Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

School: Science

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Freshwater Ecosystems

• Unit Code

  SCI3113

• Year

  2016

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  

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Description

This unit examines the nature of freshwater ecosystems, in particular, their physical and biological characteristics. Current management issues and the impact of human activity on these ecosystems are analysed as well as the strategies for assessing impacts and achieving balanced management.

Prerequisite Rule

Students must pass 3 units from SCC1123, SCI1185, SCM2110

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Apply the principles of effective environmental management plans and their relevant strategies for freshwater systems.
2. Critically evaluate the characteristics of a range of different freshwater ecosystems.
3. Define the ecological interactions which maintain inland freshwater ecosystems and the threats to them.
4. Design and undertake field assessments of water quality, hydrological parameters and biological surveys in flowing and non-flowing freshwater systems.
5. Identify strategies to minimise adverse impacts of such activities.

Unit Content

1. Biological characteristics of freshwater systems; biota and ecological interactions in lotic and lentic systems; primary productivity and carbon and nutrient pathways in freshwater ecosystems.
2. Design and implementation of technically sound sampling programs for water quality and biological surveys in freshwater environments.
3. Introduction to the physical and chemical features of freshwater ecosystems; classification of freshwater systems; nutrient sources; forms of sediment; water as a geomorphic agent; morphology of drainage basins; stream dynamics, lake systems, estuaries, water-logged soils.
4. Management of freshwater ecosystems: environmental impacts, management of polluting activities and water resource development; regulatory and legislative frameworks for management.
5. Threats to freshwater environments; eutrophication, pollutants, physical disturbance and infilling, introduced species; case studies of the threats to freshwater ecosystems.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Lectures, laboratory work, practical workshops, field visits.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

^ Mandatory to Pass

Text References

• Mitsch, W. J., & Gosselink, J. G. (2007). Wetlands. (4th ed.). Chichester, UK: John Wiley and Sons, Inc.
• Lake, P. S. (2011). Drought and aquatic ecosystems: Effects and responses. Melbourne, Australia: Wiley-Blackell.
• Boulton, A., & Brock, M. (1999). Australian freshwater ecology. Adelaide, Australia: Gleneagles Publishing. Note: No specific text is assigned for this unit as no one text covers the breadth of unit content. The Significant References cover relevant material.
• Closs, C., Downes, B., & Boulton, A. (2003). Freshwater ecology: A scientific introduction. Boston, MA: Wiley-Blackwell.
• Dodds, W. K., & Whiles, M. R. (2010). Freshwater ecology: Concepts and environmental applications of limnology. (2nd ed.). Burlington, MA: Academic Press.

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