Ecosystems and Human Influences

Overview

Framework:
Access to HE 2024
Level:
Level 3
Unit No:
Not available
Credits:
6
Guided learning hours:
Not available

Qualification Grading Type

Graded

Unit Learning Outcomes

1.

Understand the structure of ecosystems.

Assessment Criteria

  • 1.1.

    Explain the components of ecosystems.

  • 1.2.

    Discuss how abiotic factors affect distribution of species.

  • 1.3.

    Analyse inter-relationships between species.

2.

Understand the flow of energy in ecosystems.

Assessment Criteria

  • 2.1.

    Explain food chains and food webs.

  • 2.2.

    Analyse the flow of energy through a food chain.

    It is important that assessment tasks allow genuine ANALYSIS of energy flow, e.g. using examples of energy values

  • 2.3.

    Explain photosynthesis as a cellular process which introduces energy and food chains.

3.

Know some of the influences of humans on ecosystems.

Assessment Criteria

  • 3.1.

    Discuss causes and effects of global warming.

  • 3.2.

    Discuss causes and effects of loss of biodiversity.

  • 3.3.

    Discuss one other human influence on ecosystems.

4.

Know how to carry out ecological sampling and understand conservation techniques.

Assessment Criteria

  • 4.1.

    Analyse sample data from a habitat to explain distribution of species.

  • 4.2.

    Compare conservation techniques used in more than one habitat.

  • 4.3.

    Explain two ecological sampling techniques.