Introduction to landscape architecture, geology and hydrology
Course description
The course consists of two parts where one part introduces the students to the landscape architecture profession and education, and the other part is about geology and hydrology. In the landscape architecture part of the course you will learn the basics of drawing maps, how urban planning is done in Sweden, and how we as landscape architects discuss and explore place and spatial. In geology and hydrology, basic concepts and processes are introduced, the geological development and structure of the landscape as well as the occurrence and movement of the water therein. You will also learn to identify Sweden's most common soils, minerals and rock types.
Entry Requirements
- Mathematics 3b or Mathematics 3c or Mathematics C
- Science studies 2\*
- Social studies 1b or Social studies 1a1 + 1a2
\*The requirement Science studies 2 may be subsituted with Biology 1 and Chemistry 1 and Physics 1a or Physics 1b1 + 1b2.
Or:
- Mathematics Further level 1b or level 1c
- Science studies 2\*
- Social studies level 1b or Social studies level 1a1 + 1a2
\*The requirement Science studies 2 may be subsituted with Biology level 1 and Chemistry level 1 and Physics level 1a1 + 1a2 or Physics level 1b.
Course facts
LK0455, Introduction to landscape architecture, geology and hydrology, 15.0 Hp
Print syllabus
Syllabus
Finalized by: PN-LT, 2024-11-12
Valid from : Autumn semester 2026 (2026-08-31)
Level
First cycle (G1N)
Main field of study
Landscape Architecture
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
- Mathematics 3b or Mathematics 3c or Mathematics C
- Science studies 2\*
- Social studies 1b or Social studies 1a1 + 1a2
\*The requirement Science studies 2 may be subsituted with Biology 1 and Chemistry 1 and Physics 1a or Physics 1b1 + 1b2.
Or:
- Mathematics Further level 1b or level 1c
- Science studies 2\*
- Social studies level 1b or Social studies level 1a1 + 1a2
\*The requirement Science studies 2 may be subsituted with Biology level 1 and Chemistry level 1 and Physics level 1a1 + 1a2 or Physics level 1b.
Objectives
The purpose of the course is to give the student an idea of what it is like to study for, and work as a landscape architect as well as basic knowledge of plant material, geology and hydrology. After completing the course, the student should be able to:
Knowledge and understanding
- provide an overview of the landscape architect's tasks and roles in society,
- demonstrate basic scientific theoretical knowledge of landscape architecture as an interdisciplinary field,
- identify a selection of plants for design within the landscape architect's professional field,
- provide an overview of the main groups of the plant kingdom as well as plant's structure and the relationship to its environment,
- give an account of the most important processes behind the geological development and structure of the Swedish landscape with a focus on the formation and location of the soil deposits in the landscape as well as an overview of their characteristics,
- give an account of hydrological conditions and processes in the landscape, including the effects of human influence and climate change,
- read and understand geological, hydrological and topographic map material as well as understanding how the map material can be used for an interpretation of the landscape,
- identify the most common minerals, rocks and soils in Sweden,
Competence and skills
- under supervision, apply some of the landscape architect's most common work methods and work processes,
- make a simple digital layout.
Content
The course provides an introduction to university studies, with an emphasis on the pedagogy in the landscape architecture program as well as scientific theoretical traditions. Through lectures and study visits to workplaces, an introduction is given to the professional role and the future labor market. The landscape architect's tasks and roles in society are discussed with particular emphasis on the societal goal of sustainable development. In compulsory exercises, the student tries out some of the landscape architect's methods under supervision.
In this course, studies around plants as one of the landscape architect's most important materials begin. Through teacher-led field walks and self-studies, knowledge is developed about areas of use, climate tolerance and experiential values for the plants in a selected basic assortment. Through lectures and literature studies, a basic theoretical knowledge of the plant as an organism is given. The focus is on the main groups of the plant kingdom, understanding of the plant's relationship to its environment as well as basic plant anatomy and plant physiological processes.
Through studies in geology and hydrology, the foundation is laid for understanding the processes that shape the landscape and provide conditions for both biological systems and human activities. Through lectures, literature studies and excursions, an understanding is created of how geological processes such as the movement of the ice sheet, melting and subsequent land uplift have shaped the landscape and soil deposits. The course provides basic knowledge of the properties of various minerals and rocks as well as the properties and distribution of soil types in the landscape. The hydrological conditions in the landscape are treated on the basis of catchment division, inflow and outflow areas, water balance and ground water. The processes are put in relation to human impact and effects of climate change.
The following elements are compulsory: study trip, excursions, seminars and laboratories.
Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course
The course is divided into two sub examinations corresponding to the course two subjects, landscape architecture and geology, hydrology. The parts are graded separately and are put together according to the course assessment criteria. Landscape Architecture, 9 credits: Approved seminar work, approved plant identification and written assignments and active participation in compulsory parts. Geology, hydrology, 6 credits: Passed exams, written assignments and active participation in compulsory parts.
Responsible Department/Equivalent
Department of Urban and Rural Development
Supplementary information
Included in program
- Landskapsarkitektprogrammet - Uppsala
Module set
| Title | Credits | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Landscape architecture | 9.0 | 0001 |
| Geology and hydrology | 6.0 | 0002 |
The Course Replaces
LK0292