Soil and water chemistry
Entry Requirements
• 150 ECTS first-cycle courses
• 15 ECTS Chemistry,
• 15 ECTS Soil Science or Earth Sciences
and
• a level of English equivalent to upper-secondary-school English (Engelska 6).
Course facts
MX0170, Soil and water chemistry, 7.5 Hp
Print syllabus
Syllabus
Finalized by: PN-NJ, 2024-10-16
Valid from : Autumn semester 2025 (2025-09-01)
Level
Second cycle (A1N)
Main field of study
Environmental Science, Soil 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
• 150 ECTS first-cycle courses
• 15 ECTS Chemistry,
• 15 ECTS Soil Science or Earth Sciences
and
• a level of English equivalent to upper-secondary-school English (Engelska 6).
Objectives
The overall goal of the course is to provide an in-depth and quantitative understanding of the chemical processes that govern the solubility and transport of nutrients, metals, and pesticides in soil and water systems, and how these processes affect, for example, soil fertility and the quality of water systems. The course gives the student a solid theoretical basis in the subject of soil and water chemistry.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to
- describe the composition of soil minerals and organic matter, and how they affect the chemical composition of soil water,
- assess the solubility and mobility of nutrients and contaminants in the soil-water system,
- interpret data from chemical analyses of soil and water samples
- carry out calculations for various soil and water chemistry applications.
Content
Subject-related content
The course provides advanced knowledge in soil and water chemistry and how to apply basic chemical theory to various types of soil and water systems, for example, in environmental monitoring or in connection with advising on plant nutrition issues.
The course covers the following topics:
- An overview of the solid components of soil,
- Processes in the water phase, and chemical equilibria with different mineral phases,
- The fate of pesticides in soil and water systems
- Sorption of nutrients and contaminants to soil and sediment materials,
- Redox processes and their significance for the solubility and bioavailability of nutrients and contaminants in soil and water systems,
- Acidification and acid-neutralizing processes in soil and water systems and the significance of these processes for environmental quality and fertility,
- Applications of soil and water chemistry theory in agriculture, forestry, and environmental monitoring.
Teaching formats
To further student learning and promote discussion, a variety of methods are used: lectures, problem-solving and computer exercises, assignments, laboratory work, and seminars.
The course focuses on the following generic competencies: written and oral communication, collection and analysis of data, teamwork, and digital competence/the use of relevant software.
The following parts are compulsory: certain exercises are compulsory.
Collaboration with the surrounding community takes place through a guest lecture on a relevant topic.
Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course
- Approved written exercises - Approved participation in compulsory components - Passed written examination
Responsible Department/Equivalent
Department of Soil and Environment
Supplementary information
Included in program
- EnvEuro - European Master in Environmental Science
- Soil, Water and Environment - Master's Programme
- Agriculture and Plant/Soil Sciences
- Agricultural Science with a Specialisation in Plant and Soil Sciences
Module set
| Title | Credits | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Enda modul | 7.5 | 0101 |
Other Information
Co-reading with course in Environmental Geochemistry.