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PNG0057

Ecosystem functioning: From Theory to Application

The concept of "ecosystem functioning" has over the last two decades stimulated research focussed on what ecosystems do, as opposed to what they are composed of, and is increasingly important in policy and management because of its strong linkages with ecosystem services. Focussing on ecosystem functioning in inland waters (lakes and streams) and soils (forest and agricultural), this course will cover basic definitions, the relationship between ecosystem functioning and ecosystem services, and several currently topical themes in ecosystem functioning research. These include the roles of functional traits and calculation of functional diversity, underpinnings in metabolic theory, and an overview of biodiversity-ecosystem functioning research. Throughout, a range of practical methods for quantifying ecosystem functioning will be covered, as will the application of these methods in biomonitoring and environmental assessment.

Syllabus and other information


Syllabus

PNG0057 Ecosystem functioning: From Theory to Application, 3.0 Credits

Subjects

Biology

Education cycle

Postgraduate level

Grading scale

Pass / Failed

Language

English

Prior knowledge

Students should have an undergraduate degree in environmental science, ideally at an advanced level. Some sections of the course will adress deeper aspects of ecological theory, and thus previous courses in basic ecology would be very beneficial, though parts of the course will also be suitable for students with a more limited ecological background who are nevertheless interested in the topic of ecosystem functioning.

Objectives

After the course, students should be able to:

• Discuss and evaluate different definitions of ecosystem functioning

• Relate ecosystem functioning to ecosystem services

• Apply the key theoretical underpinnings of ecosystem functioning research in developing or extending a functional perspective on their own research topics

• Identify methods for quantifying ecosystem functioning that are appropriate for their own research topic

• Assess the value of applying ecosystem functioning in bioassessment, particularly in relation to their own research topic, and discuss advantages and possible pitfalls of these approaches

Content

The concept of "ecosystem functioning" has over the last two decades stimulated research focussed on what ecosystems do, as opposed to what they are composed of, and is increasingly important in policy and management because of its strong linkages with ecosystem services. Focussing on ecosystem functioning in inland waters (lakes and streams) and soils (forest and agricultural), this course will cover basic definitions, the relationship between ecosystem functioning and ecosystem services, and several currently topical themes in ecosystem functioning research. These include the roles of functional traits and calculation of functional diversity, underpinnings in metabolic theory, and an overview of biodiversity-ecosystem functioning research. Throughout, a range of practical methods for quantifying ecosystem functioning will be covered, as will the application of these methods in biomonitoring and environmental assessment.

Responsible department

Department of Aquatic Science and Assessment

Course facts

Subject: Biology
Course code: PNG0057 Location: Uppsala Distance course: No Language: English Responsible department: Department of Aquatic Science and Assessment Pace: 100%