Arctic Ecology Field Course
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| BIOS3023 | Biosciences | 3 | 10 | Autumn UK |
- Code
- BIOS3023
- School
- Biosciences
- Level
- 3
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Autumn UK
Summary
The course will focus on the function of arctic ecosystems. We will identify key terrestrial ecosystem drivers and processes in order to gain a broad understanding of arctic areas. During the field course, students will put ecological methodology into practice in projects that analyse landscape patterns and processes in different habitats. The course will also address climate change impacts on arctic ecosystems. The work will familiarise students with ecological methodology, experimental design, data collection and analysis, interpretation and presentation. Students are required to pay a contribution towards the cost of the field course.
The module includes the study of: Diversity in contrasting habitats, ecosystem processes, impacts of climate change on arctic ecosystems.
Target Students
BSc/MSci Environmental Science, BSc/MSci Environmental Biology, or BSc/MSci Natural Science students on the Environmentpathway.Only students who have attended the field course may be registered for this module.
Classes
The module includes ca one week in the field in Abisko in northern Sweden and one or two support sessions to help with statistics and data analysis back in Nottingham.
Assessment
- 100% Coursework 1: 2500 word report including submission of field notebook
Assessed by end of autumn semester
Educational Aims
To provide a sound understanding of important ecological processes that take place within arctic habitats. To provide a basis for the understanding of more applied aspects of the behaviour of these systems (e.g. plant-soil interactions and threats to the ecosystem).Learning Outcomes
- The students will be able identify plant species and measure ecosystem properties.
- The students will be able to make and record accurate observations and measurements in the field and in the laboratory.
- The students will be able to analyse and interpret their data.
- The students will be able to understand complex ideas relating to ecosystem functioning and biodiversity and relate them to climate change in the Arctic and ecosystem feedbacks.
- The students will be able to write and construct a scientific report using appropriate styles, conventions, and terminology.