MV0217, Land use and watershed management to reduce eutrophication, 7.5 Hp
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Syllabus

Level

Second cycle (A1N)

Main field of study

Soil Science, Environmental 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

English

Entry Requirements

Objectives

The course provides the foundations for work with water quality and management issues. It provides a holistic picture of the eutrophying emissions that can be related to human activities in watersheds.

On completion of the course students will be able to: • describe hydrological processes and catchment hydrology, • describe how the most important chemical and biological processes in the aquatic environment are affected by increased levels of nitrogen and phosphorus, • describe how different cultivation practices within agriculture affect the water quality in a watershed, with focus on nitrogen and phosphorus load, • suggest appropriate mitigation measures for reduced nitrogen and phosphorus losses to recipient waters, • outline how emissions from private sewage systems and sewage treatment plants affect the water quality in a watershed, and possible methods for reduced impact, • give a general outline of the value of the environmental quality objectives, directives and legislation concerning water quality management in Sweden and the rest of the EU, • plan and carry out a literature study of choice within the scope of the course area and present the results in both a written and oral presentation.

Content

The course explores the effects of eutrophying emissions on the aquatic environment and how mitigation measures and programs can be designed, implemented and managed. Focus is mainly on watershed management under northern European conditions. Teaching is based on lectures, literature studies, group exercises and study visits. An individual term paper is included where supervision is provided by a researcher. All course components are compulsory, except lectures.

The following topics are included in the course: • hydrology at the watershed scale, • occurrence, pools and transport pathways of nutrients and other compounds to recipient ground- and surface waters, • biological and chemical processes in aquatic systems, • eutrophication problems in inland waters and marine systems, • existing environmental monitoring of water quality and methods for assessment and water status evaluation, • reasons for and use of mitigation measures to reduce nutrient loads to the aquatic environment from agriculture, forestry and wastewater, • wetlands for increased nutrient retention in the landscape, • legislation, directives and environmental quality objectives in Sweden and the rest of Europe, • water quality management issues, in a national and international perspective.

Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course

The following is required for a pass mark on the course: • passed written examination, • approved written and oral reporting of project and exercises, • approved participation in compulsory components.

Responsible Department/Equivalent

Department of Soil and Environment

Cooperating departments

Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment

Supplementary information

Included in program

• EnvEuro - European Master in Environmental Science
• Soil, Water and Environment - Master's Programme
• Agriculture and Plant/Soil Sciences
• Agriculture Programme - Soil/Plant
• Agricultural Science with a Specialisation in Plant and Soil Sciences

Module set

Title	Credits	Code
Written examination	5.0	0202
Study visits and written assignment	2.5	0203

The Course Replaces

MV0194