Print Syllabus

Syllabus

LK0430 Biological systems of the landscape, 15.0 Credits

Biologiska system i landskapet

Subjects

Landscape Architecture Biology

Education cycle

Bachelor’s level

Modules

Title	Credits	Code
Geology and Soil Science	6.0	0001
Plant physiology, floristics, ecology	9.0	0002

Advanced study in the main field

First cycle, has only upper-secondary level entry requirements
Bachelor’s level (G1N)

Grading scale

Language

Swedish

Prior knowledge

Knowledge equivalent to general entry requirements and:

- Mathematics 3b alternative Mathematics 3c
- Natural Science 2
- Social studies 1b alternativt Social studies 1a1 + 1a2.

Objectives

This course intends to give the students a basic idea of biological/natural geographical phenomena and systems, primarily in the rural landscape. The main subject areas of the course are geology, soil science, ecology, plant physiology and floristics.

On completion of the course, the students should be able to:

• explain and account for quaternary geological sediments and land forms in a landscape and how they have been formed
• explain the physical and chemical properties of different soil types and how these properties can be influenced by external factors
• describe basic ecological structures and processes in the rural landscape
• account for the basic morphology and physiology of plants
• have sufficient knowledge of the morphology, systematics and habitat requirements of vascular plants to be able to use plant species identification keys.

Content

The course consists of these modules geology, soil science, ecology, plant physiology and floristics.

The geology part comprises basic knowledge about bedrock geology, quaternary deposits and development history, land formation and geomorphological processes.

The soil science module comprises physical, chemical and biological properties of natural soils. This knowledge provides the basics and the understanding that can be transferred to anthropogenic soil/plant systems. The structure and function of the pore system and the buffering system of the soil are important features of the course module.

The ecology module contains basic knowledge on ecosystems, biotopes, populations and interactions between organisms and the environment. Evolutionary and ecological processes (such as succession) are introduced. Aspects on landscape and climate changes in relation to biological diversity are included.

The plant physiology module includes water and nutrient uptake of plants, the hormone system of plants and plants’ reactions to stress.

The floristics (identification of wild plants) module is to a great extent based on field trips and plant identifications exercises, but also comprises theoretical aspects. Basic ecological knowledge is assumed and ecological discussions are integrated continuously throughout most parts of the course.

The different parts of the course are integrated to some extent and are based on the landscape and its systems.

Implementation:

The course comprises lectures, exercises, seminars (some compulsory), field trips (some compulsory), group assignments, independent studies and examination (compulsory).

The course focuses on the following general skills:

Critical thinking; oral communication; written communication; teamwork; ability to work autonomously.

The following sections are compulsory:

Compulsory exercises, seminars and field trips are marked in timetable.

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Grading form

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Formats and requirements for examination

Passed written examinations.

Passed participation in compulsory course modules.

• If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.

• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.

• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.

• For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Other information

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.

• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Responsible department

Department of Landscape Architecture, Planning and Management