Studying at York
Ecosystem Processes - ENV00024I
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching cycle |
|---|---|
| A | Autumn Term 2019-20 to Summer Term 2019-20 |
Module aims
This module aims to provide students with an insight into key ecosystem processes, their response and adaptation to the environment, and how these may be impacted by human activities.
Module learning outcomes
Successful students will be able:
- to explain how major soil processes are governed by the general soil properties and to describe the environmental functions of soil and how these may be altered by human activities
- to explain the functioning of plants and microorganisms in response to their abiotic and biotic environment, and how this may be altered by human activities
- to explain the diversity of microbes and their key roles in the environment
- to have an awareness of current research and developments in environmental ecology
- to design and undertake some fundamental soil, plant and microbial experiments, to perform data analysis of the results, to interpret and discuss the data and to write lab reports
Generic / Employability Skils:
The module provides students with fundamental knowledge on how ecosystem functioning may respond and adapt to their environment, and how this may be influenced by human activities. This will be essential for employment in many sectors such as:
- Environmental consultancy and business
- Government
- Nongovernmental organisations
- Environmental research
Lab and computer practicals will be carried out in small groups, data analysis and report writing will be done individually, while discussions on current environmental topics will be in smaller groups and the whole group, thus helping students to develop generic skills:
- Group participation and management
- Problem analysis and task prioritisation
- Time management
- People skills
- Experimental design and lab analysis
- Data analysis (including numeracy and statistical analysis
- Writing of scientific reports
- Verbal communication
Assessment
| Task | Length | % of module mark |
|---|---|---|
| Essay/coursework Lab Report 1 |
N/A | 20 |
| Essay/coursework Lab Report 2 |
N/A | 30 |
| University - closed examination Ecosystem Processes |
1.5 hours | 50 |
Special assessment rules
None
Reassessment
| Task | Length | % of module mark |
|---|---|---|
| Essay/coursework Reassessment |
N/A | 100 |
Module feedback
Feedback on individual lab reports is provided as written comments on returned work and the assessment & feedback form, and via a class feedback session providing generic information on good practice and improvement actions. A document with general feedback will also be provided. This feedback can then be used for writing the next lab report.
Examination scripts are made available to students and the course lecturers are available during a feedback session and upon request for one-to-one discussion. This allows identification of any points for improvement in future examinations.
Indicative reading
Brady N.C. and Weil R.R (2002) The Nature and Properties of Soils. Prentice Hall
Fitter AH & Hay RKM (2002). Environmental Physiology of Plants, 3rd edition, Academic Press, London
Madigan MT, Brock TD (2008). Brock biology of microorganisms, 12th edition, Addison-Wesley
