Limnology
2022/2023
Content, progress and pedagogy of the module
To provide fundamental insight into freshwater ecology and freshwater ecosystems. The student will be introduced to physical, chemical and biological dynamics of natural freshwater ecosystems, and the effects of natural and anthropogenic perturbations on structure and function.
Learning objectives
Knowledge
- Of key components of freshwater ecosystems.
- Of relevant theory for physical, chemical and biological processes in freshwater ecosystems.
- Of dominant anthropogenic types of pollution affecting freshwater ecosystems.
Skills
- Shall be able to differentiate between major types of streams, rivers and lakes.
- Shall be able to understand the exchange of matter between aquatic and terrestrial environments.
- Shall be able to explain lake and river ecosystem dependence on light, temperature, nutrients and organic matter.
- Shall be able to understand primary production, respiration and re-oxidation in freshwater ecosystems.
- Shall be able to determine the significance of hydraulic conditions on chemical and biological dynamics in lakes and rivers.
- Shall be able to analyse oxygen dynamics in freshwater environments.
- Shall be able to analyse impacts of pollution on biotic communities.
- Shall be able to use existing pollution indicators for running waters and lakes to assess the pollution of a given location.
- Shall be able to account for current river and lake restoration methods.
Competences
- Work with and analyse biological communities in relation to nutrient dynamics and organic matter cycling in lake and river ecosystems.
- Describe important organic and inorganic pollutants and pollution effects in freshwater ecosystems.
- Evaluate methods to prevent and alleviate anthropogenic perturbations in freshwater ecosystems using existing technologies.
Type of instruction
Lectures supplemented with project work, workshops, presentation seminars, field and lab work, etc.
Extent and expected workload
The module is 5 ECTS which is corresponding to 150 hours of study.
Exam
Exams
| Name of exam | Limnology |
| Type of exam | Written or oral exam
Individual oral or written exam. Exam format is decided at the
start of each semester. |
| ECTS | 5 |
| Assessment | 7-point grading scale |
| Type of grading | Internal examination |
| Criteria of assessment | The criteria of assessment are stated in the Examination Policies and Procedures |
Facts about the module
| Danish title | Limnologi |
| Module code | B-GEO-K2-2 |
| Module type | Course |
| Duration | 1 semester |
| Semester | Spring
|
| ECTS | 5 |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Empty-place Scheme | Yes |
| Location of the lecture | Campus Aalborg |
| Responsible for the module |
Organisation
| Study Board | Study Board of Built Environment |
| Department | Department of the Built Environment |
| Faculty | The Faculty of Engineering and Science |
