Water quality in the landscape: processes, management, and policy
Course description
Water is one of our most important natural resources, yet human activities change both the quantity and quality of this limited resource. The focus of this course is on eutrophication of inland and coastal waters and water pollution resulting from human activities such as agriculture, forestry and urbanization. Specifically, the course provides lectures and practical sessions led by scientists, policy representatives and watershed practitioners expanding students’ understanding of water quality drivers and patterns across different scales together with policies and watershed management and strategies to reduce eutrophication and water pollution. The combination of technical knowledge of land-human-water interactions and practical skills in watershed management planning will enable students to tackle water-related challenges in their future careers.
Entry Requirements
- 120 credits in natural science or in technology, or a combination of these, and
- a level of English equivalent to upper-secondary-school English (Engelska 6).
Course facts
MX0176, Water quality in the landscape: processes, management, and policy, 7.5 Hp
Print syllabus
Syllabus
Finalized by: PN-O, 2025-12-12
Valid from : Autumn semester 2026 (2026-08-31)
Level
Second cycle (A1N)
Main field of study
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
English
Entry Requirements
- 120 credits in natural science or in technology, or a combination of these, and
- a level of English equivalent to upper-secondary-school English (Engelska 6).
Objectives
The course provides an overview of watershed processes and human activities controlling water quality in space and time together with relevant European and national policies and strategies to reduce eutrophication and water pollution.
On completion of the course students will be able to:
• describe and explain hydrological and biogeochemical processes controlling stream water quality and their dynamics in space and time,
• describe and explain how the most important chemical and biological processes in the aquatic environments are affected by increased levels of nitrogen and phosphorus,
• describe and discuss how different land management practices within agriculture affect the water quality in a watershed, with a focus on nitrogen and phosphorus load,
• suggest and evaluate appropriate mitigation measures to reduce eutrophication and water pollution,
• discuss and evaluate the value and effectiveness of the environmental quality objectives, directives and legislation concerning water quality management in Sweden and the rest of the EU,
• search and synthesize information with relevance for water quality and present it in written and oral forms.
Content
The course explores the effects of human activities 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.
Subject-related content
The following topics are included in the course:
• hydrology at the watershed scale,
• sources, hydrological and biogeochemical transformations and transport pathways of nutrients and other compounds to recipient ground- and surface waters,
• biological and chemical processes in aquatic systems,
• complexity of eutrophication and water pollution challenges in inland waters and marine systems,
• existing environmental monitoring of water quality and methods for assessment and water status evaluation,
• evaluation of different mitigation measures to reduce nutrient loads and water pollution to the aquatic environment from agriculture, forestry and urbanisation,
• legislation, directives and environmental quality objectives in Sweden and Europe,
• water quality management issues, in a national and international perspective.
Teaching formats
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. Generic competencies: Searching the scientific literature, oral and written presentation.
Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course
Passed written examination, approved participation in compulsory components, approved term paper and oral presentation.
- 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 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Written exam | 5.0 | 0001 |
| Study visit and assignment | 2.5 | 0002 |
The Course Replaces
MV0217
Other Information
- 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.