BI1465, Ecology for Environment and Water, 5.0 Hp
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Syllabus

Finalized by: PN-NJ, 2024-11-15
Valid from : Autumn semester 2025 (2025-09-01)

Level

First cycle (G1F)

Main field of study

Biology

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 course will provide knowledge about terrestrial ecosystem structure and function.

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to

• describe the energy and water balance of ecosystems.
• explain how primary production is regulated in ecosystems.
• describe the biogeochemical cycles of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorous, and how they change over time.
• explain population dynamics and interactions between species.
• analysis changes in ecosystems caused by natural and human activities, with regards to threshold effects and resilience.
• make simple calculations of ecological systems in order to predict system change in reaction to stimulus.

Content

Subject-related content

Lectures will cover the following concepts: Terrestrial ecosystems and their water and energy balances. Primary production in ecosystems. Biogeochemical cycles of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorous. Decomposition and turnover of organic matter. Basic population, community and ecosystem ecology. Biodiversity, ecosystem processes and changes within ecosystems due to natural and human influences, and ecosystem services.

During compulsory exercises, basic concepts will be interpreted and applied with the help of mathematical models.

Teaching formats

To further student learning and promote discussion, a variety of methods are used: lectures, exercises

The course focuses on the following generic competencies: information competence

The following moments are compulsory: exercises

Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course

Passed written examination and approved participation in compulsory components.

•  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

• Master Programme in Environmental and Water Engineering

Module set

Title	Credits	Code
System Ecology	2.5	0101
Population Ecology	2.5	0102

The Course Replaces

BI1274

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.