ENVB40680 Soil Ecology

Academic Year 2023/2024

This module provides an overview of the biology, ecology and management of soils. The module covers the diversity, biology and functions of soil organisms; ecological interactions in soils; biogeochemical cycling in soils; principles of biological soil management; and threats to and protection of soil biodiversity; plant- soil interactions.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module students will be able to:
- Describe the diversity, ecology and functions of soil organisms.
- Explain ecological interactions in soil and between plants and soil.
- Identify appropriate research methods for ecological questions applied to soil and plant-soil interactions.
- Navigate key literature on the role of soils in terrestrial ecosystems.
- Understand the principles of soil management in multiple environmental contexts.

Indicative Module Content:

Topics include the following:

1, soil biodiversity from multiple points of view, including basic biology, ecology and functions of the microbes (bacteria, fungi, protists) and fauna (mostly microarthropods, nematodes and earthworms);
2, ecological interactions in soils, including plant-microbe interactions, above-belowground interactions, and food webs;
3, responses to perturbations such as extreme weather events (drought, flood);
4, the role of soil ecology in the biogeochemical cycling of C, N, and P;
5, research techniques in soil ecology including microbial diversity analysis, stable isotope techniques and quantification of trace gas emissions;
6, threats to and protection of soil biodiversity;
7, principles of soil management.
8, practical exercises include population assessment of soil faunal groups and an introduction to the identification of major taxa.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

10
Seminar (or Webinar)

12
Practical

6
Specified Learning Activities

40
Autonomous Student Learning

36
Total

104
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Teaching and learning in this module is designed for Level 4/5 students. Major topics are introduced in lectures and complemented by student-led seminars in which individual students present the content of a research paper to the class. Other students, who also read the paper, ask questions in the discussions. Lectures are interactive and use videos and questions to the class to stimulate discussions. Three laboratory practicals cover major taxa of soil organisms and the techniques of how to study them. Worksheets guide students during practicals. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Lab Report: Data Analysis and Interpretation Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

25
Presentation: Presentation (slides, scripts, delivery) Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Graded No

25
Lab Report: Measurements II Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

25
Lab Report: Measurements I Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

25

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Individual feedback is given to students post-assessment. Individual feedback is given during practicals as students complete worksheets. Individual and class feedback is given on completed worksheets, in the form of annotations and a grade.

General Books
Bardgett, R.. Earth Matters: How soil underlies civilization. Oxford University Press, 2016
(available through UCD Library, online)


Bardgett, R. (2005). The biology of soil: a community and ecosystem approach. Oxford university press.
(available as Check Shelves, 577.57 BAR, James Joyce, General)

Bardgett, R. D., & Wardle, D. A. (2010). Aboveground-belowground linkages: biotic interactions, ecosystem processes, and global change. Oxford University Press
(available as Check Shelves 577.57 BAR, James Joyce, General


Reference to specific research and review articles (all accessible online through UCD library) will be given during the course
Name Role
Dr Grace Hoysted Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Spring
      
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 30, 31, 32, 33 Tues 12:00 - 13:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 30 Wed 13:00 - 16:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 31 Wed 13:00 - 16:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 32 Wed 13:00 - 16:50
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 33 Wed 13:00 - 16:50
Spring