Course syllabus
Markekologi
Soil Ecology
EXTN20, 15 credits, A (Second Cycle)
Valid for: 2012/13
Decided by: Education Board 2
Date of Decision: 2012-03-16
General Information
Elective for: W4
Language of instruction: The course might be given in English
Aim
The overall aim of the course is to give the students a deepened
understanding of the soil, the fundamental chemical and
microbiological processes in the soil as well as the ecological
interactions in the soil.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must
- evaluate the effects of natural and anthropogenic disturbances
that influence the soil
- draw conclusions about how abiotic factors in the soil
influence soil organisms and plants.
- collect and evaluate data from soil, such as soil chemical data
and soil biological data, in a scientific sound way.
- communicate the conclusions and results to the society.
Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must
- develop an insight in the complex nature of soil
- develop confidence in their ability to work with soil
chemical/biological analysis and issues.
Contents
- soil physical and soil chemical processes, availability and
turnover of mineral nutrients, soil forming processes.
- soil sampling, analysis of soil organisms and performance and
evaluation of soil chemical analyses.
- conditions for soil organisms and their adaptation to natural
and man-made environments.
- the importance of soil organisms for nutrient cycling
- decomposition of natural and anthropogenic substances.
- interactions in soil, e.g. food-webs, mycorrhiza, N-fixing
bacteria, rhizosphere, pathogenic microorganisms, biological
control.
- influences of acidification, nitrogen deposition and land use
on soil and plants.
- an individual project that could be either experimental or a
literature project med practise in both written and oral
communication.
Examination details
Grading scale: TH
Assessment: Assessment takes the form of written tests at the end of the course and oral tests during the course. Students who fail the ordinary tests will have an opportunity to take another test in close proximity to the ordinary test. In order to pass the course the student is required to have passed the test as well as to have acceptable practical reports, hand-in exercises, project reports and to have participated in all compulsory course elements. The final grade for the course is determined by the aggregated results of the different parts of the examination.
Admission
Admission requirements:
The number of participants is limited to: No
The course overlaps following course/s: BIO642, BIO645, TEK085
Reading list
- According to a list determined by the department, available at least five weeks before the start of the course, see the web-page for Undergraduate Studies in Biology.
Contact and other information
Course coordinator: Johannes Rousk, Johannes.Rousk@mbioekol.lu.se
Course homepage: http://www.biol.lu.se
Further information: Teaching consists of lectures, practicals, field exercises, seminars and project work. The course elements are compulsory.