Print Syllabus

Syllabus

LK0351 Plant and soil science for landscape engineers, 15.0 Credits

Växt- och marklära för landskapsingenjörer

Subjects

Landscape Architecture Biology Landscape Architecture Biology

Education cycle

Bachelor’s level

Modules

Title	Credits	Code
Vegetation construction	5.0	0102
Soil science	5.0	0103
Trees and shrubs	3.0	0104
Perennials	1.0	0105
Annuals	1.0	0106

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

The equivalent to field-specific entry requirements A14 (the exception Social Studies 1a2) that include:

- Mathematics 2a or Mathematics 2b or Mathematics 2c

- Science Studies 2

- Social Studies 1b or Social Studies 1a1

Objectives

The aim of the course is to give the student basic knowledge about plants, vegetation and soil and understand the relationships between soil and vegetation.

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

• identify a from a user perspective relevant basic range of cultivated plants under different growing conditions and phase of life by means of the morphology of the plants

• apply the basic rules for the nomenclature of the plants

• describe habitat requirement, fields of use and perceived values for the plants in the basic range

• describe and explain the bases of the planting design and the vegetation dynamics and connections to site conditions, especially with a focus on soil

• describe the formation and spread of the soil types in Sweden at a general level

• account for how different soil types function from soil physical and soil chemical point of view

• explain how man can influence the properties of the soil and be able to account at a general level for how sustainable and maintenance-demanding a built-up soil-plant system will become.

Content

The course contains basic knowledge about plants. Systematic botany, morphology, plant knowledge and basic planting design are included. In the course, plant material are studied through teacher-supervised demonstrations and self-studies. Through literature studies, demonstrations, field trips and compulsory exercises, knowledge of fields of use, climate hardiness and perceived values for the plants in a selected basic range are developed. The part of planting design is about construction, structure, dynamics, habitat characteristics and application possibilities of different vegetation units.

Further, the course contains basic knowledge about soil such as the physical and chemical properties of natural soil. This knowledge gives bases and understanding that can be transferred to soil-plant system built by man. Important parts in the course are the structure and function of the pore system and the buffering system of the soil. Through literature studies, lectures, laboratory sessions, group discussions, exercises and a compulsory seminar, knowledge of soil is given.

Written examinations in plant knowledge, planting design and soil science. The plant and soil studies are brought together in a final assignment on 2 credits.

The course is the first course in the landscape engineer programme and includes parts that concerns the professional context of the landscape engineer.

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

Passing the course requires actively participation in compulsory parts and seminar. Submissions and exercises accomplished according to instructions and passed in all written examinations.

• 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 examination of a degree project (independent project), the examiner may also allow the 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.

Additional information

The course is compulsory within the landscape engineer programme.

Responsible department

Department of Landscape Architecture, Planning and Management