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Course Description
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Course Name
The Biosphere
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Host University
University of Stirling
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Location
Stirling, Scotland
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Area of Study
Environmental Science
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Language Level
Taught In English
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Prerequisites
Completion or concurrent enrolment in one ENVU module
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Course Level Recommendations
Upper
ISA offers course level recommendations in an effort to facilitate the determination of course levels by credential evaluators.We advice each institution to have their own credentials evaluator make the final decision regrading course levels.
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SCQF Credits
20 -
Recommended U.S. Semester Credits5
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Recommended U.S. Quarter Units7
Hours & Credits
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Overview
The Biosphere is the live support system of our planet. On land and in the sea, plants and algae harness the energy of the sun to produce biomass, and in that way support all forms of life on Earth.
In this module, you’ll learn how the biosphere operates, i.e., how energy, water, nutrients and carbon move through ecosystems and cycle within the Earth system. This understanding is fundamental to building solutions to many problems we’re collectively faced with.
Through a combination of lectures and targeted practical classes, you will:
- understand how energy is harnessed by primary producers and moves through ecosystems;
- learn the significance of nutrients, their distribution and mobility within and between ecosystems;
- appreciate the importance of the carbon cycle across scales from individual plants to the entire globe;
- learn fundamental methods in analysing soil and vegetation.
Following an in-depth introduction to the fundamentals of ecosystem functioning, you will explore specific challenges and adaptations across all climatic zones of the Earth, and including terrestrial, freshwater and marine systems.
Course Disclaimer
Courses and course hours of instruction are subject to change.
Eligibility for courses may be subject to a placement exam and/or pre-requisites.
Some courses may require additional fees.
Please reference fall and spring course lists as not all courses are taught during both semesters.
Availability of courses is based on enrollment numbers. All students should seek pre-approval for alternate courses in the event of last minute class cancellations
Please note that some courses with locals have recommended prerequisite courses. It is the student's responsibility to consult any recommended prerequisites prior to enrolling in their course.