Lecture at the entrance of Degerö Stormyr - Photo: Duncan Philpott
PhD-Course: Watershed Ecology and Biogeochemistry
Page reviewed:
28/05/2025
A bi-annual PhD course in the Krycklan catchment on ‘Watershed Ecology and Biogeochemistry’ addresses the foundational concepts and modern challenges within the broad field of watershed science. Next course is scheduled for September 17-23rd 2026.
Graduates from the Watershed Ecology and Biogeochemistry course 2022Here we will take an integrative approach that focuses on the hydrological, biogeochemical, and ecological connections between upland, riparian, and aquatic components of forest landscapes. Specific topics includes:
An overview of catchment hydrology and water balance,
Elemental transport and processing along hillslopes and riparian zones,
Controls over material exchange at the land-water interface
Biogeochemical cycling in streams and rivers,
The biogeochemical significance of wetlands and lakes within catchments, and
The interface between forest management and watershed science in boreal lands.
General themes in watershed science will be explored through discussions of literature that will be coordinated with short lectures. More specific questions and methodological approaches will be introduced using a series of excursions and activities within the Krycklan catchment.
/Hjalmar Laudon
Krycklan course Photo Duncan Philpott
Course evaluation feedback from previous courses
“I think this was the most equilibrate course I have attended”
“It was a great experience and brain storming in various issues related to landscape functioning”
“The depth of questions and discussion added a level of challenge to the course that I believe increased its value tremendously”
“Excellent teachers in combination with well-motivated students resulted in a very good course. I especially liked the discussions in small groups, very interesting!”
The course provides a broad yet mechanistic understanding of watershed science using the Krycklan Catchment Study at the Svartberget field station in Vindeln (Sweden) as a teaching laboratory. The course includes a combination of short lectures, field excursions and exercises, discussion of literature, and student-led presentations – all designed to foster close interaction among students and instructors. Students will be examined individually based on participation in all activities, discussions, and assignments.
PhD Course Prize for the best PhD course at SLU in 2022
Course Dates: September 17–23, 2026 Application Deadline: May 31, 2026
The course includes a 7-day field component, with one day each for arrival and departure. The main teaching activities are:
Lectures covering general thematic topics.
Mini-lectures linked to field excursions at upland, riparian, stream, wetland, and lake sites within the Krycklan catchment.
A field excursion to the Trollberget Experimental Area.
Group discussions related to course literature and/or field observations.
Individual poster presentations of PhD research projects.
Two weeks of preparation for reading
The course will conclude with the Krycklan Symposium on the final day, where students are expected to give short poster pitches summarizing their research.
The field course will take place in the vicinity of the Krycklan Catchment Study. Students are responsible for traveling to Umeå, from where course organizers will arrange transportation to Vindeln and back. During the field portion, students will stay in cottages.
To cover the cost of food and lodging, a small course fee of 10,000 SEK (approximately 1,000 EUR) will be required. This fee is payable directly to the accommodation during the course. Students requiring alternative housing options will need to cover any additional costs themselves.
