Print Syllabus

Syllabus

MV0218 Environmental geochemistry, 15.0 Credits

Miljögeokemi

Subjects

Environmental Science Soil Science

Education cycle

Master’s level

Modules

Title	Credits	Code
Theory	8.0	0202
Lab and computer exercises	6.0	0203
Seminar	1.0	0204

Advanced study in the main field

Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Master’s level (A1N)

Grading scale

Language

English

Prior knowledge

Knowledge equivalent to:

• 150 ECTS first-cycle courses, including

• 60 ECTS in a scientific subject such as Biology, Agricultural Science, Soil Science, Earth Sciences, Environmental Science or Technology,

• 15 ECTS Chemistry,

• 15 ECTS Soil Science, Earth Sciences or Biology

and

• a level of English equivalent to upper-seconday-school English (Engelska 6).

Objectives

The overall objective of the course is to provide students with a deeper understanding of the processes that control solubility and transport of metals, nutrients and organic contaminants in soil and water systems, and give an introduction to risk assessment of contaminated soils. The course will provide students with a good theoretical foundation within the subject of soil and water chemistry for further studies at advanced level.

On completion of the course, students will be able to:

• describe how soil mineral and organic material is built up, and how it affects the chemical composition of soil water,

• describe the basic chemical principles controlling solubility of different types of elements and compounds, including organic contaminants, in the soil-water system,

• carry out quantitative calculations for various types of applied soil and water chemistry problems,

• present insight into the methodology used for risk assessment of areas contaminated with heavy metals and/or organic compounds,

• give an overview of common remediation methods used for contaminated soils,

• use some common computer-based geochemical model to quantitatively describe the distribution of elements and compounds in the soil-water system.

Content

The course provides students with knowledge of how basic chemical theory can be applied on different types of soil and water systems, e.g. in environmental risk assessments, environmental monitoring or providing advice on plant nutrition issues. Teaching takes the form of lectures, calculation, computer exercises, laboratory practicals and seminars, where computer exercises, laboratory practicals and seminars are mandatory. The course deals with the following topics:

• characterisation of solid soil components,

• processes in the water phase, and equilibrium with various mineral phases,

• sorption of ions and organic contaminants to soil and sediment materials,

• redox processes and their importance for the solubility of different elements in the soil and water systems,

• acidifying and acid-neutralising processes in soil and water systems,

• geochemical modelling,

• methods for risk assessment of soils contaminated with metals and organic pollutants,

• overview of remediation methods for contaminated soils,

• applications of soil and water chemistry theory within agriculture, forestry and environmental research.

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

The following is required for a pass mark on the course:

• approved written examination,

• passed written assignments,

• approved participation in compulsory exercises.

• 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.

Responsible department

Department of Soil and Environment