1 - COURSE OBJECTIVES
The aim of the course is to present the soil as a proper ecosystem, and to make students capable of understanding and predicting, in principle: i) the behaviour and fate of natural and xenobiotic compounds in soils upon intentional or accidental additions; ii) the possible effects of these compounds on soil ecosystems; iii) the possible resilience of soils upon such events. With the aim of achieving this target, the information will be provided on soil abiotic and biotic components, the relative physical, chemical and biochemical properties, and the mutual interactions and relationships. Interactions between soil and plants will also be illustrated. Information will also be supplied on the monitoring of soil ecosystems in both natural conditions and upon perturbation.


2 - LEARNING OUTCOMES

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
Knowledge of the various components of natural soils and the interactions between these components. Knowledge of the physical, chemical and physicochemical principles causing the natural and anthropic compounds (e.g. contaminants) to interact with the diverse components of soils, once they have been added to it. Knowledge of the possible approaches and monitoring systems (traditional vs advanced) of both natural and perturbed soils.

ABILITY TO USE KNOWLEDGE AND COMPREHENSION
Capacity of identifying the main drivers of natural and perturbed soils, and of integrating and applying in specific contexts the information assimilated in the course: i) of such ecosystems, to understand the possible dynamics herein already present and ongoing; ii) of the monitoring systems, to assess the presence of perturbations and dynamics in such ecosystems.

MAKING JUDGEMENT
To be able to interpret results obtained by observations and measurements (monitoring) to evaluate the extent of soil perturbation of and possible actions to make.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS
The capacity of communicating appropriately (i.e. precisely and with proper terminology) the assimilated information, concepts, dynamics and processes possibly present in soil ecosystems and described in the course. The capacity of expressing the concepts synthetically, but providing details when requested. The capacity of catching the main features characterising natural and perturbed soils.

LEARNING SKILLS
The capacity of assimilating the requested knowledge by using the various materials provided in the course, but mainly of expressing curiosity in understanding the causes of events occurring in perturbed soils, relative to the natural ones. The capacity of having an open mind to other standpoints and opinions, discussing them critically, without prejudices, and calling themselves into question.