Biogeochemistry Field of study: Biology
Programme code: W2-S1BI19.2023

Module name: Biogeochemistry
Module code: 1BL_23_34
Programme code: W2-S1BI19.2023
Semester:
  • summer semester 2026/2027
  • winter semester 2026/2027
  • summer semester 2025/2026
  • winter semester 2025/2026
Language of instruction: depending on the choice
Form of verification: course work
ECTS credits: 3
Purpose and description of the content of education:
The Biogeochemistry module allows the student to become familiar with: natural and anthropogenic sources of metals in the environment and the influence of physicochemical factors on the mobility and bioavailability of metals in soils, waters and air; the influence of living organisms on the migration of metals in soils; the content of metals in unpolluted and polluted environments as a result of human activities; methods for determining the bioavailability of metals; the effects of metals on microorganisms, plants, animals and humans; biomarkers for determining human exposure to heavy metals. The student is also introduced to the concept of PTWI. The student also acquires the skills to work in small groups.
List of modules that must be completed before starting this module (if necessary): not applicable
Learning outcome of the module Codes of the learning outcomes of the programme to which the learning outcome of the module is related [level of competence: scale 1-5]
The student presents natural and anthropogenic sources of selected heavy metals and aluminium in the environment. Describes the mechanisms that determine the mobility and bioavailability of metals in the natural environment. Can demonstrate the relationships between the physicochemical properties of the environment and the bioavailability of metals and their effects on microorganisms, plants and animals. Explains the processes involved in the effects of metals on animals and humans, for example: absorption pathways, excretion pathways, mechanism of toxic effects of metals. Is familiar with the concept of PTWI. Presents the most commonly used biomarkers of toxic effects of metals. Demonstrates the accumulation sites, bioavailability and migration pathways of metals in different zones of the earth and their effects on living organisms. [1BL_23_34]
 1BL_W01 [5/5] 1BL_W02 [3/5] 1BL_W04 [5/5] 1BL_U03 [4/5] 1BL_U04 [5/5] 1BL_U10 [3/5] 1BL_U11 [5/5] 1BL_U13 [3/5] 1BL_U15 [1/5] 1BL_K01 [4/5] 1BL_K02 [2/5] 1BL_K04 [4/5] 1BL_K05 [4/5]
Form of teaching Number of hours Methods of conducting classes Assessment of the learning outcomes Learning outcomes
lecture [01] 30 Formal lecture/ course-related lecture [a01] 
Description [a03] 
Problem-based lecture [b01] 
Lecture-discussion [b02] 
Screen presentation [c07] 
Working with a programmed textbook [d02] 
Working with another teaching tool [d03] 
Individual work with a text [f02]  		course work 1BL_23_34
discussion classes [02] 15 Activating method – peer learning [b08] 
Activating method – flipped classroom [b09] 
Screen presentation [c07] 
Working with a programmed textbook [d02] 
Working with another teaching tool [d03] 
Self-education [f01] 
Individual work with a text [f02] 
Conceptual work [f03]  		course work 1BL_23_34
The student's work, apart from participation in classes, includes in particular:
Name Category Description
Search for materials and review activities necessary for class participation [a01] Preparation for classes
reviewing literature, documentation, tools and materials as well as the specifics of the syllabus and the range of activities indicated in it as required for full participation in classes
Literature reading / analysis of source materials [a02] Preparation for classes
reading the literature indicated in the syllabus; reviewing, organizing, analyzing and selecting source materials to be used in class
Consulting materials complementary to those indicated in the syllabus [a04] Preparation for classes
agreeing on materials complementary to those indicated in the syllabus, supporting the implementation of tasks resulting from or necessary for class participation
Getting acquainted with the syllabus content [b01] Consulting the curriculum and the organization of classes
reading through the syllabus and getting acquainted with its content
Studying the literature used in and the materials produced in class [c02] Preparation for verification of learning outcomes
exploring the studied content, inquiring, considering, assimilating, interpreting it, or organizing knowledge obtained from the literature, documentation, instructions, scenarios, etc., used in class as well as from the notes or other materials/artifacts made in class
Implementation of an individual or group assignment necessary for course/phase/examination completion [c03] Preparation for verification of learning outcomes
a set of activities aimed at performing an assigned task, to be executed out of class, as an obligatory phase/element of the verification of the learning outcomes assigned to the course
Analysis of the corrective feedback provided by the academic teacher on the results of the verification of learning outcomes [d01] Consulting the results of the verification of learning outcomes
reading through the academic teacher’s comments, assessments and opinions on the implementation of the task aimed at checking the level of the achieved learning outcomes
Development of a corrective action plan as well as supplementary/corrective tasks [d02] Consulting the results of the verification of learning outcomes
reviewing and selecting tasks and activities enabling the elimination of errors indicated by the academic teacher, their verification or correction resulting in completing the task with at least the minimum passing grade
Undertaking, on one’s own initiative and individually, activities aimed at expanding the scope or depth of the teaching content, also beyond the walls of the University [e01] Activities complementary to the classes
a set of activities undertaken independently and on the student's own initiative, aimed at expanding the depth and scope of knowledge and skills, their revision and repetition, retention or verification, also activities carried outside the university, e.g., in a culture promoting or educational institution, a laboratory, in the open air, etc.; also self-education
Attachments
Module description (PDF)
Information concerning module syllabuses might be changed during studies.
Syllabuses (USOSweb)
Semester Module Language of instruction
(no information given)