Latest Module Specifications
Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026
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Description This module introduces students to the ideas and concepts around ecosystems and the services they provide. As our understanding of ecosystems increases we realise that they provide us with numerous services e.g. clean drinking water, flood protection etc. In this module students will gain an understanding of how ecosystems are spatially distributed, how they are interconnected and how humans have interacted and continue to interact with natural ecosystems. The module will deliver a sound understanding of the basic interrelated mechanisms that underlie the development of several specific ecosystems; how these mechanisms are related to biogeochemical cycles and how they are influenced by natural and anthropogenic disturbance. The module includes examples of natural science, social and economic perspectives and policy relevance. The module will conclude with real world examples and methods and techniques for decision support. This module will give an opportunity to undertake independent research to explore elements of the course and applying new thinking to how to manage natural ecosystems. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Learning Outcomes 1. Explain what ecosystems are and what services they provide. 2. Measure and evaluate how ecosystems change over time and their response both to natural disturbances and anthropogenic pressures. 3. Analyse how ecosystems are interconnected and interrelated and how the concept of the ‘ecosystem service’ can help inform policy agendas. 4. Evaluate how disturbance impacts the ability of ecosystems to provide services. 5. Compare and evaluate how nature based solutions can be used to protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural or modified ecosystems, that address societal challenges effectively and adaptively, simultaneously providing human well-being and biodiversity benefits. 6. Demonstrate the ability to make informed decisions to facilitate adapting to change. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml |
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Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Introduction to Natural Ecosystems Community structure and species distribution; ecosystem conditions, biological interactions; inter relationships within ecosystems; metapopulation and habitat fragmentation. Biogeochemical Cycles and Natural Ecosystems Trophic interaction within ecosystems; importance of nutrients and transfer between trophic levels; patterns in primary productivity; nutrient budgets and nutrient cycling; understanding the carbon cycle for climate mitigation. Ecosystems through space and time Primary and secondary succession; disturbance, aps and dispersal; managing successional mosaics for conservation and restoration; understanding ecosystem history and environmental change. Ecosystem Response Exploring the impacts of environmental change; ecosystem stressors, multi-stressor concept; buffering in systems; ecosystem change, regime shift; concepts of resistance, resilience, recovery. Ecosystem Assessment - Monitoring and predicting response Monitoring and measuring ecosystem response; understanding sampling frequency; understanding the role of scale in designing monitoring programmes; high frequency monitoring; remote sensing. Ecosystem services Ecosystems as assets; ecosystems and human well-being; classification and types of ecosystem services; measuring capacity to provide ecosystem services; measuring carbon sequestration in ecosystems (based on ecosystem type and condition). Introduction to Nature Based Solutions Principles of NbS; criteria; ecosystem services and life cycle analyses; UN standards; case studies. Nature Based Solutions for Climate Change and Water Managment Informing policy agenda Nature Based Solutions for Urban Environments Biodiversity as a solution | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List Books: None Articles: None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Other Resources None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||