Terrestrial biogeochemistry, 15 Credits

Contents

The course addresses the major biogeochemical cycles in the terrestrial biosphere. This includes focus on the interactions between the atmosphere and plant -soil systems, on how natural processes influence the distribution and cycling of key elements, and on how these cycles are altered by a range of natural and human-induced perturbations, including land use and climate change. Finally, the course will provide an overview of these biogeochemical cycles from local to global scales.

Expected learning outcomes

After completing the course, for the grade Pass, the student should be able to:
ELO 1. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of key terrestrial biogeochemical cycles from local to global scales.
ELO 2. Critically analyze and discuss biogeochemical research published in peer-reviewed articles.
ELO 3. Apply skills fundamental to biogeochemical research, such as analyzing and interpreting data.
ELO 4. Present and summarize data and information in both oral and written presentations following academic conventions

After completing the course, for the grade Pass with Distinction, the students should be able to:
ELO 5. Assess and synthesize data and/or concepts within the biogeochemical frameworks covered in the course.
ELO 6. Critically evaluate of 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 form of instruction includes lectures, student-led discussions of the primary literature, analysis of existing datasets, and in some case field excursions. This is an advanced-level (master's) course and thus comes with the expectation that students can at times work independently and within small groups. The overall format of the course combines short lectures complemented by assigned readings that are focused on a series of key biogeochemical elements or topics. Some topics may also include work with data analysis and interpretation, and may even involve sample preparation and analysis. Individual project work may vary, but could include short individual experiments or deep literature searches to summarize and synthesis our understanding of different biogeochemical elements. 

Examination modes

The examination is performed by:

1. Literature presentations and discussions (group; pass/fail): Each week, groups of students will read and present to the class findings from research articles related to a focal biogeochemical concept. Active participation is required.

2. Short written assignments (individual; pass/fail ): Students will complete short written assignments aimed at summarizing small data sets provided by the instructors.

3. Research papers (individual: pass with distinction/pass/fail): Each student will be required to write an individual paper during the course. These papers will follow standard formatting and language guidelines typical of journals within the field of biogeochemistry. Paper topics can vary, and may be based on individual experiments and data analysis - or in some cases based on short reviews of biogeochemical elements.

4. Written examination (individual: pass with distinction/pass/fail): A written examination is given at the end of the course that will cover all parts of the course.

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. Any student who passes the course with a G will not be able retake exams to obtain a higher grade. 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.