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ESM424Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Fresh Water Ecology

This course discusses the basic issues that relate to Fresh water ecology, the branch of ecology that deals with uncontaminated fresh water bodies. The course examines the structure and characteristics of fresh water ecology as well as the interactions between the various organisms in a fresh water ecosystem. The course also examines the structure of aquatic plants and animals, the influence of human activities on aquatic ecosystems, and the management of fresh water ecosystems.

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78h
Study Time
13
Weeks
6h
Per Week
basic
Math Level
Course Keywords
Freshwater EcologyAquatic EcosystemsLenticLoticEutrophication

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
➕
Math Level
Basic Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Freshwater Ecology

2

Aquatic Ecosystems

3

Aquatic Organisms

4

Lentic and Lotic Systems

5

Human Impact on Ecosystems

6

Ecosystem Management

Total Topics6 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Tutor-Marked Assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Environmental Scientist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Conservation Biologist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Water Resource Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

Environmental Consultant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Environmental ConsultingWater Resource ManagementConservationGovernment Agencies

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Introduction to Fresh water Ecology

6h

Unit 1: Introduction to Fresh Water Ecology

6 study hours
  • •Define ecology and its sub-disciplines.
  • •Explain the scope of freshwater ecology.
  • •Discuss the importance of freshwater ecosystems.
Week
2

Module 2: Structure and Characteristics of Fresh water Ecology

6h

Unit 2: Structure and Characteristics of Fresh Water Ecology

6 study hours
  • •Describe the elements and compounds in freshwater ecosystems.
  • •Explain the roles of primary producers, consumers, and decomposers.
  • •Discuss food chains and ecological pyramids.
Week
3

Module 3: Aquatic Organisms 1

6h

Unit 3: Aquatic Organisms 1

6 study hours
  • •Classify aquatic organisms into microorganisms, plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates.
  • •Describe the characteristics of bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and algae.
  • •Explain the roles of phytoplankton and periphyton.
Week
4

Module 4: Aquatic Organisms 11

6h

Unit 4: Aquatic Organisms 11

6 study hours
  • •Describe the characteristics of worms, molluscs, and insects.
  • •Explain the role of zooplankton.
  • •Discuss the characteristics of fish, amphibians, and reptiles.
Week
5

Module 5: Factors Affecting Fresh Water Ecosystems

6h

Unit 5: Factors Affecting Fresh Water Ecosystems

6 study hours
  • •Explain the influence of temperature on freshwater ecosystems.
  • •Discuss the impact of water conditions on aquatic life.
  • •Describe the effects of abiotic factors on organisms.
Week
6

Module 6: Life in Aquatic Ecosystems

6h

Unit 6: Life in Aquatic Ecosystems

6 study hours
  • •Describe the building blocks of life in aquatic ecosystems.
  • •Explain the roles of autotrophs and heterotrophs.
  • •Discuss food chains and food webs.
Week
7

Module 7: Fresh water Communities 1

6h

Unit 7: Fresh water Communities 1

6 study hours
  • •Differentiate between lentic and lotic water communities.
  • •Explain the characteristics of lentic environments.
  • •Discuss the effects of temperature, light, and oxygen on lentic communities.
Week
8

Module 8: Fresh water Communities 11

6h

Unit 8: Fresh water Communities 11

6 study hours
  • •Describe the characteristics of lotic environments.
  • •Explain the factors affecting lotic communities.
  • •Discuss the significance of algae in lotic waters.
Week
9

Module 9: Lotic water Community Animals

6h

Unit 9: Lotic water Community Animals

6 study hours
  • •Describe the adaptations of animals in lotic water communities.
  • •Explain the role of plankton in lotic ecosystems.
  • •Discuss the factors affecting plankton distribution.
Week
10

Module 10: Human Influence on Fresh water Ecosystems

6h

Unit 10: Human Influence on Fresh water Ecosystems

6 study hours
  • •Discuss the various ways through which humans may interfere with fresh water communities.
  • •Explain the possible strategies for the management of fresh water ecosystems.
  • •Discuss the importance of conservation measures.
Week
11

Review

6h

Review of Modules 1-3

6 study hours
  • •Review all units from Module 1 to Module 3.
  • •Revise key concepts and definitions.
  • •Work on assignments and TMAs.
Week
12

Review

6h

Review of Modules 4-7

6 study hours
  • •Review all units from Module 4 to Module 7.
  • •Revise key concepts and definitions.
  • •Work on assignments and TMAs.
Week
13

Review

6h

Review of Modules 8-10

6 study hours
  • •Review all units from Module 8 to Module 10.
  • •Revise key concepts and definitions.
  • •Work on assignments and TMAs.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review all lesson objectives and key terms at the end of each unit.

2

Create flashcards for aquatic organisms and their classifications.

3

Practice identifying factors affecting freshwater ecosystems and their impacts.

4

Summarize the differences between lentic and lotic systems.

5

Outline the management strategies for freshwater ecosystems and their importance.

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