Content, progress and pedagogy of the module

Learning objectives

Knowledge

Students who have passed the module should be able to

• describe key components of freshwater ecosystems
• describe relevant theory for physical, chemical and biological processes in freshwater ecosystems
• describe the dominant anthropogenic types of pollution affecting freshwater ecosystems
• differentiate between major types of streams, rivers, wetlands and lakes
• explain lake and river ecosystem dependence on light, temperature, nutrients and organic matter
• describe primary production, vegetation, plankton, respiration and re-oxidation in freshwater ecosystems
• describe important organic and inorganic pollutants and pollution effects in freshwater ecosystems
• describe effects of global change on freshwater ecosystems
• account for running waters, wetlands and lake restoration methods

Skills

• evaluate ecology quality of freshwater systems using biological indices 
• determine the significance of hydraulic conditions on chemical and biological dynamics in lakes and rivers
• analyze oxygen dynamics in freshwater environments
• analyze impacts of pollution on biotic communities

Competences

• evaluate the quality of freshwater ecosystems in relation to nutrient dynamics and organic matter cycling
• evaluate how to prevent and alleviate anthropogenic perturbations in freshwater ecosystems

Type of instruction

• Lectures

Extent and expected workload

150 hours

Exam

Exams