SGL-11806 Fundamentals of Landscape

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English.

Contents:

The focal point of this course is to understand the relationships between geology, hydrology, soil, vegetation, and land-use. The main focus is on lowlands and the low-lying coasts and river delta of the Netherlands as a typical example of a densely populated urbanized area. We will pay attention to both metropolitan and agricultural regions as well as areas reserved for nature conservation and nature development. We will use an integrated approach taught by a multidisciplinary team.
The course starts with lectures on geology and soil geography; and ecology of plant communities and ecosystems. The theory will be supported by in-depth tutorials and illustrated during three field excursions. All lectures and excursions will be placed in the context of analysis, planning and design of landscapes in the Netherlands and worldwide. Note that this course does *not* cover landscape design and architecture itself, it rather provides the basic fundamental understanding you need in order to develop and design landscapes.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- explain the genesis, history and character of typical lowland landscapes (geology, geomorphology, soils and hydrology);
- understand the fundamentals of water flow (hydrology) in general and more specific in the Dutch landscape;
- explain how species and landscape interact;
- explain the importance of spatial landscape characteristics for biodiverse ecosystems;
- apply multi-disciplinary knowledge from environmental sciences in the context of analyzing and planning landscapes;
- place the Dutch landscape in an international context.

Activities:

Lectures, tutorials, excursions.

Examination:

Examination will be in the form of a written open-book exam in the last week of the course.

Literature:

Reader, course guide