BI1455, Biotope analysis and construction, 15.0 Hp
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Syllabus

Finalized by: Ansvarig ledamot PN-LT, 2023-11-20
Valid from : Spring semester 2025 (2025-01-20)

Level

First cycle (G2F)

Main field of study

Biology, Landscape Architecture

Biology Area

Ecology

Grading Scale

5 / 4 / 3 / U

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

The purpose of the course is to give the student in-depth knowledge of Nordic vegetation types and their biotopes in order to be able to construct biotopes from scratch in, for example, urban environments and in restoration projects. The aim is also to give the students an in-depth knowledge of eco-technology in the creation of ecosystem services.

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

Knowledge and understanding

• identify the most common biotopes in Sweden and describe their soil, water and climate conditions
• explain the basics of how new biotopes can be created
• account for various constructions, soil layers and technical details to create new ground on built constructions such as e.g. roofs or joists.

Competence and skills

• suggest which biotope is best suited to be established on a site, with consideration to ecological factors, based on analysis of biotopes in the surrounding area and the site's limiting factors
• apply the basics in the construction of new biotopes with a focus on soil substrates, plants and water
• with guidance, create drawings with a framework description for the construction of new biotopes.

Judgement and approach

• reflect on prospects with biotope creation concerning human needs and the needs of other animals and organisms
• reflect on how a landscape engineer can create ecosystem services through various projects and thereby contribute to creating more sustainable cities.

Content

In this course, the student deepens their knowledge in ecology, soil science, soil construction, and eco-technology. Through this deepening, knowledge is gained in identifying, analyzing, and designing vegetation types and biotopes. The student also gets to practice their skills in assessing the surroundings, which newly created biotopes could deliver the most ecosystem services by, for example, functioning as a green corridor. By interspersing theory, excursions, and practical sessions, the students develop their ability to design and create actions for new vegetation types and biotopes. The course contains several compulsory elements.

Within the course, the student designs and builds a test facility for a new biotope with supervision and based on the knowledge that the student acquired in the previous stage of the course, this is a group task. The aim is to create an understanding of both the possibility and the complexity within eco-technology and in the construction of new biotopes.

Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course

Approved assignments and written exams, as well as active participation in compulsory excursions and seminars.

•  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.

Responsible Department/Equivalent

Department of Ecology

Supplementary information

Included in program

• Landscape Engineer Programme - Alnarp
• Landskapsingenjörsprogrammet - Uppsala

Module set

Title	Credits	Code
Vegetation types and soil ecology	6.0	0001
Nature-like plantings	4.5	0002
Establishment of biotopes	4.5	0003

Other Information

Probable costs connected to excursions are paid by the student, information about this is provided via the course website.

Recommended prior knowledge:

Basic knowledge in ecology, soil science, plant knowledge and plant use, plant physiology, and landscape construction corresponding to the first two years of the landscape engineer program.

• 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.