EA5017 - Soil Properties and Processes

This subject is an introduction to the fundamentals of soil science. It emphasizes how soils sustain life on earth, and in particular, how soil properties and processes influence plant growth, water cycling and quality, and gaseous exchanges with the atmosphere. Topics covered include soil characteristics and formation, particularly in Australia; classification and mapping; soil components; physical properties; chemical properties; organisms and ecology; and nature and cycling of carbon and nutrients. The subject can be used towards accreditation as a Certified Practising Soil Scientist (CPSS).

Learning Outcomes

• demonstrate awareness of soil science and its relationship with other human activities and concerns;
• demonstrate knowledge of key chemical, physical and biological soil properties and processes;
• apply skills in assessing soils;
• retrieve, analyse, synthesize and evaluate information and convey ideas and arguments clearly and coherently through written and oral communication.

Subject Assessment

• Written > Examination (centrally administered) - (40%) - Individual
• Oral > Presentation 1 - (10%) - Individual
• Written > Problem task - (50%) - Individual.

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.