ECOL07002 2019 Ecological Monitoring

Describe a range of bioindicators and bioindices that can be used in the monitoring of air, water and terrestrial environmental quality

Demonstrate an ability to critically evaluate ecological monitoring systems currently used for condition assessment for various EU Directives

Critique the use of ecological monitoring versus physical and chemical monitoring in assessment of environmental quality

Evaluate the ecological condition of freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems using appropriate bioindicators and bioindices

Describe biodiversity and its assessment using a range of indices (e.g. similarity, diversity and rarity)

This module will be delivered full-time (or part-time for online modules). This will include lectures, laboratory practicals, and site visits augmented by independent learning and directed learning. This approach is expected to address student learning needs. Moodle will be used as a repository of educational resources and as a means of assessment (e.g. quizzes, uploading assignments and journals).

The module will be assessed using a combination of end of semester final exam (50%), continuous assessment and course work (50%). The continuous assessment and course work will involve two written scientific reports. In addition, there will be an end of semester practical assignment where students are required to analyse and interpret ecological monitoring data from a hypothetical site under investigation.

The student must reach an assigned gate (mark) in the final exam and achieve 40% overall to pass the subject.

Repeat Continuous Assessment and/or Final Exam

Indicative lectures and practicals, at the discretion of the lecturer, to meet the learning outcomes 

Introduction to ecological monitoring, bioindicators and bioindices

• The characteristics of bioindicators
• Challenges of using bioindicators
• Bioindices and how they are used 

Ecological monitoring of aquatic ecosystems, e.g.

• Freshwater and marine monitoring using algae - identification and use as bioindicators
• Freshwater monitoring using invertebrates - identification and use as bioindicators

Ecological monitoring of terrestrial ecosystems, e.g.

• Plants and vegetation condition assessment
• Lichens 
• Terrestrial invertebrates, e.g. butterflies, pollinators, ground beetles
• Birds
• Agri-environmental monitoring
• Specific habitat monitoring, e.g. uplands

Ecological monitoring requirements of EU Directives:

• Water Framework Directive
• Habitats and Birds Directives
• Other directives as relevant

Biodiversity and its assessment

• Measures of biodiversity, e.g. species diversity, richness and evenness
• Challenges of using measures of biodiversity

Ecological survey methodologies:

• Laboratory practicals - a range of biomonitoring surveys will be carried out (at the discretion of the lecturer to meet the learning outcomes), for example: 
  • Freshwater macroinvertebrate sampling protocol, identification and indices
  • Lichen sampling protocol, identification and indices
  • Wetland habitat identification and monitoring techniques
  • Upland habitats identification and monitoring techniques