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This course is concerned with how freshwater, especially lake, ecosystem structure and function is changed by human activity (e.g. eutrophication, acidification, toxic substances) and highlights issues confounding remediation strategies, especially future climate change. It includes a consideration of the legislative framework within which freshwater ecosystems are managed nationally and internationally and is exemplified by case studies. The course aims to explore problems of freshwater ecology and management especially in the context of current national and international policies for ecosystem restoration.

The module will cover the following topics, which may be subject to variation depending on developments in academic research:

1. Introduction to freshwater ecosystems
2. Ecological problems:

• eutrophication
• acidification
• toxic substances
• climate change
• emerging pollutants

3. Restoration concepts, including reference conditions and recovery targets
4. Factors confounding restoration and recovery
5. The legislative framework, including EU directives and UNECE protocols

Students should be familiar with basic ecological principles and concepts as they relate to fresh waters. A natural science background would be an advantage, but is not essential.

The course includes a mixture of lectures and seminars, as well as student presentations on a coursework topic of your choice (formative assessment), and a half day field class in London, if possible.

By the end of the module, you should have:

• An understanding of the structure, function, and history of lakes and streams
• An appreciation of freshwater ecology and management in a catchment context
• An understanding of the impacts and relative importance of different pressures including questions of natural variability and long-term cumulative human impacts
• Familiarisation with the concepts of restoration and reference conditions

You will also have gained transferable career skills, namely:

• Critical thinking: ability to assess data and ideas
• Communication: academic writing
• Presentation skills