Environmental physics
Entry Requirements
\- 15 ECTS in Biology and
\- 3 ECTS in Hydrology
Course facts
MX0166, Environmental physics, 7.5 Hp
Print syllabus
Syllabus
Finalized by: PN-NJ, 2024-11-15
Valid from : Spring semester 2026 (2026-01-19)
Level
First cycle (G1F)
Main field of study
Environmental Science, Soil Science
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
\- 15 ECTS in Biology and
\- 3 ECTS in Hydrology
Objectives
The overall objective of this course is to provide students with a basic knowledge and understanding of the significance of physical and biological processes within the soil-plant-atmosphere system for the exchange of mass (water, carbon and nitrogen) and energy.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to
- explain and apply theories on the interactions of physical and biological mechanisms as well as key factors that control the flows of energy, and mass (e.g. water, carbon and nitrogen) in the soil-plant-atmosphere system, with special emphasis on agricultural and forest systems
- conceptualize and quantify the temporal dynamics of energy and water flows in the soil-plant-atmosphere system for different environmental conditions, e.g. different types of vegetation and weather conditions
- describe the links between global and local scales in terms of energy and water balance as well as the relationships to global environmental problems, e.g. climate change
Content
Subject-related content
This course deal with the physical and biological processes that regulate transport and stores of energy and mass (e.g. water, C and N) within the soil-plant-atmosphere system, for different environmental conditions and at scales ranging from local to global. More specifically, the course is about:
- Radiation and energy balance at the global (Earth) and at the local scale (e.g. plant community)
- Atmospheric processes and conditions, including air temperature, vapour pressure and humidity as well as wind and turbulent transport
- Global circulation and climate, including links to the Earth's water and energy balance
- Water balance and water flows in the soil-plant-atmosphere system for different types of plant communities and under different weather conditions and water availability
- Temperature and heat flows in soil, including frost
- Carbon and nitrogen fluxes in terrestrial ecosystems and their interaction with water, temperature and radiation conditions
- Climate change: mechanisms, observations and model predictions as well as its effects on plant communities (e.g. forest and agricultural systems)
- Perspectives on global environmental problems related to mass (water and carbon-nitrogen) and energy balances in terrestrial ecosystems and the role of humans activities
- Introduction to simulation models
Teaching formats
To further student learning and promote discussion, a variety of methods is used: lectures dealing with the underlying theories, calculation exercises as well as computer simulations of water and energy flows in the soil-plant-atmosphere system to conceptualize and quantify changes over time.
The course focuses on the following generic competencies:
- scientific methods
The following parts are compulsory (exercises):
- Calculations of radiation and humidity
- Calculations of changes in plant and soil water content over time
- Interpretation of sap flow measurement data
- Calculations of wind speed, aerodynamic resistance and transpiration
- Calculations of temperature and heat flow in the soil
- Computer simulations of the plant's water and energy balances
Collaboration with the surrounding community takes place through
Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course
Passed written exam and approved participation in compulsory parts of the course.
Responsible Department/Equivalent
Department of Soil and Environment
Supplementary information
Included in program
- Biology and Environmental Science - Bachelor's Programme
- Crop Production (BSc)
- Agricultural Science with a Specialisation in Plant and Soil Sciences
Module set
| Title | Credits | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Enda modul | 7.5 | 0101 |
The Course Replaces
MV0211, Environmental physics part of MV0184
Other Information
5 credits in plant anatomy or plant physiology, and 2.5 credits in mathematics are recommended.