ECTS
ECTS Course Catalogue
Course details
Course code: BBS20266o13Semester: 2013/2014 winter
Name: SOIL BIOLOGY
Major: Biology
Study Type: second cycle
Course type: compulsory
Study Semester: 3
ECTS points: 5
Hours (Lectures / Tutorials / Other): 15 / 30 / 0
Lecturer: Elżbieta Kowalska
Language of instruction: Polish
Learning outcomes: Knowledge: Student: W1 – knows methods of ecological researches, formulates research hypothesis [KB2_W01; KB2_W05_BŚ]; W2 – is able to identify basic types of soil environment, can recognise and characterise soil organisms in terms of adaptive characteristics [KB2_W03_BŚ; KB2_W05_BŚ]; W3 – understands interactions between soil organisms [KB2_W02_BŚ]. Skills: Student: U1 – is able to apply the assessment methods of soil biodiversity, methods of collection, extraction, counting and preparation of organisms [KB2_U01; KB2_U02; KB2_U03; KB2_U04]; U2 - defines the species affinity of soil organisms [KB2_U01_BŚ]; U3 - analysis and interprets the interactions between organisms living in the soil [KB2_U03_BŚ]
Competences: Personal and social competences (attitudes and behaviors): Student: K1 – is able to work in a team and organise field researches thinking creatively [KB2_K02]; K2 – is able to select and apply appropriate methods of collecting, breeding, conservation and preparation in studies of invertebrates [KB2_K03]; K3 - proceeds in accordance with the principles of safety and hygiene in the laboratory [KB2_K07].
Prerequisites: Invertebrate zoology I and II, General ecology
Course content: Biodiversity of soil environment. Primary and secondary production in the soil. Soil micro-, meso- and macrofauna. Spatial distribution of organisms in soil profiles. Interactions between organisms. Morphological and physiological adaptations to soil habitat. Influence of micro-, meso- and macrofauna on functioning of the ecosystem.
Recommended literature: 1. Dindall L. D. (ed.): Soil Biology Guide, John Wiley & Sons, 1990; 2. Górny M., L. Grüm (eds): Metody stosowane w zoologii gleby, PWN Warszawa, 1981; 3. Bednarek R: Badania ekologiczno-gleboznawcze, PWN Warszawa, 2004; 4. Falniowski A.: Techniki zbioru, utrwalania i konserwacji zwierząt, WUW Warszawa, 2007.
Assessment methods: Classes assessment: current grade (based on marking of material), graded project work. The presence on classes is compulsory, the student may have only one unexcused absence. Passing the subject is based on the average grade. Lectures assessment: students who passed classes have a written test during the examination session. The exam lasts for 60 minutes. If the student fails the exam the first time he or she has the right to re-take it orally or writing it in the extra date.
Comment: specialization: Environmental Biology