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Identical coursesEcology and Biogeochemistry of Aquatic Systems (B-KUL-I0K04A)
Cannot be taken as part of an examination contract
Schwarz Christian (coordinator) | Bouillon Steven | Schwarz Christian Aims
Upon successful completion of this course unit, the students:
- have acquired an overview of concepts in ecology and biogeochemistry as applied to aquatic ecosystems.
- have a general insight in the structure and functioning of freshwater systems such as lakes, rivers and estuaries, and the biota inhabiting these systems.
- can use this information to assess the consequences of major threats to aquatic systems, such as water abstraction, the introduction of invasive species and climate change.
- can also use this information to assess the consequences of engineering activities on the system biogeochemistry and biodiversity.
- can apply the acquired knowledge in ecology and biogeochemistry in general and in aquatic systems in particular to water quality assessment, water quality management and rehabilitation of natural aquatic environments, etc.
- understand the interactions between aquatic habitats and human development.
Is included in these courses of study
Activities
4 ects. Ecology and Biogeochemistry of Aquatic Systems: Lectures (B-KUL-I0K04a)
Content
Emphasis is on the structure and functioning of the aquatic continuum in a changing climate, including freshwater systems such as ponds, lakes and rivers as well as brackish and saline systems, such as estuaries. The concepts and ideas developed in the course will be illustrated using theoretical, literature and practical examples.
Themes that will be covered in the course include:
1. Introduction to aquatic ecology:
- the importance of aquatic systems and their threats, humans and climate change; aims of the course
2.Introduction to basic concepts in (Aquatic) Ecology:
- Autecology, population, ecology, niches, biodiversity, food webs
3. Bio-geochemistry in aquatic systems
4. Lentic habitats (lakes, ponds,...): typology, functioning
5. Lotic habitats (rivers): distribution and forms, hydraulic parameters, morphology, ecosystem structure,
6. Estuaries – river continuum:
- Ecology, morphology, landscape scale, link to bio-geochemistry, organic carbon transport, production, storage, gradients (salinity, species, forcing)
7. Freshwater wetlands & floodplains, local scale, gradient species communities
8. Eco-morphodynamics, tidal wetlands, estuaries, benthos
9. Ecological resilience, disturbance recovery, stable states
10. Applying eco-morphodynamics in Nature Based Solutions
11. Climate change and aquatic ecology
12. Carbon storage and sequestration in aquatic systems
13. Literature seminar comparing state-of-the-art concepts
Course material
Slides will be provided, along with supporting literature (articles, book chapters) via Toledo.
0.5 ects. Ecology and Biogeochemistry of Aquatic Systems: Practicals (B-KUL-I0K05a)
Content
Practical computer exercises utilized to gain a deeper understanding in theoretical ecological concepts covered in the lectures.
Course material
Handouts/slides will be provided via Toledo.
Format: more information
Attendance at the practical (or handing in a possible replacement task) is mandatory to pass the course.
0.5 ects. Ecology and Biogeochemistry of Aquatic Systems: Excursion (B-KUL-I0K06a)
Content
Excursion & analyses (1 day): introduction in characterization of freshwater systems to applied aquatic ecology and integrated management of aquatic systems.
Course material
Handouts/slides will be provided via Toledo.
Format: more information
Report
Attendance at the excursion is mandatory to pass the course.
Evaluation
Evaluation: Ecology and Biogeochemistry of Aquatic Systems (B-KUL-I2K04a)
Explanation
Type: Partial or continuous assessment with final exam during the examination period. (i.e. students are expected to attend and provide reports of activities).
Description of evaluation:
- Written, closed book exam (80%)
- Practical report (10%)
- Excursion report (10%)
Submission of the individual tasks and participation is mandatory and no final examination is allowed without submission of the tasks. The final course score is a weighted score of the written examination (80%) and the continuous assessment score (20%).
Attendance at the excursion and practical exercise is mandatory to pass the course.
Information about retaking exams
A retake in principle only includes the examination, unless the student also failed for the practical and/or fieldwork report – in that case, a revised version of the report(s) must also be submitted prior to the second examination moment.