Print Syllabus

Syllabus

MV0211 Environmental Physics, 7.5 Credits

Biogeofysik

Subjects

Environmental Science Soil Science Soil science Environmental science

Education cycle

Bachelor’s level

Modules

Title	Credits	Code
Single module	7.5	0201

Advanced study in the main field

First cycle, has less than 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Bachelor’s level (G1F)

Grading scale

Language

Swedish

Prior knowledge

Previous knowledge equivalent to at least:

- 2.5 ECTS in Mathematics, and

- either (1) 15 ECTS in Biology and 5 ECTS in Geology or Hydrology, or both; or (2) 15 ECTS in Soil Sciences, of which 5 ECTS in Geology or Hydrology, or both.

Objectives

The overall objective is to let the student acquire basic knowledge of physical, biological and chemical processes within the soil-plant-atmosphere system as well as their significance for the exchange of energy and water. After completion of the course the student should be able to:

• understand and apply theories on the interactions of physical and biological mechanisms that determine the energy and water balance of the soil-plant-atmosphere system, in for instance forest and agricultural systems

• explain the role of the vegetation in regulating the transport of water and energy between soil and atmosphere, and the processes regulating the exchange of water vapour, heat, and momentum of plant communities

• explain how meteorological factors, management, and the properties of site and vegetation regulate the temporal dynamics of the energy and water balances in a vegetation stand.

Content

Physical and biological processes, which regulate transport and states within the soil-plant-atmosphere system are described and analyzed in lectures and compulsory exercises; emphasis is put on flow and storage of water and energy. The contents of the course are:

• Climate at global, regional and local scale

• Mechanisms regulating the exchange of water, heat and momentum between soil, vegetation and atmosphere

• The role of vegetation in regulating water and energy transport

• Evaporation from different kinds of vegetation cover

• Water balance under different conditions of climate, water availability and land use

• Flows of water and heat within the soil-plant-atmosphere system (local scale)

• Radiation balance of the Earth

• Radiation balance of vegetation

• Temperature and heat flows in soil (including frost)

• Relations between carbon and nitrogen dynamics, and water and heat dynamics

• Perspective of the relationship between local-scale processes and global environmental phenomena, e.g., climate change.

Grading form

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.

Formats and requirements for examination

Passed written exam and approved participation in compulsory parts of the course.

• 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.

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.

Additional information

Previous knowledge equivalent to 5 ECTS in Plant Anatomy or Plant Physiology is recommended.

Responsible department

Department of Soil and Environment

Cooperating departments: