KE0066, Chemistry, Ecology and Statistics, 15.0 Hp
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Syllabus

Finalized by: Programstudierektor Lantmästarprogrammet, 2025-10-22
Valid from : Autumn semester 2026 (2026-08-31)

Level

First cycle (G1N)

Main field of study

Agricultural Science, Chemistry

Subject

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

Objectives

The student develops chemical, ecological and statistical thinking as a foundation for continued studies within the field of agriculture. The course strives to give a holistic perspective, in which the three subjects are integrated. The knowledge and skills give the student the ability to work for sustainable development in their professional role. The student takes an active and critic part in the social debate happening within the green sector.

• Chemistry 9.5 credits – The student can describe the central chemical concepts and relationships, especially those of significance for environment and sustainable development – The student is familiar with chemical workplace approaches and procedures, understands qualitative and quantitative solutions to problems, and is introduced to environmental management systems (ISO) – The student is able to identify the most important groups of organic compounds – The student is able to give examples of relationships between chemical structure and its effects on organisms and environment of e.g. halogenetaded organic compounds, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), brominated flame retardants, and heavy metals – The student is familiar with the central building blocks in living organisms and is introduced to their structure and function, with special focus on proteins and enzymes – The student is familiar with basic metabolism and important chemical relationships in nature – The student is informed about Sweden’s environmental goals and knows how to work within these goals in a sustainable way within the agricultural area

• Ecology 3.0 credits – The student is able to explain the principles underpinning ecosystem function, flows and cycles – The student is able to describe evolutionary processes, define and discuss the concept of biological diversity and its preservation – The student is able to compare factors affecting population size and population growth in all types of organisms, including humans – The student is able to discuss the ecological factors that influence our potential for the long-term, sustainable use of natural resources

• Statistics 2.5 credits – The student can describe the statistical processing of agricultural experiments, from experimental design to the scientifically correct presentation of results – The student is familiar with the most important principles in statistical analysis and knows how to carry out a statistical analysis with the help of a computer – The student is able to find and critically review statistical results and figures produced using different media

Content

The course is divided into three sections, each of which is examined separately:\

1. Chemistry (including laboratory work, seminars and calculation exercises), 9.5 credits\
2. Ecology (including project work), 3.0 credits\
3. Statistics (including computer and calculation exercises), 2.5 credits
   
   The course uses various teaching methods to encourage student participation and discussion, such as teacher-led lessons and exercises, the flipped classroom approach, laboratory work, seminars and quizzes.

Subject-related content

\

1. The chemistry section
   Lectures and seminars:

• Basic theory and conceptualisation are covered.
• Sweden's environmental goals and other environmental and sustainability issues are discussed from chemical, social, and ethical perspectives.
• Current research results that shed light on the chemical background to various environmental problems hindering sustainable development are discussed.
• Fundamental chemical laws and relationships; reaction formulas; chemical calculations; simple redox processes; the acid-base class of substances; pH and pOH; and the importance of buffer systems.
• The properties and nomenclature of the most important organic substance groups are studied.
• Examples of environmental pollution and the relationship between chemical structure and biological effects are discussed.
• Modern analysis methods and examples of their applications are discussed.
• Molecules in living organisms: their structure, function, and central processes.

Calculation exercises:

• Problem solving with a focus on solution strategies is practised in smaller groups.

Laboratory work:

• Basic analysis techniques such as titration and gravimetry are practised. Some of the results are processed and discussed further during the statistics section.
• Students analyse soil samples using the ISO 10390 method, relating them to acidification in different types of soil.
• A scientific approach to thinking is applied, and report writing adapted to future professional roles is practised.
  \

2. Ecology section

Lectures:

• Evolutionary ecology, behavioural ecology and speciation are covered.
• The definition of biodiversity, arguments and strategies for conservation, and the importance of diversity in delivering ecosystem services to green industries are discussed.
• Ekosystemets funktion, energiflöden, näringsämnescirkulation och samband mellan olika näringsnivåer tas upp. Inom samhällsekologin studeras stabilitet och succession.
• Populationsreglerande faktorer, processer, interaktioner, olika reproduktionsmönster samt olika arters störningskänslighet diskuteras.
• Human influence on the design of agroecosystems and natural ecosystems is highlighted, as are the conditions for long-term sustainable management.

Seminars:

• Students work with questions about the course material to deepen their understanding of ecological concepts and processes through discussion.
• Students choose their own topics relevant to ecology, sustainability, and green industries, which they then study and present in groups.

3) Statistics section

Lectures:

• Statistical concepts and methods used in agriculture are discussed.

• Understanding how to set up and analyse an agricultural experiment using randomisation, hypotheses, confidence intervals, t-tests and analysis of variance, for example.

• The student will learn to distinguish between different methods and concepts, and will be able to critically examine the variety of studies presented in the media.
  
  Calculation exercises:

• Problem solving to understand the principles behind calculations most often performed using a computer.
  
  Computer exercises:

Students use Excel to solve statistical problems and illustrate statistical concepts using simulation

Teaching formats

The course uses a variety of teaching methods to encourage student learning and discussion, including lectures, exercises, laboratory work and seminars*.*

The course focuses on the following generic competencies: Time management, managing time frames, problem solving, collaboration, working independently and information literacy

The following parts are mandatory: Seminars and laboratory sessions

Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course

Passed written exams, seminars and laboratory reports. The requirements for the different grades on the course are stated in the grading criteria, which must be made available by the start of the course at the latest.

Responsible Department/Equivalent

Department of Plant Protection Biology

Supplementary information

Included in program

• Agriculture and Rural Management (BSc)
• Agriculture and Rural Management (BSc)

Module set

Title	Credits	Code
Chemistry	9.5	0202
Statistics	2.5	0203
Ecology	3.0	0204

The Course Replaces

KE0059

Other Information

As regards restricting the number of examination events, see combined regulations for education at SLU.