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Soil Science and Management (AGRI90066)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
For information about the University’s phased return to campus and in-person activity in Winter and Semester 2, please refer to the on-campus subjects page.
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 1
Email: anthony@unimelb.edu.au
Please refer to the LMS for up-to-date subject information, including assessment and participation requirements, for subjects being offered in 2020.
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 |
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Fees | Look up fees |
This subject will examine the major current issues in the management of soils under various land uses in Australia. The dynamic nature of soils will be explored through study of the chemical, physical and biological processes in the soil environment, particularly those which impact directly on plant growth. The subject should develop an understanding of how soils can be managed to optimise plant growth and minimise adverse effects on the environment and present practical solutions to soil management.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject the student should be able to:
- Recognise the major issues affecting the sustainable management of soils under various land uses in Australia
- Appreciate the dynamic nature of soils and apply practical solutions to soil management problems
- Understand the physical, chemical and biological processes that control nutrient and contaminant availability in soils
- Understand the role of soil/agriculture in mitigation greenhouse gas emissions
- Be familiar with the principles underlying the analysis of soils and plants for assessing soil nutrient availability
- Understand the principles used in soil survey and conduct a basic land capability assessment
Generic skills
- A profound respect for truth, intellectual and professional integrity, and the ethics of scholarship
- Capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning and research
- An ability to derive, interpret and analyse social, technical or economic information from primary and other sources
- Awareness of and ability to utilise appropriate communication technology and methods for the storage, management and analysis of data
- Capacity for creativity and innovation, through the application of skills and knowledge
- Ability to integrate information across a relevant discipline to solve problems in applied situations
- Highly developed computer-based skills to allow for effective online learning and communication
- Highly developed written communication skills to allow informed dialogue with individuals and groups from industry, government and the community
- Highly developed oral communication skills to allow informed dialogue and liaison with individuals and groups from industry, government and the community
- Appreciation of social and cultural diversity from a regional to a global context
- Ability to participate effectively as a member of a team
- Ability to plan work, use time effectively and manage small projects
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Admission into an honours or postgraduate degree.
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
This course requires all students to actively and safely participate in field excursions and laboratory activities. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their participation are encouraged to discuss this matter with the Subject Coordinator and Student Equity and Disability Support.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Assessment
Due to the impact of COVID-19, assessment may differ from that published in the Handbook. Students are reminded to check the subject assessment requirements published in the subject outline on the LMS
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Online test due approximately week 4
| Week 4 | 20% |
Assignment associated with land capability, due approximately week 9
| Week 9 | 20% |
Class presentation
| During the teaching period | 20% |
Examination
| End of semester | 40% |
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Tony Weatherley Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours up to 48 hours of lectures and tutorials and two full day field trips Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 2 March 2020 to 7 June 2020 Last self-enrol date 13 March 2020 Census date 30 April 2020 Last date to withdraw without fail 5 June 2020 Assessment period ends 3 July 2020 Semester 1 contact information
Email: anthony@unimelb.edu.au
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
Not Available
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Graduate Certificate in Agricultural Sciences Course Graduate Diploma in Agricultural Sciences Course Graduate Diploma in Urban Horticulture Course Master of Urban Horticulture Specialisation (formal) Crop Production Major Integrated Water Catchment Management Informal specialisation Master of Agricultural Sciences - Elective Subjects Major Integrated Water Catchment Management Major Conservation and Restoration Major Conservation and Restoration Major Environmental Science Informal specialisation Landscape Management Major Tailored Specialisation Major Environmental Science Major Tailored Specialisation Major Tailored Specialisation - Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 31 January 2024