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Syllabus

SG0210 Chemistry for forest ecosystem studies, 15.0 Credits

Skogsekosystemets kemiska grunder

Subjects

Forest Science Biology Forest science Biology

Education cycle

Bachelor’s level

Modules

Title	Credits	Code
Organic, biochemistry and microbial metabolism	8.0	0202
x	7.0	0203

Advanced study in the main field

First cycle, has less than 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Bachelor’s level (G1F)

Grading scale

Language

Swedish

Prior knowledge

Basic qualifications for university studies and qualifications from upper secondary school equivalent to

- Biology 2 and

- Chemistry 2

and

- 45 credits in Forest science, or

- 45 credits in Biology, or

- 45 credits in Earth scienes

Objectives

The aim of the course is to provide fundamental knowledge in general, inorganic and organic chemistry required for the student, in combination with courses in other subjects, to understand in a wider meaning how the forest ecosystem work, how its products may be utilized in a sustainable manner and how it is affected by human activities.

After the course the student should be able to:

• describe and explain the fundamental theory and solve problems in general and inorganic chemistry with special emphasis on chemical equilibrium processes in soils and waters.

• describe and explain the fundamental theory in organic chemistry with special emphasis on wood chemistry and its applications.

• describe synthesis, structure and function of biomolecules

• describe general analytical methods for characterization of the chemistry of wood and biomolecules

• formulate and mathematically solve chemical equilibrium problems linked to processes in soil, air and water, and under supervision conduct simple laboratory exercises

• explain fundamental processes of mineral weathering and organic matter degradation in soils

• present results from exercises and laborations, orally and in written form

Content

The course is composed of lectures, practical laborations and exercises. The first part of the course covers chemical bonding and equilibrium chemistry. Laborations and exercises will exemplify equilibria of solubility, complex formation, acid-base and redox reactions. The second part of the course covers organic chemistry with focus on practical implications in wood chemistry, the chemistry of the living cell and biochemistry. The course ends with a shorter section where chemical and soil processes are linked more specifically.

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

Approved written examinations and approved written and oral presentations of laborations and exercises.

• 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 can be classified as a course in either of the main subjects Soil Science or Chemistry. The course renders the necessary qualifications needed for further advanced courses (G2F or A1N) Plant physiology, Biotechnology or Soil science, within the Forestry program.



SLU is environmentally certified according to ISO 14001. A large part of our courses

cover knowledge and skills that contribute positively to the environment. To further

strengthen this, we have specific environmental goals for the education. Students are

welcome to suggest actions regarding the course’s content and implementation that lead

to improvements for the environment. For more information, see webpage www.slu.se.

Responsible department

Department of Forest ecology and Management

Cooperating departments: