ASS 201: Soil Biology and Biochemistry Course Outline

  

Date Posted: 3/23/2018 8:37:45 AM

Posted By: franco crick  Membership Level: Gold  Total Points: 2067

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SOIL BIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY
Course Outline:

2.1 Course Purpose;
The course aims to equip students with the scientific knowledge and skills required to use soil
biology and biochemistry to tackle technical issues in management of Agricultural environments such as control of degradation and promotion of environmentally acceptable and sustainable production practices.

3.1 Expected Learning Outcomes;
By the end of this course, the student is expected to:
1. Identify soil organisms in the EUC ecosystem
2. Explain the physiology and role of different soil microorganisms.

4.1 Mode of Course Delivery
The course content is delivered through:
• Lectures
• class discussions
• case studies
• practicals

5.1 Instructional Materials and
Equipment
• Whiteboard markers,
• Whiteboard,
• LCD projector,
• Laptop,
• Laboratory equipment and supplies.

6.1 Course Assessment;
• One CAT (short answer questions and a
modified essay question)
• group practical reports
• group assignment.
This will constitute 30% of the overall grade.
• Final exam ( short answer questions and
modified essay questions).
The exam will constitute 70% of the course.

8.0 Course Schedule;
Week 1: Introduction: Definition of terms
Week 2: Ecology and activity of soil microorganisms :Fungi and bacteria, Actinomycetes, algae, viruses
Week 3: : Ecology and activity of soil microorganisms : Actinomycetes, Algae, Viruses
Week 4: Ecology of soil macro-organisms: Earthworms,Termites, Arthropods,
Week 5: Effects of soil environment: pH, temperature, moisture, hydro static and osmotic pressure, redox potential and abiotic inhibitors and extreme environments
• Week 6: Organic matter; formation and decomposition of
humus, humus mineralization and release of plant nutrients
• Week 7: Lignin decomposition
• Week 8: Biochemical processes: oxidation and reduction, volatilization, fixation, complexing and absorption on soil elements degradation of resistant carbon compounds
• Week 9: Climax communities in soils: homeostasis and biological upsets; factors affecting distribution and abundance of soil organisms Microbiology of cellulose, hemi-cellulose and polysaccharides
• Week 10: Effect of soil biology on soil health and
sustainable soil management

Additional Information
1.Practicals are compulsory done throughout the course.
2.Practical reports should be written in
the following format:
• Title
• Principle
• Equipment and Reagents
• Procedure
• Results and

Discussion
• Conclusion
• References

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