Freshwater systems constitute only a small proportion of the Earth's aquatic environments yet they play an essential role in the ecology of many species. Freshwater resources are increasingly threatened by water extraction, pollution and climate change. This module describes the major groups of freshwater habitats (streams, rivers, ponds, lakes) and outlines key principles of hydrology and limnology, including chemistry and physical properties, production and cycling of organic matter, the functioning of different trophic groups, eutrophication, and places this in context of the challenges in managing freshwater resources for biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human populations.
Learning Outcomes:
To pass this module students will need to be able to:
1. discuss how principles of hydrology and limnology underpin the structure and function of communities in freshwater systems;
2. describe the roles of the major groups of organisms in freshwater systems in the functioning of habitats, the flow of materials (nutrients, energy) through these communities;
3. demonstrate an ability to analyse data and interpret findings in the context of limnology;
4. discuss topical issues in freshwater management demonstrating the importance of ongoing scientific understanding in these debates.
- Module Supervisor: Eoin O'Gorman