Freshwater ecology is the study of how organisms in rivers and lakes interact with each other and their environment. Freshwater ecosystems vary in time and space along natural (e.g. latitude, elevation) and human-impact gradients (e.g. land use, invasive species). Reflecting these properties, freshwater ecology includes the ecological communities of rivers and lakes, linkages with adjacent terrestrial and marine ecosystems, and the management of freshwaters including conservation and restoration.

The Freshwater Ecology paper (BIOEB304-25A) offers an introduction to the ecology of lake and river ecosystems. This paper explores the biodiversity of freshwater environments and how these habitats influence ecosystem functioning and community composition.

• Fundamental topics covered include biogeochemistry and nutrient dynamics, an introduction to freshwater organisms and their traits, and how species interactions shape food webs in freshwater ecosystems and connected habitats.
• Applied topics will focus on how research can be used to understand and develop management options for freshwater ecosystems in Aotearoa New Zealand. We will consider the impacts of humans on freshwaters, including eutrophication, land use, climate change, and invasive species. The course will cover modern methods for biomonitoring to help measure these impacts and the efficacy of management actions that include habitat restoration.