Modules

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: Animal and Plant Science
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added
2019/0, Trimester 1, Face-to-Face, Edinburgh Napier University
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: Face-to-Face
Location of delivery: SIGHTHILL
Partner: Edinburgh Napier University
Member of staff responsible for delivering module:
Module Organiser:


Learning, Teaching and Assessment (LTA) Approach:
A combination of lectures, interactive tutorials, practical's, data analysis exercises and electronic resources are used in this module. Lectures and online resources provide the conceptual grounding that underlies each of the learning outcomes (LO1-5). Tutorials provide an opportunity to evaluate case studies and examples relating to nutrient cycling (LO3), impacts of invasive species (LO6) and the application of biomonitoring techniques (LO5). Practical sessions develop skills in taxonomic identification (LO4), along with an enhanced understanding of the adaptations of organisms and communities to their environment (LO1-2). There is also experimental consideration of aspects of energy flow in freshwaters (LO3).

Formative Assessment:
Formative assessment is provided for the identification test through weekly guidance and feedback, along with a mock-test before the actual exam. Tutorial sessions provide formative feedback on the report, by working through similar examples and giving feedback on student outline submissions developed during tutorials. Formative feedback for the take-home exam is provided through a mock exam session running prior to the actual exam, in which students critique peer outline submissions to a mock question.

Summative Assessment:
The first summative component is an identification test, which evaluates student’s taxonomic understanding. The second element of the first assessment component is a written report following analysis and interpretation of data. The second component of assessment is a take-home exam, where students have five days to research and develop answers to a choice of questions set.

Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 18
Face To Face Lecture 22
Face To Face Tutorial 6
Independent Learning Guided independent study 154
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words
Class Test 10 4 11 HOURS= 1, WORDS= 0
Report 30 2 & 3 10 HOURS= 0, WORDS= 1500
Essay 60 1,2,3,4,5 & 6 12 HOURS= 40, WORDS= 0
Component 1 subtotal: 40
Component 2 subtotal: 60
Module subtotal: 100
2019/0, Trimester 2, FACE-TO-FACE,
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: FACE-TO-FACE
Location of delivery: SIGHTHILL
Partner:
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 students 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 and formative feedback to build and reinforce student learning.

Summative Assessment:
The final [5 page] assessment will be based on the production of a results and discussion section to interpret the data on ecotoxicological impacts collected during practical sessions, along with a series of short-answer questions undertaken in a supervised session.

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
Class Test 50 1,2,3,4 13 , WORDS= 1.5
Component 1 subtotal: 50
Component 2 subtotal: 50
Module subtotal: 100

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:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to
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
Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
ENV09102 Freshwater Biology
 

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