MV0226, Geology and hydrology, 7.5 Hp
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Syllabus

Finalized by: PN-NJ, 2025-04-23
Valid from : Autumn semester 2026 (2026-08-31)

Level

First cycle (G1N)

Main field of study

Soil Science, Environmental Science

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 aim of the course is to provide an overall understanding of the geological conditions and processes that shape the landscape, as well as knowledge of the presence and circulation of water in the landscape. After completing the course, the student should be able to:

• account for the geological structure and development of the landscape
• describe the presence and circulation of water in the landscape
• describe basic concepts and processes in geology and hydrology
• identify the most common soils, minerals and rocks in Sweden
• perform basic hydrological calculations

Content

The course consists of lectures, exercises and excursions that deal with:

• the structure and history of the Earth, plate tectonics and processes that form the bedrock
• the role of geological processes in the cycling of elements and climatic trends in the Earth’s history
• composition and properties of the most common rocks and their minerals
• glaciations and their effect on the landscape
• glacial melting, post-glacial sea-level changes and their effects on the distribution of soil types in the landscape
• erosion processes and their sculpturing of the landscape
• soil types and the effect of soil texture on fundamental soil properties
• the hydrological cycle and water balance
• groundwater formation in the landscape
• presence, binding and movement of water and nutrients in the landscape
• water as a resource and human impact on water balance and water quality

On excursions, natural environments are visited to increase the students’ knowledge of geological and hydrological conditions. Excursions, and certain exercises are mandatroy.

Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course

- Passed exams - Approved participation in field trips, exercises and other 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 Aquatic Science and Assessment

Supplementary information

Included in program

• Biology and Environmental Science - Bachelor's Programme
• Crop Production (BSc)

Module set

Title	Credits	Code
Geology	3.0	0102
Hydrology	3.0	0103
Exercises and excursion	1.5	0104

The Course Replaces

BI0844, MV0173, BI1254, MV0209

Other Information

The course is run on part time in parallel with the course BI1427 Introductory course - biology and environmental science or LB0125 Introductory course – Crop production. In connection with study tours, a fee for the course participants is added to finance part of the cost for travel and living.

• 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.