Entry requirements

Knowledge and skill corresponding to 40 points (60 ECTS credits) in Earth Sciences. In addition knowledge and skill corresponding to Geoinformatics MN1, 10 points (15 ECTS credits) and Climate and Soils NV1, 10 points is recommended but not compulsory.

Aims

The course provides the student a foundation in the drivers/causes of climate, climatic factors and the Earth’s climatic regions; Basic knowledge of soil science (pedology), soil properties and regional soil geography; Insights into the connection between climate, terrestrial ecosystems and soils; Training in climatological methods, soil description and classification.

Content

The atmosphere’s global circulation. General soil science (pedology). Regional climates, regional soils, vegetation zones and ecosystem processes. How regional and micro-climates contrast in character and energy balance. Field and laboratory exercise in climatological and pedological methods. Climatic variability and it’s causes. Climate variations across contrasting time-scales. The influence of Human activities, ecosystems and soils on ‘greenhouse gases’ and climate.

Instruction

The teaching takes the form of lectures, seminars, field practicals, laboratory classes and independent study. Participation in seminars, fieldwork and laboratory classes is obligatory.

If requested, the course may be given in English.

Assessment

A test takes place at the end of the course. A portion of the assessment is also in the form of essay work and seminar presentations. In order for the final assessment to be awarded the grade pass (godkänd) or pass with merit (välgodkänd) the seminars and practicals must also be deemed satisfactory. For students who do not pass the final assessment another test occasion will be organised at the beginning of the autumn term, after the Christmas break or towards the end of the spring term.