EA2007 - Applied Soil Science

Credit points:	03
Year:	2013
Student Contribution Band:	Band 2
Administered by:	Sch of Earth & Environmental Sciences

Delve into the earth's skin - the vital layer from which all terrestrial life is sustained. Areas covered: Soil functions and management. How and why soils vary through the landscape. Soil components, soil chemical, physical and biological properties and processes. Water and nutrient cycling. Problem soils and management: saline, sodic, acid, alkaline, nutrient poor, impermeable soils. Degradation, rehabilitation and sustainability. Soil classification and mapping.

Learning Outcomes

• gain awareness of soil science and its relationship with other pursuits;
• acquire knowledge of key chemical, physical and biological soil properties and processes;
• acquire skills in assessing soils and appropriate management interventions;
• develop enquiring approach.

Graduate Qualities

• The ability to think critically, to analyse and evaluate claims, evidence and arguments;
• The ability to adapt knowledge to new situations;
• The ability to define and to solve problems in at least one discipline area;
• The ability to speak and write logically, clearly and creatively;
• The ability to calculate, produce, interpret and communicate numerical information;
• A coherent and disciplined body of skills, knowledge, values and professional ethics in at least one discipline area.

Prerequisites:	AT LEAST 12 CREDITS AT LEVEL 1
Inadmissible Subject Combinations:	EA3004 EA5017

Availabilities
Townsville, Internal, Study Period 2
Census Date 29-Aug-2013
Coord/Lect:	Dr Paul Nelson.
Contact hours:	26 hours lectures 39 hours practicals
Assessment:	end of semester exam (40%); quizzes or tests (10%); practical tasks (28%); essays (22%).
Cairns, Internal, Study Period 2
Census Date 29-Aug-2013
Coord/Lect:	Dr Paul Nelson.
Contact hours:	26 hours lectures 39 hours practicals
Assessment:	end of semester exam (40%); quizzes or tests (10%); practical tasks (28%); essays (22%).

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.