Studying online
There are now 2 possible online modes for units:
Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.
Click on an offering mode for more details.
Unit Overview
- Description
This is an introductory unit covering the fundamentals of soil science in the context of agriculture, environmental science and geography. In field, practical and lecture classes the unit covers soil description and morphology (pedology); soil formation (pedogenesis); detailed soil biological, chemical and physical processes and properties, including an introduction to the cycling of water and nutrients in soils; plus soil acidification and salinity. It addresses the consequences of soil and landscape properties for environmental management, and land uses such as agriculture, horticulture, habitation and infrastructure.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
(see Timetable) Availability Location Mode Semester 1 UWA (Perth) Face to face Semester 1 Albany Face to face - Details for undergraduate courses
- Level 2 core unit in the Agricultural Science; Environmental Science; Agricultural Science and Technology; Environmental Science and Management; Molecular Life Sciences; Environmental Science and Ecology major sequences
- Level 2 elective
- Outcomes
Students are able to (1) demonstrate an understanding of the dynamics and formation of soils and the influence of climate, landform and geology; (2) explain the fundamentals of physical, chemical and biological processes and functions in soils, including soil biogeochemical cycles; (3) apply skills in laboratory analysis and field observation of soils and their landscapes; (4) integrate diverse soil knowledge and apply it to problems in environmental science, agriculture and geography; and (5) apply professional skills in scientific communication in the context of soils and soil environments.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) scientific report; (2) tests; and (3) letter to client. Further information is available in the unit outline.
Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Unit Coordinator(s)
- Associate Professor Louise Barton
- Unit rules
- Contact hours
- lectures: 2 hours per week
practical classes: 3 hours per week for 11 weeks from week 1
field trips: 12 hours total (1 day trip on weekends during semester) - Recommended
reading -
White, R. E. Principles and Practice of Soil Science: the Soil as a Natural Resource, 4th edn: Blackwell Scientific Publications 2006
There are no compulsory texts for this unit.
- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
- All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
- Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
- Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.