GV2F4NU-Soil Ecology & Functions

Module Provider: Geography and Environmental Science
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Prof Elizabeth Shaw
Email: e.j.shaw@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The module addresses the diversity and functions of soil organisms, focusing on their ecology and roles in carbon and nutrient biogeochemistry.

Aims:

This module aims to provide the students with an understanding of the soil as a microbial and macrobial habitat, as well as a knowledge of the diversity of soil organisms, their food-web interactions and functional roles in nutrient cycling.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, the students will be able to:

• Describe the major groups of organisms in soil and their roles in soil functioning.


• Discuss the major interactions between soil organisms and physical and chemical properties of the soil.


• Explain the role of soil organisms as drivers of soil organic matter dynamics and nutrient cycling.


• Understand the symbiosis between soil microbes and plant 

Additional outcomes:

The students will develop key skills in the critical appraisal of scientific information, written communication, time management and the use of technical vocabulary. It is expected that students should be able to apply their knowledge through oral presentation.

Outline content:

• Introduction to soil ecology and functions


• Soil habitat (1): revision on the formation, development of soil profiles, soil horizons and classification


• Soil habitat (2): a home for organisms


• Occurrence and distribution of soil organisms (rhizosphere, spatio-temporal patterns)


• Primary production processes in soil


• Soil microorganisms (bacteria, archaea and fungi)


• Metabolic diversity of so il microorganisms


• Soil meso-organisms and macro-organisms


• Introduction to biogeochemical cycles


• Biogeochemical cycles of phosphorus and sulfur


• Biogeochemical cycles of trace metals


• Ecological function of soils: carbon cycling and soil organic matter


• Ecological function of soils: nitrogen cycling


• Ecological function of soils: mycorrhizae


• Plant-microbe symbiosis

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

A combination of lectures and seminar-type, student-led presentations

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		38
Seminars		10
Guided independent study:		52
Total hours by term	0	100	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	60
Written assignment including essay	20
Oral assessment and presentation	20

Summative assessment- Examinations:

2 hours

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One written assignment (1500 words), set at the start of the semester.

Formative assessment methods:

Advice on course work is provided during the periods of preparation for the group presentations, as well as during the scheduled lectures. 

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-examination in August

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 2 December 2021