Aquatic Ecology and Catchment Science

This module provides a comprehensive introduction to aquatic ecology, focusing on the interactions within river, lake, wetland, estuary, and transitional ecosystems. It covers key environmental pressures affecting these ecosystems and methods for assessing water quality through physico-chemical and biological variables. Theoretical knowledge is applied in the field through practical sampling and assessment techniques, with findings presented in technical reports. Emphasis is placed on environmental management strategies to mitigate the effects of anthropogenic pollution on aquatic ecosystems.

1. Synthesise the interaction of the different abiotic and biotic processes and how they influence the aquatic environment.

2. Identify the main environmental pressures impacting the aquatic environment and distinguish the impacts of the different types of pollution and aquatic invasive species.

3. Assess water quality using a range of physico-chemical and biological assessment methods.

4. Apply integrated solutions to environmental management approaches.

5. Undertake integrated field-based sampling and laboratory based biological and physiochemical analyses, with cognisance and evaluation of the risks of working in hazardous environments.

6. Interpret water quality data, research literature and present findings in a technical report.