LK0430, Biological systems of the landscape, 15.0 Hp
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Syllabus

Finalized by: DECISION MAKER, YYYY-MM-DD
Valid from : Autumn semester 2023 (2023-08-28)

Level

First cycle (G1N)

Main field of study

Landscape Architecture, Biology

Grading Scale

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.

Course language

Swedish

Entry Requirements

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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Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course

Passed written examinations. Passed participation in compulsory course modules.

Responsible Department/Equivalent

Department of Landscape Architecture, Planning and Management

Supplementary information

Included in program

• Landscape Architecture Programme, Alnarp

Module set

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

The Course Replaces

LK0173, LK0277