INTRODUCTION TO SOILS

INTRODUCTION TO SOILS
Course Code
SS 2002
Credit Points
15
Course Coordinator
Dr M Wilson

Pre-requisites

TS 1001 or an A or B grade in Higher Maths, Physics or Chemistry or equivalent qualifications.

Overview

Soils form one of the three main components of our environment and their conservation is essential for sustained life on earth. How soils interact with water, plants, microorganisms and pollutants is also crucial to understanding how to manage the planet.
The course forms a basis for understanding soil geography, properties and environmental processes in soils. Topics covered include: the origin and development of soils; processes in the soil system; the soil physical, chemical and biological environment (including element cycling, soil organic matter and microbial habits).

Structure

Thread I: 12 weeks - 2 one-hour lectures per week and 1 three-hour practical or field trip every other week.

To pass this course, a pass must be achieved in BOTH the theory exam and the in-course assessment.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour examination (67%) and in-course assessment on field and laboratory reports (33%).

Resit: As per 1st attempt.