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SOIL220 Introduction to Soil Science

Updated: 03 June 2010
Credit Points 6
Offering
Responsible Campus Teaching Period Mode of Study Online Level
Armidale Semester 2 Off Campus D - Comp/internet essential
Armidale Semester 2 On Campus D - Comp/internet essential
Intensive School(s)
Start Finish Attendance Notes
05 July 2010 08 July 2010 Mandatory
Supervised Exam There is a UNE Supervised Examination held at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled.
Pre-requisites None
Co-requisites None
Restrictions None
Notes None
Combined Units None
Coordinator(s) Chris Guppy (cguppy@une.edu.au)
Unit Description

In this unit students learn how the soil functions as a chemical, biological and physical system which interacts with the landscape and other parts of the ecosystem, and develop practical soil assessment skills. Students are introduced via theory and fieldwork to soils in the landscape (soil formation, soil-landscape interpretation), and study soil physics (phase relations, fundamental soil physical properties). BEngTech students also learn about soil mechanics and testing for engineers. All other students are introduced to soil chemistry and biology (ion adsorption, organic matter, soil organisms, nutrient cycling). A basic knowledge of chemistry is assumed.
Materials No text required
Disclaimer Unit information may be subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.
Assessment
Title Exam Length Weight Mode No. Words
Online Assessment 25% On/Off Campus
Assessment Notes
Weekly online practical quizzes (calculation, MCQ, short answer)
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1-4, 5 GA: 1, 6
Report 25% Off Campus 2500
Assessment Notes
Soil and landscape report
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1, 5 GA: 1, 6
Unit Test 25% On Campus
Assessment Notes
Mid-semester test (1 hour test), no word limit.
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 1, 5 GA: 1, 6
Final Examination 2 hrs 50% On/Off Campus
Relates to Learning Outcomes (LO) and Graduate Attributes (GA)
LO: 2-4 GA: 1, 6

Learning Outcomes (LO) Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
  1. use an understanding of soil formation to interpret soil-landscape relationships and make recommendations for land management;
  2. calculate and describe the fundamental soil physical properties and explain how these relate to soil behaviour and management;
  3. (BEngTech students) - explain and interpret the basic tests and concepts of soil mechanics that are used by engineers;
  4. (non BEngTech students) - explain and interpret the core concepts of soil chemistry, biology and nutrient cycling in terms of soil processes;
  5. demonstrate and interpret a range of practical field and laboratory techniques to assess soil properties.

Graduate Attributes (GA)
Attribute Taught Assessed Practised
1 Knowledge of a Discipline
Students gaining a basic knowledge of soil science is the underlying aim of the unit and is addressed in all classes and assessments. 		True True True
2 Communication Skills
Students practice communicating their understanding of soils verbally and in written assessments. 		True
3 Global Perspectives
Students are introduced to soil as part of global biogeochemistry. 		True True
4 Information Literacy
Students are taught and use data presentation skills and electronic communication skills. 		True True
6 Problem Solving
Students solve problems in practical classes involving interpretation of field and laboratory data. 		True True True
7 Social Responsibility
Students practice social responsibility in group work. 		True
8 Team Work
Students work in groups in field and laboratory classes. 		True
   

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