Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

School: Science

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Soil and Land Processes

• Unit Code

  SCM2201

• Year

  2019

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  3

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  

• Unit Coordinator

  Dr Anna Jenny HOPKINS

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Description

This unit provides a foundation in the area of land management and will give students an understanding of the physicochemical properties of soil, soil ecology and landscape structure and function, and how the interaction of these elements influence land use.

Prerequisite Rule

Students must have passed SCI1125 Professional Science Essentials AND one unit being either SCI1192 Physical Environments or SCI1185 Ecology.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of soil and landscape processes and how they influence land degradation and rehabilitation.
2. Describe the physical and chemical properties of soil and perform basic soil tests and surveys.
3. Describe the roles of the soil biota in maintaining the integrity of decomposition processes and nutrient cycling.
4. Identify various forms of soil and landscape degradation and assess the impact of various land-use practices.

Unit Content

1. Applied soil ecology: ecosystem concepts as applied to soil communities; the contribution of the soil biota to soil structure, decomposition processes and nutrient cycling.
2. Hydrology and land management Pathways of water movement in soil. Aspects of hydrogeology relevant to land management and soil conservation. Principles of catchment hydrology and the land phase (surface and groundwater) of the hydrological cycle.
3. Land degradation processes - Overview of soil degradation processes and the influence of land use. Particular reference to wind and water erosion, degradation of soil structure, degradation of biological function, salinity and waterlogging, soil fertility and acidification and soil pollution.
4. Soil and landscape processes Relationships between geomorphology, soils and hydrology. Processes of landscape and soil development.
5. Soil properties - physical, chemical, biological properties and components of soil. Methods (field and laboratory) of soil sampling and description, analysis and classification. Techniques for soil surveying.

Learning Experience

Students will attend on campus classes as well as engage in learning activities through ECU Blackboard.

For more information see the Semester Timetable

WIL - Field Experience

Students will undertake, and be assessed on, authentic activities through engagement with industry and community partners.

Students experience an environment where they observe and/or participate in the application of theoretical knowledge and skills in a professional setting, under the supervision of an expert or professional in the field. Examples include study tours, observation, shadowing, fieldwork, industry tours.

Additional Learning Experience Information

The learning process involves recorded or live lectures and laboratories, and may include a one-day field excursion. This field excursion represents the WIL component of the unit, where students either complete a land capability assessment for a property owner, or conduct a conservation-focused assessment of soil habitat for a government agency or non government organisation (NGO). Blackboard is used to communicate lecture and practical material, additional reading materials and support resources. All laboratory classes are related to the completion of analyses required for assignments.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Due to the professional competency skill development associated with this Unit, student attendance/participation within listed in-class activities and/or online activities including discussion boards is compulsory. Students failing to meet participation standards as outlined in the unit plan may be awarded an I Grade (Fail - incomplete). Students who are unable to meet this requirement for medical or other reasons must seek the approval of the unit coordinator.

* Assessment item identified for English language proficiency

Core Reading(s)

• Charman, P. E. V., & Murphy, B. W. (2007). Soils:  Their properties and management. (3rd ed.). Melbourne: Oxford University Press. Retrieved from https://ecu.on.worldcat.org/oclc/85504139?databaseList=638

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