Module ENS-4317:
Forest Ecosystems
Forest Ecosystems 2024-25
ENS-4317
2024-25
School of Environmental & Natural Sciences
Module - PGT
15 credits
Module Organiser:
Andy Smith
Overview
World forest ecosystems, alpine, boreal and temperate forests, tropical moist and dryland forests. Forest soils, chemical and physical properties, soil formation and conservation. Carbon cycling in Forests. Forests in global carbon cycles. Nutrient cycling in forests.
This module will be taught by blended learning in the format common to all modules in SENS.
Module material will be supplied electronically in a module e-handbook. In addition to the module handbook material, the TALISaspire readinglist system will be used to provide guided reading materials. Further, the module will include discussion forums via Blackboard and formative self-assessments with model answers provided on submission. A substantial piece of assessment will be submitted at the end of the module and marked. Students will sit an examination at the end of the module; Students will be able to contact the module organiser by phone or email to seek guidance.
World forest ecosystems, alpine, boreal and temperate forests, tropical moist and dryland forests. Forest soils, chemical and physical properties, soil formation and conservation. Forest mycorrhizae and their function. Forests in global carbon cycles. Nutrient cycling in forests.
This module will be delivered using blended learning (i.e., in-person sessions that distance learners can also join live online) to promote integration of student cohorts within SENS.
Module material will be supplied electronically in a module e-handbook. In addition to the module handbook material, the TALIS aspire reading list system will be used to provide guided reading materials. Further, the module will include discussion forums via Blackboard or Microsoft Teams and formative self-assessments with model answers provided on submission. Students will be assessed using a variety of methods i.e., presentations, short critique of a journal article, and an examination at the end of the module; Students will be able to contact the module organiser by phone or email to seek guidance.
Assessment Strategy
Threshold (C) An piece of work that covers the fundamentals of the chosen topic, but is based mainly on material provided during the module, shows little evidence of supplementary reading and lacks originality. Answers provided to at least half of the question posed in assignments have satisfactory answers.
Good (B) A reasonably well-argued piece of work showing good understanding and knowledge of the chosen topic, evidence of supplementary reading, and some original thought. Sound answers to at least three quarters of the questions posed are provided that demonstrate sound mechanistic understanding.
Excellent (A) A very well-argued piece of work showing excellent understanding and depth of knowledge of the chosen topic, evidence of substantial supplementary reading, and much original thought. Answers to questions posed are persuasive, cogent answers to the chosen assignment.
Learning Outcomes
- Critically compare the mycorrhizal types that form associations with plants and explain their ecological function in forest ecosystems
- Critically evaluate the extent and importance of forested ecosystems and discuss the implications of climate change for forest ecosystem function.
- Differentiate between soil formation processes and the relative importance and pathways of nutrient cycling of different soil classes.
Assessment method
Group Presentation
Assessment type
Summative
Description
Students will critique an academic journal article that is aligned with the teaching materials and present the critique back to the class as a group. Individual marks will be given that will be dependent on the individuals performance and contribution to the groups presentation. The contribution to presentation will be 12-minutes including questions for each member of the group.
Weighting
40%
Assessment method
Exam (Centrally Scheduled)
Assessment type
Summative
Description
End of module examination
Weighting
60%
Assessment method
Coursework
Assessment type
Formative
Description
Formative Assessment of Unit #1 - students will be provided with a list of questions that are related to the first third of the module materials that they should attempt. Model answers will be released after the deadline to to enable the students to reflect on their answers.
Weighting
0%
Assessment method
Coursework
Assessment type
Formative
Description
Formative Assessment of Unit #2 students will be provided with a list of questions that are related to the second third of the module materials that they should attempt. Model answers will be released after the deadline to to enable the students to reflect on their answers.
Weighting
0%
Assessment method
Coursework
Assessment type
Formative
Description
Formative Assessment of Unit #3 - students will be provided with a list of questions that are related to the final third of the module materials that they should attempt. Model answers will be released after the deadline to to enable the students to reflect on their answers.
Weighting
0%