Principles of Earth and Ecosystem Science

This course is intended for students with a non-natural science background who want to understand the basics of the natural sciences related to global change issues. For example, this course is not intended for BSW or BBI students, but aims at students who do not have a background in soil science, hydrology and/or ecology. This course provides a conceptual basis for understanding abiotic and biotic processes, mostly in terrestrial ecosystems, and their sensitivity to global change. Lectures will cover:

• the ecosystem concept;
• Earth's climate system;
• geology and soils;
• terrestrial water and energy balance;
• photosynthesis and plant growth;
• organic matter decomposition;
• plant nutrient use and nutrient cycling;
• temporal and spatial ecosystem dynamics;
• terrestrial versus aquatic ecosystems;
• global biogeochemical cycles;
• introduction to Earth system modelling.

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of the major abiotic and biotic processes in terrestrial ecosystems
• Demonstrate insight into feedback mechanisms
• Develop a simple ecosystem model
• Perform calculations related to major abiotic and biotic processes in terrestrial ecosystems
• Assess the effects of global change on ecosystems

Assumed Knowledge:
No specific assumed knowledge. Knowledge of biology, chemistry and physics at the secondary education level may be advantageous but is not required.