Polluted, degraded soils cost us millions of dollars every year. They also present real human health and environmental risks. This unit exposes students to key soil degradation issues, focusing on soil pollution, in a variety of landscapes including industry, mine sites and agriculture, and examines options for rehabilitation and clean up. Key topics include: soil characterisation, contaminants and hazards, contaminant fate processes, policy and regulation, sampling and analysis, risk assessment, remediation and rehabilitation, salinity, acidification and erosion. Through site visits, industry speakers and practical exercises students gain conceptual, analytical and field skills needed for applying best practice underpinned by sound science.