Terrestrial biogeochemistry, 15 Credits

Contents

The course addresses terrestrial biogeochemical cycles from the atmosphere to the soil, and how natural processes influence the distribution of elements and their cycles and how these may be altered by perturbation. In this course the focus is on developing an overview of fundamental biogeochemical cycles at site and watershed scales.

Expected learning outcomes

After completing the course, for the grade Pass, the student should be able to:

1. Describe and illustrate terrestrial biogeochemical cycles at site and watershed scales
2. apply skills fundamental to biogeochemical research, such as evaluate and interpret analytical data
3. present, summarize and analyze research data and information in written [and oral] presentations following academic conventions
 4. critically analyze scientific research

After completing the course, for the grade Pass with Distinction, the students should be able to:
5. synthesize new data within the framework of biogeochemical concepts covered in the course
6. evaluate new data and conclusions in relation to international primary references (e.g., peer-reviewed journals) within the subject field

Required Knowledge

120 ECTS including 60 ECTS in earth science / physical geography, or 60 ECTS in Biology or 60 credits Chemistry and 30 ECTS in earth science / physical geography, or 60 ECTS Environmental Science and 30 ECTS in earth science / physical geography, or the equivalent. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6.  Where the language of instruction is Swedish, applicants must prove proficiency in Swedish to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies

Form of instruction

The work includes both theoretical studies based on current research literature and practical studies based on performing analyses and evaluating and summarizing research data. This is an advanced-level (master’s) course that is conducted in a tutorial format, where the majority of the work is done independently with supervision (direct and indirect). The format of the course combines: reading and discussion of research literature (textbook and current research articles); some laboratory work that may include sample preparation and geochemical analyses and discussion of analytical approaches; data analysis; electronic data mining; literature searching, reading and analysis; and short written reports addressing central themes in connection with provided data. You will note that this is not a lecture-based course, but rather we focus on actively performing and discussing science.
 

Examination modes

The examination is performed by:

Literature discussions (individual: pass/fail): Read and discuss assigned literature (book chapters, research articles) related to    a focus concept each week. Active participation required.

Short written assignments (individual): shorter assignments will be given that may address bibliographic searches, data analysis (pass/fail) and article reviews (pass with distinction/pass/fail).

Research papers (2) (individual: pass with distinction/pass/fail): Data will be provided that will span a few of the main concepts addressed in the course, which the students must evaluate and summarize in the format of a short research manuscript. The papers shall follow the guidelines used by a relevant journal within biogeochemistry. NOTE: In the case of the research papers, an iterative process is used. That is, complete, formatted drafts according to journal guidelines are submitted. Manuscripts that do not follow journal guidelines are returned without review (this would include manuscripts that have clearly not been spell-/grammar-checked). Submitted manuscripts are then reviewed, which includes both a reviewer’s checklist (i.e., grading rubric) and an annotated copy of the manuscript. The original submitted manuscript must then be revised according to recommendations and comments from the review(s). Thereafter a grade is only earned after the manuscript has been revised (in some instances a further revision may still be required). 

The rating given on  the whole course is Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG). For the grade Pass, the student must fulfill all expected study outcomes for the grade Pass. For the grade Pass with Distinction, the student must also fulfill all expected study outcome for the grade Pass with Distinction.  Anyone who pass the tests can´t retake them to obtain higher grades. To pass the entire course all tests and compulsory parts are approved. The grade of the course is based on all examinations and is set only after all mandatory elements are approved. A student who has failed two tests for a course or a part of a course, are entitled to have another examiner appointed, unless there are specific reasons against it (HF 6 chap. 22§). Requests for new examiners are made to the head of the Department of Ecology and Environmental Science.

Crediting
Students have the right to have their previous education or equivalent knowledge and skills acquired in the profession tested whether it can be credited for the corresponding course at Umeå University. Application for credit is submitted to the Student Centre / Examinations. For more information on credit transfer available on Umeå University's student web, www.student.umu.se, and the Higher Education Ordinance (Chapter 6). A refusal of accreditation may be appealed against (Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 12) to the University Appeals Board. This applies to the whole as well as part of the application if accreditation is refused.

Other regulations

In the event that the course plan ceases to apply or undergoes major changes, students are guaranteed at least three exam opportunities (including regular examinations) according to the rules in the syllabus that the student was originally registered for, for a maximum of two years from the date of expiry of the previous course plan or the course ceased being offered.