BL4252 Measuring coastal ecosystem function

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

15

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 10

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

Lecture - Mon 2pm Lab - Fri 11-1 (week 1), 2-4 (week 2,4,5,7), Wed 9-11 (week 3), Fri 9-11 (week 3)

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr J A Hope

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Dr Julie Hope, Dr Andrew Blight, Dr Mark James

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

Coastal habitats are highly productive ecosystems that play vital roles in coastal protection from waves and tides, and biogeochemical cycling. These habitats are vulnerable to anthropogenic stressors which can alter how the ecosystem functions. Research into anthropogenic stressor effects and associated changes in ecosystem function (EF) is crucial but requires a variety of skills. A variety of techniques and approaches are available to examine primary productivity, respiration/ecosystem metabolism, organic matter degradation/nutrient cycling, biodiversity and habitat stabilisation both in the field and lab. Students will learn several field techniques, including the use of field instruments and sample collection, as well as lab skills, e.g. processing samples, and a range of transferrable skills such as analysing data to produce a group report, designing an experiment related to coastal EF, writing a short grant proposal and presenting their research ideas, orally.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST TAKE BL3000 AND ( TAKE BL3308 OR TAKE BL3318 )

Assessment pattern

Coursework - 100%

Re-assessment

Coursework - 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

6 x 1 hr lectures, 6 x 4-5 hr fieldwork days, 6 x lab workshops, 3 x 2 hr seminars (to present)

Scheduled learning hours

44

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

105

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Gain experience of designing and conducting field measurements / experiments to answer specific questions about changes in ecosystem function.
  • Demonstrate their ability to collect and process samples as well as handling, analysing and interpreting data.
  • Handle various equipment/instruments to sample coastal sediments and water, and understand the potential use of unmanned aerial vehicles and imaging.
  • Develop communication skills and demonstrate entrepreneurial skills by pitching their experiment and evaluating peers.
  • Develop a range of laboratory and transferable skills for a research career and/or work with NGOs, consultancies and governmental agencies.