Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Freshwater Biology
SCQF level: 09:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: ENV09102
Module leader: Robert Briers
School School of Applied Sciences
Subject area group: LIFE SCIENCES
Prerequisites

N/A
Description of module content:

Introduction to the diversity and biology of major groups of freshwater organisms. Adaptations of freshwater organisms to the physico-chemical characteristics of their environment. Energy flow, nutrient cycles and food webs; feeding biology of freshwater animals. Methods of toxicity and environmental quality assessment will be studied in relation to legislative requirements. Short-term toxicity tests will be conducted and data from both short- and long-term toxicological studies analysed and interpreted.
Learning Outcomes for module:

LO1: Evaluate the adaptations of freshwater organisms to lake and river environments
LO2: Compare the roles of physical and biotic factors in structuring freshwater communities in different environments
LO3: Illustrate the flow of energy and cycles of nutrients through freshwater ecosystems
LO4: Critically assess the toxicological impact of an individual and multiple pollutants on aquatic species
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2022/3, Trimester 2, FACE-TO-FACE, Edinburgh Napier University
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: FACE-TO-FACE
Location of delivery: SIGHTHILL
Partner: Edinburgh Napier University
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Robert Briers
Module Organiser:


Learning, Teaching and Assessment (LTA) Approach:
The module will be taught through a series of lectures, tutorials and practical sessions that will require you to critically and actively engage during both taught sessions and with supporting materials. Teaching sessions will provide the foundational knowledge which will be applied in tutorial and practical sessions to develop understanding of both core concepts and applied knowledge in environmental quality assessment.

Formative Assessment:
Formative short-answer questions will be made available after teaching sessions, with tutorial-based discussion to provide additional feedback. Formative exercises relating to each assessment are provided in advance of the final submission providing additional feedback to build and reinforce student learning.

Summative Assessment:
TThe final assessment will be based on two components. First the production of a results and discussion section to interpret the data on ecotoxicological impacts collected during practical sessions (linked to LOs 1 and 4), and second a 7-day take-home exam with a choice of questions that integrate learning across all the learning outcomes (LOs 1-4).

Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 09
Face To Face Lecture 12
Face To Face Tutorial 12
Independent Learning Guided independent study 167
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words
Project - Written 50 1,4 8 , WORDS= 1500
Essay 50 1,2,3,4 13 , WORDS= 3000
Component 1 subtotal: 50
Component 2 subtotal: 50
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
ENV09102 Freshwater Biology
 

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