Soil Science and Management (AGRI90066)
Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 |
|---|---|
| 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: 4 April 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Admission into an honours or postgraduate degree.
Corequisites
Non-allowed subjects
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: 4 April 2025
Assessment
| 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: 4 April 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Principal coordinator Jim He Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours up to 48 hours of lectures, tutorials, praticals and workshops One whole day field trip Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025 Last self-enrol date 14 March 2025 Census date 31 March 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025 Assessment period ends 27 June 2025 Semester 1 contact information
Email: Jim He jizheng.he@unimelb.edu.au
Time commitment details
170 hours
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Last updated: 4 April 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Graduate Diploma in Urban Horticulture Course Graduate Diploma in Agricultural Sciences Course Master of Urban Horticulture Course Graduate Certificate in Agricultural Sciences Informal specialisation Landscape Management - 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.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
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
Last updated: 4 April 2025