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PL3304: ECOSYSTEM PROCESSES (2022-2023)

Last modified: 31 Jul 2023 11:19


Course Overview

Terrestrial ecosystems play a pivotal role in modulating the fluxes of energy and matter at the Earth’s surface, including the cycling of carbon, nutrients and greenhouse gases. Understanding the structure and function of terrestrial ecosystems is critical for understanding environmental challenges such as global warming, biodiversity loss, sustainable development and pollution. This course develops principles of systems ecology and biogeochemistry, focusing on the fundamental role played by living things in regulating key ecosystem processes such as carbon cycling, nutrient dynamics, trophic transfers, and land-atmosphere exchange of greenhouse gases.

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Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 3
Session First Sub Session Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Ashish Malik

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

This course will develop the fundamental principles of ecosystem ecology and biogeochemistry, to further develop the students’ understanding of how the principles of systems ecology can be applied to understand the structure and function of both natural and managed ecosystems. Key topics include: primary production (the carbon cycle, photosynthesis, plant growth and allocation patterns, plant ecophysiology); soil microbiology & organic matter dynamics (decomposer organisms, soil respiration, decomposition pathways, plant-microbe interactions); nutrient cycling (nutrient acquisition by plants, nutrient dynamics in soil, the nitrogen cycle); and ecosystem sustainability (human impacts, feedback effects). The course is structured according to an inverted or “flipped” classroom format, with lecture content delivered via video. In-class time will consist of active learning activities, including literature analysis and critique, conceptual problem-solving exercises, quantitative numerical assignments, and laboratory practicals.

Associated Costs

DescriptionValue
Students should possess a Howie laboratory coat and safety glasses. Further details of requirements can be found on the course's MyAberdeen page. The cost listed here is approximate. GBP 23.00

Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 31 August 2023 for 1st half-session courses and 22 December 2023 for 2nd half-session courses.

Summative Assessments

Oral Presentation: Group

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 25
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback

Each student or group will receive feedback and a mark for each formative and summative assessment. Feedback will be provided in either oral or written form for formative assessments. Written feedback will be provided for summative assessments. Students who are identified as having difficulty in successfully completing the coursework assessment tasks or participating small group exercises will be invited to meet the course coordinator to identify difficulties and discuss solutions.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Exercises

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 10
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback

Each student or group will receive feedback and a mark for each formative and summative assessment. Feedback will be provided in either oral or written form for formative assessments. Written feedback will be provided for summative assessments. Students who are identified as having difficulty in successfully completing the coursework assessment tasks or participating small group exercises will be invited to meet the course coordinator to identify difficulties and discuss solutions.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Literature review

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 30
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback

Each student or group will receive feedback and a mark for each formative and summative assessment. Feedback will be provided in either oral or written form for formative assessments. Written feedback will be provided for summative assessments. Students who are identified as having difficulty in successfully completing the coursework assessment tasks or participating small group exercises will be invited to meet the course coordinator to identify difficulties and discuss solutions.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Practical assignment

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 35
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback

Each student or group will receive feedback and a mark for each formative and summative assessment. Feedback will be provided in either oral or written form for formative assessments. Written feedback will be provided for summative assessments. Students who are identified as having difficulty in successfully completing the coursework assessment tasks or participating small group exercises will be invited to meet the course coordinator to identify difficulties and discuss solutions.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Resit Assessments

Resubmission of failed elements

Assessment Type Summative Weighting
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
FactualRememberILO’s for this course are available in the course guide.

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