Aims and Fit of Module

1. To understand the fundamental properties and processes of soils.  

2. To apply this knowledge to a number of pure and applied problems relating to the soil. 

Learning outcomes

A.  Analyse how fundamental physical, chemical and biological soil properties underpin key soil processes.

B. Analyse the importance of the environment (particularly the landscape  and human activities) in relation to selected soil properties and processes.

C. Recognise the great variety of soils in the world through the differentiation of selected soils from contrasting environments according to key soil classification schemes.

D. Analyse main human impacts on soils and appreciate changing concepts relating to soil conservation.

E. Apply the concept of scientific peer review to a selected soil topic and be able to report it in written and oral way

Method of teaching and learning

Each topic is covered in one or two lectures.  


The course involves both an examination, the writing of laboratory reports, and participation in lectures and seminars.   


There are two complementary elements to the learning strategy:   


1. The lectures (including lecture material available on ICE).   


2. Detailed documents available on ICE on which participation will be based. These documents are selected from up-to-date literature available in the library and from electronics resources.   

*Should the University decide to cancel or postpone the field trip due to unforeseen environmental and/or political circumstances, the Department will either plan an appropriate substitute activity to meet the intended learning outcomes of the trip or make necessary arrangements to organise the trip at a later time, as appropriate.