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701-0524-00L 3 Credits BSC , MSC D-USYS

Soil Biology

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Aline Frossard, Dr. Irene Cordero Herrera
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:13:57

Abstract

Soil organisms play a key role on the functioning of natural soil ecosystems. This course provides a detailed overview of the diversity and functions of the soil organisms and focuses on above-belowground relationships, global change impacts on the soil functioning and diversity and methodological ways to assess and mitigate them.

Objective

• Identify the different groups of soil organisms and the key players in the system. • Assess the role of soil microorganisms and soil fauna in the functioning of the soil ecosystem. • Integrate knowledge on above-belowground ecosystems and describe their sensitivity to disturbances (land-use changes, climate change, pollution). • Understand the potential of soil organisms as tools to monitor and improve the soil health. • Develop critical thinking on how to tackle an ecological problem linked to soil ecosystems.

Content

In the first half of the course, theoretical knowledge on the soil biology will be taught during lectures and exercises. Topics covered in the first half of the lecture include: the specificity of the soil as a habitat, the diversity of microorganisms and soil fauna and their relationships (food-webs), trophic-based and non-trophic based functions of the soil organisms, relations between soil and vegetation at different levels. In the second half of the course, case studies of impacts of global change (including climate and land-use changes and soil pollution) on the soil diversity and functions will be presented and discussed. Methods to study soil biodiversity and their functions will also be presented. Case studies involving the assessment of soil ecosystems under specific pressures will be proposed to the students as group assignments.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Handouts and assignments will be distributed during the course.

Literature

No specific books required. Some recommendations will be given during the lecture.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance
Performance will be assessed by: 1) a mid-semester test (based on the theoretical part of the course, counting for 50% of the final grade), 2) a report on the group assignment (second part of the course, 30% of the final grade), 3) a short presentation (to be held during the last session, 20% of the grade).

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Soil Biology
  • Mon 14:15-16:00 (HG E 33.3)
2 h weekly

Offered In