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Syllabus

BI1322 Soil biology and biogeochemical cycles, 15.0 Credits

Markens biologi och biogeokemiska kretslopp

Subjects

Soil Science Biology Biology Soil science

Education cycle

Master’s level

Modules

Title	Credits	Code
Lectures, literature and seminars	7.5	0102
Laboratory exercises	3.0	0103
Project	4.5	0104

Advanced study in the main field

Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Master’s level (A1N)

Grading scale

Language

English

Prior knowledge

Knowledge equivalent to:

• 150 ECTS first-cycle courses, including

• 60 ECTS in a scientific subject such as Biology, Agricultural Science, Soil Science, Earth Sciences, Environmental Science or Technology,

• 15 ECTS Chemistry,

• 15 ECTS Soil Science, Earth Sciences or Biology

and

• a level of English equivalent to upper-seconday-school English (Engelska 6).

Objectives

The overall aim of this course is to acquire an advanced understanding of soil biology and biogeochemical cycles, to enable active discussion on the role of soil biota in ecosystems and production systems, and their interplay with global environmental change.

On completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• describe major groups of soil organisms, their interactions and responses to environmental conditions,

• describe biogeochemical processes and their interplay with organisms across scales,

• apply different methods for qualitative and quantitative analyses of soil organisms, biochemistry and major elemental cycles,

• analyze, evaluate and communicate soil biological and biogeochemical data,

• discuss impacts of human practices and potential feedbacks between soils and biogeochemical cycles, with emphasis on land use and global change.

Content

The below topics will be covered by course literature, lectures, assignments, literature discussions, field excursions, laboratory practical and project work.

• global biogeochemical cycles: carbon, nitrogen, sulfur and phosphorus cycling and underlying processes,

• methods for assessment of biogeochemical cycling: isotopes, organic matter quality and elemental fluxes,

• soil organisms and their involvement in processes: metabolism, decomposition, nutrient cycling, weathering and soil structuring,

• ecology: theory, strategies, community dynamics, interactions, and trophic cascading,

• the carbon cycle: organic matter quality, turnover and stability,

• the nitrogen cycle: transformations and soil fertility,

• basic laboratory techniques in soil biology and biogeochemistry,

• human impacts: forestry, agriculture, sustainable intensification, organic farming, ecotoxicology, global change, ecosystem services and conservation,

• the scientific process: experimental design, data analyses, peer review and presentation.

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

Participation is obligatory for all course elements except lectures. The following is required for a pass mark on the course:

• passed written final examination of theoretical course content based on lectures and literature,

• approved participation in laboratory exercises, literature discussions, and excursions,

• approved participation in project work including oral and written presentation.

• 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 Soil and Environment

Cooperating departments: