Key facts
UNE unit code: SOIL500
*You are viewing the 2024 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 3 - Online
- Yes
- Yes
- No
- 6
Unit information
This unit provides you with an advanced set of practical and professional skills in soil assessment for best practice land management in both agricultural and environmental contexts.
The course material will build on your existing competencies including soil description, classification, sampling protocols and assessment of landscape function. You will develop a sophisticated set of skills across the range of current globally important soil and land-based issues (e.g. soil fertility, soil carbon sequestration, soil health, soil pollution and remediation).
This unit is designed to prepare you for the practical work environment so that you are equipped to provide scientifically founded and evidence-based advice to industry, policy and decision makers on soil management.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 3 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
| Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBA | TBA | 5 days | Mandatory Intensive School | All offerings | Dates to be advised. |
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- describe and assess the properties of soils in a broader landscape context and apply that knowledge to mapping or decision making;
- demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of soil carbon sequestration and methodologies to quantify soil carbon in landscapes;
- demonstrate a sound understanding of soil biological processes, including approaches to sampling and understanding soil biological data to inform soil management decisions;
- demonstrate a sound understanding of chemical constraints to inform soil management decisions; and
- apply soil governance and policy principles in agricultural and environmental contexts to meet productivity, conservation or climate goals.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Investigation Report | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Problem based learning scenario. No. Words: 2000 |
| Practical | Yes | All offerings | The School of Environmental and Rural Science considers all practical/laboratory/tutorial activities as essential to student learning. Attendance and participation in all practical/laboratory/tutorial classes (sessions) is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence. | |
| Practical Report | Yes | 40% | All offerings | Problem based learning scenario from practical. No. Words: 3000 |
| Soil and Land Educational Learning Resource | Yes | 30% | All offerings | Development of a learning resource. No. Words: 1500 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Textbook information will be displayed approximately 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the teaching period. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
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Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
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