ECTS
ECTS Course Catalogue
Course details
Course code: BBS20266o12Semester: 2012/2013 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: On completion of the unit students are able to identify the major types of soil habitats and protistan – animal taxa living in the soil. The characteristics of organisms is focused on morphological and physiological adaptations. Understanding the interactions of the different functional groups in the soil and also practical knowledge of the methods which serve for the evaluation of soil biodiversity as well as methods of collecting, extraction, counting and preservation of soil fauna are among the learning outcomes.
Competences: The acquired knowledge will make it possible to work in units dealing with the determination of soil invertebrates, and also to carry out courses related to soil ecology. The ability to apply methods of collecting, rearing, preservation and dissection may be helpful in laboratory.
Prerequisites: Prerequisites: Invertebrate zoology I and II, 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: Dindall, L. D. (ed.). 1990. Soil Biology Guide. John Wiley & Sons. 1349 pp. Górny, M. and L. Grüm (eds). 1981. Metody stosowane w zoologii gleby. PWN Warszawa. Bednarek, R. 2004. Badania ekologiczno-gleboznawcze. PWN Warszawa. Falniowski A. 2007. Techniki zbioru, utrwalania i konserwacji zwierząt. WUW Warszawa.
Assessment methods: obligatory grade after semester, written exam, knowledge required for passing: at least 60%
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