ECTS credits ECTS credits: 6
ECTS Hours Rules/Memories Hours of tutorials: 3 Expository Class: 35 Interactive Classroom: 15 Total: 53
Use languages Spanish, Galician
Type: Ordinary Degree Subject RD 1393/2007 - 822/2021
Departments: Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry
Areas: Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry
Center Faculty of Biology
Call: Second Semester
Teaching: Sin Docencia (No Implantada)
Enrolment: No Matriculable
- Management of the scientific terminology of Biogeochemistry and other related disciplines.
- Management of specialized bibliography.
- To be able to observe and interpret the main superficial biogeochemical processes.
- To develop critical capacity for the interpretation of information on processes of environmental degradation related to human activities.
- To diagnose environmental problems.
Origin of the elements, the Solar System, Earth and Life. Main processes in Biogeochemistry and their study methods. Distribution of chemical elements in surface systems: atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere. Structure and dynamics of surface systems. Current degradation processes thereof. Biogeochemical cycles of the elements.
No substantial changes are foreseen in the different scenarios
Program of the theoretical part
Introductory concepts. Concepts and sources for biogeochemistry. Formation and distribution of the chemical elements in the universe and thee Earth. Biogeochemical differentiation: primary, secondary, and tertiary. Origin of Earth’s subsystems: lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. 4 hours
Main properties of biogeochemical systems. Water as medium and vehicle of biogeochemical reactivity. Concentration and activity. Ionic strength. Ionic potential and element mobility. pH: measure, variability in natural systems. Redox pontential. Eh-pH diagrams and main geochemical environments of the Earth. Colloids: types, nature and properties. 4 hours
Lithosphere. Composition, structure and dynamics. The geological cycle. Weathering of the lithosphere: types, main processes, estimation of the degree of chemical weathering. Soils: formation, organization, types and environmental functions. Main soil degradation processes. 9 hours
Hydrosphere. Composition of the hydrosphere and the water cycle. The oceans: composition, structure and dynamics of the oceanic hydrosphere. Continental waters: composition, structure and dynamics. Main degradation processes of the hydrosphere. 9 hours
Atmosphere. Composition: gases and aerosols. Structure: layers. Dynamics: atmospheric circulation and climate. Relevant biogeochemical reactions in the atmosphere and couplings. Main degradation processes of the atmosphere: stratospheric ozone depletion, formation of tropospheric ozone, acid rain, induced climate change. 9 hours
Biogeochemical cycles of the elements. Basic concepts (sources, sinks, chemical species, feedback processes, etc.). The Earth as a biogeochemical system. Role of microorganisms on the cycles of the chemical elements. Carbon cycle. Nitrogen cycle. Sulfur Cycle. 3 hours
Lab and field work: biogeochemical processes involved en rock weathering
Field trip: visit to the archaeological site of "Dolmen de Regoelle" to study an in situ biogeochemical system. Description of the site (geographical location, geological setting). Study of the distribution of lichens and bryophytes. Characterization of environmental factors affecting biota-rock interactions (luminosity, temperature of the air and the rock, relative humidity). Sampling of salts in rock surface. 4 hours
Lab work: presence and provenance of the salts detected in the samples collected in the filed trip (chlorides and nitrates). Determination of the weathering capacity of organic substances secreted by lichens:extraction with oxalic acid and determination of elements in solution. 4 hours
SEMINARS (4h):
Two seminars with a duration of 2 hours each. Topics for the application of biogeochemical research will be developed (eg evolution of atmospheric contamination by trace metals, use of isotopic signals to determine diet and provenance, water quality, etc.).
TUTORIAL TIME(3h):
Three one-hour tutorial sessions. The learning monitoring, orientation and evaluation of the course work and resolution of doubts will be carried out.
Course work:
Throughout the course, students will develop teamwork related to the theoretical content of the subject. This work may be adjusted to various formats (press release, information brochure, short film, photographic report, presentation, poster, ...).
Basic bibliography
- Butcher S.S., et al. 1992. Global biogeochemical cycles. London: Academic Press.
- Ernst W.G. (ed). 2000. Earth Systems. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
- Schlesinger, W.H. 2000. Biogeoquímica: un análisis del cambio global. Barcelona: Ariel.
- Sierra Rodríguez, M. Á., 2010. Principios de química medioambiental [on line]. 1ª ed. Madrid: Sintesis. Available in: https://prelo.usc.es/Record/Xebook1-519
Complementary bibliography
- Andrews, J. E., Brimblecombe, P., Jickells, T. D., Liss, P. S., & Reid, B. 2009. An introduction to environmental chemistry. John Wiley & Sons.
- Contreras López, A., 2012. Ciencia y tecnología del medioambiente [on line]. Madrid: UNED. Available in: https://prelo.usc.es/Record/Xebook1-1419
- Díaz de Mera Morales, Y., & Martínez Ataz, E., 2004. Contaminación atmosférica [on line]. 1ª ed. electrónica. Cuenca: Ediciones de la Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha. D Available in: https://prelo.usc.es/Record/Xebook1-1730
- Jacobson M.Z. 2002. Atmospheric pollution. History, Science, and Regulation. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
- Muñoz Andrés, V., 2019. Gestión y conservación de aguas y suelos [on line]. Madrid: UNED. Available in: https://prelo.usc.es/Record/Xebook1-5220
- Stevenson F.J, Coels M.A. 1999. Cycles of soil: carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, micronutrients. 2nd ed . New York: John Wiley & Sons
From the competences of the subject, the following will be specifically addressed:
Basic / General
• CB3. Gather and interpret relevant data to make critical judgments on social, scientific or ethical issues.
• CG1: To know key concepts of Biology
• CG2: Gather, interpret and draw conclusions from observational data
• CG3: Apply theoretical and practical knowledge and analytical skills for approaching problems and solutions in both academic and professional context.
• CG4: Communicate the knowledge acquired to both specialized and not specialized audience
• CG5: Learn in an autonomous way, with both time and resources organization.
Transverse competences
• CT1 - Capacity for analysis and synthesis.
• CT2 - Capacity for reasoning and argumentation
• CT3 – Collaborative work ability in order to encompass complex problems collectively
• CT9 - Using information from literature and the Internet
• CT10 - Using information in a foreign language
• CT11 - - Ability to solve problems through the integrated use of the acquired knowledge
Specific competences
• CE1.c – Competence Scope: instrumental knowledge, skills and basic technical skills in biology
• CE5.a - Competence scope: Environment, populations and ecosystems: physical environment, energy flows and biogeochemical cycles
• CE5.c - Competence scope: Environment, populations and ecosystems: Biomonitoring and biocontrol
• CE5.d - Competence scope: Environment, populations and ecosystems: management and conservation
• CE5.e - Competence scope: Environment, populations and ecosystems: Diagnosis and solving environmental problems
Scenario 1 (without restrictions on physical attendance)
Theory classes:
Alternation of master classes, which offer the possibility of showing the most important of each topic, with debates and questions, promoting participation. These classes will focus on the understanding of the concepts of the subject and will offer an overview of the topic. Activities supported by audiovisual and computer media, using different formats. This learning process will be reinforced by intermediate tests that are part of continuous assessment. 38 hours will be devoted to this activity in the course.
Interactive classes
Seminars: two seminars of 2 hours each. Under the direction of the teaching staff, the students will perform tasks such as mathematical calculation of parameters (e.g. enrichment factors, ion balance, etc.), graphic representation of results, reading of specialized publications, and discussion of the results. The seminars are not compulsory, although attendance / participation (list) and the performance of the proposed activities are evaluated.
Field and lab classes. The field (4 hours) and lab (4 hours) clases seek to reinforce the learning of concepts, and to develop instrumental, systemic and interpersonal skills necessary for problem solving. The practices are not compulsory, although attendance / participation (list) and the performance of the proposed activities are evaluated.
Tutoring classes: individual or in a very small group, to clarify doubts, provide information or guide the students, as well as to know the progress in the acquisition of skills and evaluate the course work.
In the three scenarios, the Virtual Campus of the USC will be used through the Moodle application, as a communication tool with the students, offering them information on the course programm and complementary materials for the study of the subject. (learning guide, class presentations, papers, links to web pages, question bulletins, etc.), promoting the autonomous study of the student and the use of bibliographic sources. Likewise, the delivery of the material necessary to carry out the seminars and practices, as well as the delivery of tasks carried out by the students, will be carried out using the Moodle platform. Forums will be created to resolve doubts and expand information.
Theory classes and seminars will be face-to-face if the number of students and available classes allow it. In another case, teaching will be carried out in scenario 2: synchronous teaching, face-to-face with alternate turns in the classroom.
The field and lab sessions will be face-to-face, but the duration of the laboratory practice will be reduced to 50%. Additional asynchronous/virtual activities will be carried out using the virtual platforms made available by the USC (tools in Office 365, Moodle, etc).
Tutoring classes will be telematic using the virtual platforms made available by the USC (tools in Office 365, Moodle, etc.).
Attendance to classes is not compulsory, but the completion of the proposed activities are part of the continuous evaluation. The deadline for the completion / delivery of assignments will be indicated at the beginning of the course.
Scenario 2 (partial restrictions on physical attendance)
Theory and seminar activities will be carried out in synchronous and face-to-face way, but in alternate turns in the classroom, using the method that the USC enables for this purpose and provided that its organization is compatible with the adoption of the measures established in the health protection protocols.
The field and laboratory sessions will be entirely face-to-face. The face-to-face laboratory classes will be reduced by 50%, and will be complemented with asynchronous and virtual activities, using the virtual platforms made available by the USC (tools in Office 365, Moodle, etc).
The tutoring classes will be telematic, using the virtual platforms made available by the USC (tools in Office 365, Moodle, etc.).
Attendance to classes is not compulsory, but the completion of the proposed activities are part of the continuous evaluation. The deadline for the completion / delivery of assignments will be indicated at the beginning of the course
Scenario 3 (closure of facilities)
Theory and seminar activities will take place virtually, synchronously and following the established calendar. The virtual platforms made available by the USC (tools in Office 365, Moodle, etc.) will be used.
The field and laboratory sessions will be entirely face-to-face. The face-to-face laboratory classes will be reduced by 50%, and will be complemented with asynchronous and virtual activities, using the virtual platforms made available by the USC (tools in Office 365, Moodle, etc).
The tutoring classes will be telematic, using the virtual platforms made available by the USC (tools in Office 365, Moodle, etc.).
Attendance to classes is not compulsory, but the completion of the proposed activities are part of the continuous evaluation. The deadline for the completion / delivery of assignments will be indicated at the beginning of the course
Scenario 1 (without restrictions on physical attendance)
The knowledge, competences and skills acquired will be assessed through a set of activities that include a final exam (face-to-face, compulsory) and a continuous assessment. The continuous evaluation will be carried out through: a) intermediate tests to be developed face-to-face or through the virtual campus, b) interactive classes (practices and seminars ) and c) course work. In the interactive activities (practices and seminars) the attendance / completion of the activities (list) and the delivered report in the virtual campus will be assessed.
The grade will be an average of their performance in the different parts in which their work is evaluated: final theory exam (60%), intermediate tests (10%), attendance / completion of tasks assigned in the interactive classes (practical and seminars, 20%) and course work (10%).
The final exam is face-to-face and compulsory. To pass the subject, students will have to obtain at least half the numerical grade for the final theory exam (5 out of 10). After passing the exam, their grade will be added to those obtained in the other activities (intermediate tests, interactive tests and course work). In case of not passing the final exam, the grade will be the one obtained in the exam.
Those who have to go to the second opportunity will keep the grades obtained by continuous assessment, and must repeat the final exam.
For students in the second coursee: the marks of the practices and seminars carried out in the two previous courses are kept. The qualification of the team work carried out in previous courses is not preserved.
Scenario 2 (partial restrictions to physical attendance)
In this scenario the same activities are contemplated as in scenario 1 and the activities will have the same obligation and weight on the final grade of the subject. An attempt will be made to keep the final exam (mandatory) in a face-to-face way. If this is not possible, it will be carried out synchronously using the virtual tools made available by the USC. The continuous evaluation (intermediate tests, reports of practices and seminars and course work) will be carried out virtually asynchronously using the virtual campus.
Scenario 3 (closure of facilities)
In this scenario the same activities are contemplated as in scenario 1 and the activities will have the same obligation and weight on the final grade of the subject. The final exam (compulsory) will be carried out synchronously virtual using the virtual tools made available by the USC. The continuous evaluation (intermediate tests, reports of practices and seminars and course work) will be carried out virtually asynchronously using the virtual classroom.
The details of the evaluation (weight of each section, compulsory, standards for repeating students, etc.) can be seen at the link:
http://www.usc.es/gl/centros/bioloxia/criteriosavaliacion.html
For cases of fraudulent performance of exercises or tests the "Regulations for the assessment of two academic performance and the review of qualifications" will apply (Normativa de avaliación do rendemento académico dos estudantes e de revisión de cualificacións).
The distribution by different means (for example, web pages) of any teaching material posted in the virtual campus is also strictly prohibited.
The same tools will be used to assess competencies according to the following scheme:
-Exam: CG1, CG3, CG5, CT1, CT2, CT11, CE1c, CE5 (a, c, d, e)
-Course work: CB3, CG1, CG2, CG3, CG4, CG5, CT1, CT2, CT3, CT9, CT10, CT11, CE1c, CE5e
-Interactive lessons: CB3, CG1, CG2, CG3, CT1, CT2, CT10, CT 11, CE1c, CE5 (a, c, e)
The specific criteria to evaluate all activities are synthesized in the table that can be found in the following link:
http://www.usc.es/gl/centros/bioloxia/criteriosavaliacion.html
We estimate that the students need 1,5-2 hours of study and personal work for each hour of lectures and lab work.
Classroom work (55 hours):
38 h expositive lectures
12 h interactive learning (4 h field trip, 4 h lab, 4 h seminars)
3 h tutorial time
2 h Exam
Non-face-to-face work (95 hours personal work)
95 h personal work (Study and problem solving, course work, exams)
65 h Individual study
15 h Reports on interactive clases
15 h Readings and course work
Total dedication: 150 h
- Regular attendance and participation in both theory and interactive classes
- Carrying out all the tasks assigned
- Use of tutoring classes
- Use of the recommended bibliography
- Continuous study based on understanding of concepts
- Use of the virtual campus throughout the course
- Consult in advance the documents that are pointed out to facilitate student-teacher interaction
CONTINGENCY PLAN
TEACHING METHODOLOGY
Scenario 2 (partial restrictions on physical attendance)
Theory and seminar activities will be carried out in synchronous and face-to-face way, but in alternate turns in the classroom, using the method that the USC enables for this purpose and provided that its organization is compatible with the adoption of the measures established in the health protection protocols.
The field and lab sessions will be entirely face-to-face. The face-to-face laboratory classes will be reduced by 50%, and will be complemented with asynchronous and virtual activities, using the virtual platforms made available by the USC (tools in Office 365, Moodle, etc).
The tutoring classes will be telematic, using the virtual platforms made available by the USC (tools in Office 365, Moodle, etc.).
Attendance to classes is not compulsory, but the completion of the proposed activities are part of the continuous evaluation. The deadline for the completion / delivery of assignments will be indicated at the beginning of the course
Scenario 3 (closure of facilities)
Theory and seminar activities will take place virtually, synchronously and following the established calendar. The virtual platforms made available by the USC (tools in Office 365, Moodle, etc.) will be used.
The field and lab sessions will be entirely face-to-face. The face-to-face laboratory classes will be reduced by 50%, and will be complemented with asynchronous and virtual activities, using the virtual platforms made available by the USC (tools in Office 365, Moodle, etc).
The tutoring classes will be telematic, using the virtual platforms made available by the USC (tools in Office 365, Moodle, etc.).
Attendance to classes is not compulsory, but the completion of the proposed activities are part of the continuous evaluation. The deadline for the completion / delivery of assignments will be indicated at the beginning of the course
ASSESMENT SYSTEM
Scenario 2 (partial restrictions to physical attendance)
In this scenario the same activities are contemplated as in scenario 1 and the activities will have the same obligation and weight on the final grade of the subject. An attempt will be made to keep the final exam (mandatory) in a face-to-face way. If this is not possible, it will be carried out synchronously using the virtual tools made available by the USC. The continuous evaluation (intermediate tests, reports of practices and seminars and course work) will be carried out virtually asynchronously using the virtual campus.
Scenario 3 (closure of facilities)
In this scenario the same activities are contemplated as in scenario 1 and the activities will have the same obligation and weight on the final grade of the subject. The final exam (compulsory) will be carried out synchronously virtual using the virtual tools made available by the USC. The continuous evaluation (intermediate tests, reports of practices and seminars and course work) will be carried out virtually asynchronously using the virtual classroom.
The details of the evaluation (weight of each section, compulsory, standards for repeating students, etc.) can be seen at the link:
http://www.usc.es/gl/centros/bioloxia/criteriosavaliacion.html
For cases of fraudulent performance of exercises or tests the "Regulations for the assessment of two academic performance and the review of qualifications" will apply (Normativa de avaliación do rendemento académico dos estudantes e de revisión de cualificacións).
The distribution by different means (for example, web pages) of any teaching material posted in the virtual campus is also strictly prohibited.
Communication channels with students
- MS Teams: in the virtual classes of the subject and in tutoring sessions.
- Virtual campus of the subject (Moodle platform): the student will be provided with information on the teaching schedule throughout the course and complementary materials for the study of the subject and the completion of the tasks requested, promoting the autonomous study of the student. The tasks carried out by the students will be delivered through this platform. Forums will be created for the resolution of doubts.
- Email: exclusively or institutional from the USC.
Teresa Maria Taboada Rodriguez
- Department
- Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry
- Area
- Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry
- Phone
- 881813289
- teresa.taboada [at] usc.es
- Category
- Professor: Temporary PhD professor
Beatriz Loreto Prieto Lamas
- Department
- Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry
- Area
- Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry
- Phone
- 881814594
- beatriz.prieto [at] usc.es
- Category
- Professor: University Lecturer
Maria Del Carmen Monterroso Martinez
Coordinador/a- Department
- Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry
- Area
- Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry
- Phone
- 881813288
- carmela.monterroso [at] usc.es
- Category
- Professor: University Lecturer
Francisco Xabier Pontevedra Pombal
- Department
- Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry
- Area
- Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry
- Phone
- 881813238
- xabier.pombal [at] usc.es
- Category
- Professor: University Lecturer
Elsa Fuentes Alonso
- Department
- Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry
- Area
- Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry
- elsa.fuentes.alonso [at] usc.es
- Category
- Ministry Pre-doctoral Contract
| Monday | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 12:00-13:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Spanish | Virtual classroom |
| 13:00-14:00 | Grupo /CLE_02 | Spanish | Virtual classroom |
| Wednesday | |||
| 10:00-11:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Spanish | Virtual classroom |
| 12:00-13:00 | Grupo /CLE_02 | Spanish | Virtual classroom |
| Thursday | |||
| 11:00-12:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Spanish | Virtual classroom |
| 12:00-13:00 | Grupo /CLE_02 | Spanish | Virtual classroom |
| 06.07.2021 10:00-14:00 | Grupo /CLE_02 | Classroom 03. Carl Linnaeus |
| 06.07.2021 10:00-14:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Classroom 03. Carl Linnaeus |
| 06.07.2021 10:00-14:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Classroom 04: James Watson and Francis Crick |
| 06.07.2021 10:00-14:00 | Grupo /CLE_02 | Classroom 04: James Watson and Francis Crick |
| 06.07.2021 10:00-14:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Main Hall Santiago Ramón y Cajal |
| 06.07.2021 10:00-14:00 | Grupo /CLE_02 | Main Hall Santiago Ramón y Cajal |
| 07.22.2021 10:00-14:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Classroom 03. Carl Linnaeus |
| 07.22.2021 10:00-14:00 | Grupo /CLE_02 | Classroom 03. Carl Linnaeus |
| 07.22.2021 10:00-14:00 | Grupo /CLE_01 | Classroom 04: James Watson and Francis Crick |
| 07.22.2021 10:00-14:00 | Grupo /CLE_02 | Classroom 04: James Watson and Francis Crick |