Key facts
UNE unit code: SOIL222
*You are viewing the 2024 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.
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 3, Online | Dates to be advised. Trimester 3 Intensive School The ability to enrol in this unit will be removed approximately two days prior to the commencement of this mandatory intensive school. |
| 18 June 2024 | 20 June 2024 | 3 days | Mandatory Intensive School | Trimester 2, Online | Trimester 2 Intensive School This Intensive School is mandatory for students studying Online; On Campus students undertake practical work during the Trimester. 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.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online Assessment | Yes | 25% | All offerings | Online quizzes based on intensive school or internal practical classes and lecture material (calculation, MCQ) |
| 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. | |
| Report | Yes | 25% | All offerings | Soil function report No. Words: 2500 |
| Final Examination | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Students must achieve 50% or greater in the Final Exam to pass the Unit. |
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.*
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