Postgraduate taught 

Environmental Futures: Sustainable Systems MSc

Ecology and Restoration of Water Environments GEOG5116

  • Academic Session: 2024-25
  • School: School of Geographical and Earth Sciences
  • Credits: 10
  • Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 1
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No

Short Description

This course explores recent advances in ecology and the restoration of river, coastal and lake environments and case studies of managing, protecting and restoring water systems. It also considers the concepts of resilience to human pressures and climate change.

Timetable

Week 1 - 2: 2 * 2 hour lectures

Week 3: 2 hour workshop

Week 4 - 5: 2 * 2 hour lectures

Excluded Courses

None

Assessment

1. A one-page summary / report of scientific findings aimed at restoration practitioners (20%)

2. An essay of no more than 2000 words based on a theme introduced in the lecture material (80%)

Main Assessment In: December

Course Aims

The course aims to provide students with an understanding of the principles of ecology of water environments and their restoration. Students will evaluate ecological, hydrological, and geomorphological studies dealing with resilience of rivers, lakes and coastal systems.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ articulate the fundamental principles of ecology, hydrology and geomorphology of water environments

■ describe the principles and limitations of restoration of water environments

■ critically evaluate literature on restoration and ecology of water environments

■ explain and present scientific data/reports to inform management of water environments.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.