Key facts
UNE unit code: SOIL222
*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 2 - On Campus
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Trimester 3 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- Yes
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
Soil is the living skin of the planet and the single most diverse and fascinating ecosystem imaginable. An understanding of the function and interactions of soil is invaluable in a range of scientific disciplines.
Studying this unit, you will be introduced to soil. You will explore the way it functions in urban and rural landscapes, developing knowledge to enable you to make recommendations for land management.
You will also examine soil’s myriad interactions with the water, carbon and nutrients that sustain life, and the damage human activity can do to its health and productivity.
You will get your hands dirty as you learn how to assess and examine soil by utilising a range of modern field and laboratory techniques.
Trimester 3
In Trimester 3, all unit content and teaching activities are delivered within the first six weeks of the trimester. You can choose to sit the final exam during either the December or January assessment period.
Accreditation
SOIL222 – Soil Science contributes to the educational requirements for Soil Science Australia Certified Professional Soil Scientist (CPSS) and Registered Soil Practitioner (RSP) accreditation.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 2 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 2 | Online |
| Trimester 3 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
| Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBA | TBA | 3 days | Mandatory Intensive School | Trimester 2, Online | Trimester 2 Intensive School is mandatory for students studying online. On Campus students undertake practical work during the Trimester. The ability to enrol in this unit for students studying online will be removed approximately two days prior to the commencement of the mandatory intensive school. |
| TBA | TBA | 3 days | Mandatory Intensive School | Trimester 3, Online | Trimester 3 Intensive School is Mandatory for all students. The ability to enrol in this unit will be removed approximately two days prior to the commencement of this mandatory intensive school. |
Enrolment rules
Notes
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.
Trimester 3:
In Trimester 3, all unit content and teaching activities are delivered within the first six weeks. Students can choose to sit the final exam during either the December or January assessment periods.
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:
- demonstrate specialised and integrated knowledge of soil function in urban and rural landscapes and make recommendations for land management;
- describe, analyse and calculate the fundamental soil physical properties and explain how these relate to soil behaviour and management;
- explain and interpret the core concepts of soil chemistry, biology and nutrient cycling in terms of soil processes; and
- demonstrate theoretical and practical knowledge and skills to utilise a range of practical field and laboratory techniques to assess soil properties.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 50% | All offerings | To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. There is a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. |
| Online Quizzes | Yes | 35% | All offerings | Online quizzes based on intensive school or internal practical classes and lecture material (calculation, MCQ). Approximately equivalent to 2 hours. |
| Oral Examination - Assurance Task | Yes | 15% | All offerings | Examination of the soil pit practical. Oral assessments will be done in real time via zoom/teams. To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 40% in this task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. |
| 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. |
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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