ENVB30010
Source: https://hub.ucd.ie/usis/!W_HU_MENU.P_PUBLISH?p_tag=MODULE&MODULE=ENVB30010&TERMCODE=202500&ACYR=2026 Parent: https://hub.ucd.ie/usis/!W_HU_MENU.P_PUBLISH?p_tag=COURSE&MAJR=ESS1&AUDIENCE=
Academic Year 2025/2026
Systems Ecology (ENVB30010)
Subject: : Environmental Biology
College: : Science
School: : Biology & Environment Science
Level: : 3 (Degree)
Credits: : 5
Module Coordinator: : Dr Adam Kane
Trimester: : Autumn
Mode of Delivery: : On Campus
Internship Module: : No
How will I be graded? : Letter grades
Curricular information is subject to change.
The module comprises face-to-face lectures, practicals and field trips to cover key ecosystem concepts in freshwater, marine and terrestrial systems. These include food chains, food webs, trophic pyramids, functional groups, energy/nutrient inputs and cycling. The module will also explore the processes that affect the distribution and abundance of species.
About this Module
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What will I learn?
Learning Outcomes:
On completion of this module students should be able to: \ - demonstrate an understanding of key ecosystem concepts;\ - describe the physical environment of terrestrial and aquatic systems; \ - carry out sampling and make scientific observations in terrestrial, marine and freshwater habitats;\ - identify common freshwater and marine invertebrate taxa to become familiar with the diversity, function, and adaptation of invertebrates in these habitats;\ - describe the processes that affect the distribution and abundance of species;\ - examine monitoring techniques and ecological responses of freshwater organisms to water quality deterioration and habitat destruction; \ - evaluate hydrochemical data; \ - learn to critically read original research articles relating to systems ecology, analyse field data and write concise scientific reports.
How will I learn?
Student Effort Hours:
| Student Effort Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 23 |
| Laboratories | 14 |
| Field Trip/External Visits | 10 |
| Specified Learning Activities | 25 |
| Autonomous Student Learning | 53 |
| --- | --- |
| Total | 125 |
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Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
- face to face lectures\
- computer-based practical\
- field work assessments\
- lab work
Am I eligible to take this module?
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:\
Students entering this course should have taken and passed ENVB20050 or an equivalent.
\
Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Pre-requisite:\ ENVB20050 - Principles of EnvBiol&Ecology\ \ \ \
How will I be assessed?
Assessment Strategy
| Description | Timing | Component Scale | Must Pass Component | % of Final Grade | In Module Component Repeat Offered |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment(Including Essay): Fieldwork assignments | Week 6, Week 9 | Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% | No | 40 | No |
| Exam (In-person): Final exam based on three elements of the course, terrestrial, freshwater and marine. | End of trimester Duration: 2 hr(s) | Standard conversion grade scale 40% | No | 60 | No |
\
Carry forward of passed components
Yes
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What happens if I fail?
| Resit In | Terminal Exam |
|---|---|
| Spring | No |
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. \
Assessment feedback
Feedback Strategy/Strategies
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment\ • Group/class feedback, post-assessment\
How will my Feedback be Delivered?
Not yet recorded.
Associated Staff
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Dr Jan-Robert Baars | Lecturer / Co-Lecturer |
| Dr Paul Brooks | Lecturer / Co-Lecturer |
| Dr Adam Kane | Lecturer / Co-Lecturer |
| Professor Mary Kelly-Quinn | Lecturer / Co-Lecturer |
| Ms Elizabeth Conroy | Tutor |
When is this module offered?
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
| Autumn | Lecture | Offering 1 | Week(s) - Autumn: Weeks 2-12 | Mon 13:00 - 13:50 |
| Autumn | Lecture | Offering 1 | Week(s) - Autumn: Weeks 2-12 | Wed 13:00 - 13:50 |
| Autumn | Lecture | Offering 1 | Week(s) - 2 | Wed 16:00 - 16:50 |
| Autumn | Workshop | Offering 1 | Week(s) - 6 | Wed 16:00 - 17:50 |
| Autumn | Practical | Offering 1 | Week(s) - 3, 4, 5, 7, 8 | Wed 16:00 - 17:50 |
| Autumn | Practical | Offering 2 | Week(s) - 3, 4, 5, 7, 8 | Wed 16:00 - 17:50 |
| Autumn | Practical | Offering 3 | Week(s) - 3, 4, 5, 7, 8 | Wed 16:00 - 17:50 |