UCL DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY
GEOGG103 Aquatic Macrophytes
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GEOGG103 Aquatic Macrophytes

OPTION COURSE GEOGG103 - AQUATIC MACROPHYTES

(15 credits, Term 2)

Staff:

Carl Sayer, Ben Goldsmith

Aims

to introduce students to the structure, ecology and identification of aquatic macrophytes

to provide students with practical skills in the field sampling of aquatic macrophytes

Content

This is a residential course that will be based in Dorset and Somerset. The course will be delivered through a combination of lectures (2 hours in the mornings for 5 days), fieldwork (late morning to late afternoon) and laboratory sessions (late afternoon and some evenings). Fieldwork will take place in a range of environments including shallow lakes, ponds, rivers, ditches and coastal lagoons.

The following specific topics are covered:

  • structure and ecology of freshwater-brackish aquatic plants
  • role of aquatic macrophytes in aquatic ecological functioning
  • methods for surveying aquatic macrophytes
  • design of sampling programmes
  • taxonomy and identification of aquatic macrophytes
  • importance of aquatic macrophytes to conservation and developing water legislation


Assessment:

Plant identification exercise (20%)

Essay from a choice of titles (80%)

Format:

The course is based upon lectures, fieldwork and practical classes

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course students should:

  • understand the physiology and adaptations of aquatic macrophytes
  • appreciate the key ecological structuring role of aquatic macrophytes in aquatic habitats
  • understand the importance of macrophytes to lake restoration, management and developing water legislation
  • have practical experience of sampling aquatic plants using a variety of tools and recording systems in a range of habitats
  • identify aquatic plants (including all key genera in the GB flora) using standard identification guides and keys both in the field and using a low powered microscope
  • design sampling programmes for aquatic plants

Timing: in 2011 the course will run from Sunday 15th May (leave Sunday pm) until Friday 20th May (return Friday early eve)