BIOL472-15W (C) Whole Year 2015

Freshwater Ecology

30 points

Details:
Start Date: Monday, 23 February 2015
End Date: Sunday, 15 November 2015
Withdrawal Dates
Last Day to withdraw from this course:
  • Without financial penalty (full fee refund): Friday, 6 March 2015
  • Without academic penalty (including no fee refund): Friday, 4 September 2015

Description

This course aims to give students an understanding of current issues in freshwater ecology with particular reference to ecological theory, and the application of research to topical management and conservation issues in New Zealand.

Learning Outcomes

  • Acquire an in-depth appreciation of important concepts in freshwater ecology;
  • Develop a sophisticated understanding of the processes that control the structure and functioning of freshwater ecosystems at a variety of scales ranging from individuals to ecosystems and landscapes, and including the role(s) of abiotic factors and processes;
  • Know how to apply ecological knowledge to solve problems in freshwater ecosystems, including their rehabilitation, restoration and conservation;
  • Display a high level of critical thinking including critique and synthesis of freshwater ecology research, development of hypotheses, research objectives and methodologies, and integration of theory and applications;
  • Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the ecological research process;
  • Develop a high level of communication skills appropriate for a number of audiences, including oral presentation, report writing/critique, and research proposal development;
  • Acquire an understanding of professional practice in freshwater ecology including knowledge of the roles of scientists, consultants, and managers, and the end-user groups that these professionals work with.

Prerequisites

Subject to approval of the Head of School.

Timetable Note

The seminar course will consist of eight fortnightly sessions 9 am to 12 noon usually on Friday mornings in week one of the rotation. The basis of each session will be reading previously allocated to the class followed by presentations and discussion of the issues dealt with in the readings. The overall approach is expected to be participatory and regular attendance is required. Those not able to attend should contact the seminar facilitator prior to the seminar. There will be seminars covering both theoretical and applied issues of contemporary relevance to freshwater ecology. You will be given more specific instructions to direct your reading and preparation for each seminar. Students will also be expected to attend School of Biological Sciences seminars, especially those related to freshwater ecology.

Course Coordinator

For further information see School of Biological Sciences Head of Department

Assessment

Assessment Due Date Percentage 
Online forum contributions 16%
Final Exam 44%
Field trip practical skills test 10%
Trends/Frontiers article 22 May 2015 15%
AEE critique/issue report 07 Aug 2015 15%

Textbooks / Resources

There is no set textbook for the course, but these books will provide useful background material.

Indicative Fees

Domestic fee $1,915.00

* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.

For further information see School of Biological Sciences .

All BIOL472 Occurrences

  • BIOL472-15W (C) Whole Year 2015