Understanding the structure and function of terrestrial ecosystems is the key to explaining how life on Earth has persisted in the past and how it might respond to change in the future. Ecosystem science takes a holistic view of organisms and the environment. The module reflects that view, illustrating the importance of interactions between the elements of ecosystems in determining the properties of the system as a whole.
The module comprises four blocks that take you progressively from basic systems and processes up to the complexity of the global scale. An introductory block defines the term ‘ecosystem’ and presents a range of examples, describing their biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components. The second block addresses the cycling of energy, water, carbon and inorganic nutrients through these systems. You’ll reflect on how these flows control the type and number of organisms inhabiting the system, and how the presence of living organisms affects the cycling of energy and matter. The third block explores ecosystems' stability and resilience to natural and human-induced disturbances such as fire, disease and environmental change. The final block looks at our planet as a whole to investigate the interdependence of its sub-systems.
The module illustrates the four core concepts of definition, cycling, resilience, and interdependence with examples from around the world, using the full range of online media. It emphasises the nature of data obtained in environmental studies with its inherent variability. Data manipulation and statistical interpretation are essential to understanding our environment scientifically. It will introduce you to several statistical techniques, accessed via spreadsheets (including regression), to develop and enhance your professional skills in critically analysing statistical output.
Running through most of the module is a practical activity revolving around the monitoring and analysing data on living trees. This will include basic observations of trees in your locality, and accessing and processing data from trees fitted with various monitoring devices on the OU campus and elsewhere. You’ll pool and jointly analyse data with other students on the module and gain assessment credit for reporting on your experiments.
Another theme of the module is the use of modelling. Predictive modelling of ecosystem response is now an essential tool in ecosystem science. The module illustrates different types of models, exploring their inputs, components and assumptions so you can correctly interpret the output. There are both spreadsheet-based ecological models and more complex Earth-system models that you’ll engage with to explore how different systems respond to external influences.
The module covers critical skills for environmental scientists, including key statistical analysis techniques, experience with real-time online monitoring systems and computer modelling approaches. You’ll develop report-writing skills through the assignments; the end-of-module assessment focuses on a professional-style environmental report demonstrating knowledge and understanding of ecosystem processes and functioning.
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
Course work includes:
We'll assess you through the TMAs and an EMA involving integrated activities at the end of each block.
You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:
Additionally, the website includes:
You can study this module on its own or use the credits you gain towards an Open University qualification.
S397 is a compulsory module in our:
S397 is an option module in our:
Terrestrial ecosystems (S397) starts once a year – in October.
It will next start in October 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2028.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations, which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
There are no formal entry requirements for this module.
At The Open University, we believe education should be open to all, so we provide high-quality university education to anyone who wishes to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential.
Even though there are no entry requirements, there are some basic mathematics and statistics concepts that you’ll need to study the module successfully:
You'll also need to be familiar with basic biology concepts:
You’ll need no specific knowledge of modelling.
Are you ready for S397?
We recommend that you’ve passed one of the following:
Plus:
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone, and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying S397 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our Disability support website.
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There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
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