This course is concerned with how freshwater, especially lake, ecosystem structure and function is changed by human activity (e.g. eutrophication, acidification, toxic substances) and highlights issues confounding remediation strategies, especially future climate change. It includes a consideration of the legislative framework within which freshwater ecosystems are managed nationally and internationally and is exemplified by case studies. The course aims to explore problems of freshwater ecology and management especially in the context of current national and international policies for ecosystem restoration.

The module will cover the following topics, which may be subject to variation depending on developments in academic research:

Introduction to freshwater ecosystems
	Ecological problems:
eutrophication
	acidification
	toxic substances
	climate change
	emerging pollutants
Restoration concepts, including reference conditions and recovery targets
	Factors confounding restoration and recovery
	The legislative framework, including EU directives and UNECE protocols
Students should be familiar with basic ecological principles and concepts as they relate to fresh waters. A natural science background would be an advantage, but is not essential.

The course includes a mixture of lectures and seminars, as well as student presentations on a coursework topic of your choice (formative assessment), and a half day field class in London, if possible.

 

By the end of the module, you should have:

An understanding of the structure, function, and history of lakes and streams
	An appreciation of freshwater ecology and management in a catchment context
	An understanding of the impacts and relative importance of different pressures including questions of natural variability and long-term cumulative human impacts
	Familiarisation with the concepts of restoration and reference conditions
You will also have gained transferable career skills, namely:

Critical thinking: ability to assess data and ideas
	Communication: academic writing
	Presentation skills