (cause, effect) with climate change
Biomes of the world, and more local ecosystems
Human impacts on ecosystems
Skills outcomes
Technical computing skills, associated with simple data analysis and presentation
Technical skill of writing simple scientific reports
Technical laboratory skills, associated with water biodiversity evaluation
Technical field skills (eg tree identification, plant measurement, field sampling)
Syllabus
There are four general strands to this module:
1. Ecological and Evolutionary Processes and Patterns
2. Long-term History of Life on Earth
3. Structure and Function of Major Ecosystems
4. Ecosystems and Global Environmental Change
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Discussion forum | 1 | 3.00 | 3.00 |
| Fieldwork | 2 | 6.00 | 12.00 |
| Lecture | 20 | 1.00 | 20.00 |
| Practical | 2 | 3.00 | 6.00 |
| Seminar | 3 | 1.00 | 3.00 |
| Independent online learning hours | 5.00 | ||
| Private study hours | 151.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 44.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200.00 | ||
Private study
Approximately half the lectures will include a specific independent learning task, with directed questions that build on the lecture material, designed to deepen student engagement with the scientific concepts underpinning the module. Minimum time for completion is 30 minutes. The work will not be assessed formally, but similar questions may be used in exams.Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Assessments will be well distributed through the module period and will include a computer practical, laboratory practical and field practical. There will also be one non-assessed workshop. The practical exercise will include elements requiring conceptual thinking, reading, and argument, allowing staff to monitor progress beyond simply the acquisition of technical skills.One workshop assignment will involve formative feedback only.
It is envisaged that five staff will teach this course. Prior to the exam, to provide feedback each staff member will make themselves available at specific times for practical and course guidance, discussion, and questions.
Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Practical | Field/ Laboratory Report [Group, 2000 words] | 20.00 |
| Practical | Field Report [Group, 2000 words] | 20.00 |
| Computer Exercise | Ecological Data Report/Synthesis Essay [Individual, 1200-1500 words] | 30.00 |
| Essay | Timed Essay [Individual] | 30.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100.00 | |
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: 08/05/2014
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- Undergraduate module catalogue
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