Principles of Soil Science (AGRI20038)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville) and On Campus (Dookie)
About this subject
Contact information
Semester 2
Semester 2
Overview
| Availability | Semester 2 - On Campus Semester 2 - On Campus |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
Soil is the foundation for profitable farming. In this subject the principles of chemistry, physics and biology will be used to determine how decisions are made on the suitability of soil for agriculture and what effects agricultural practice can have on soil. Topics include soil morphology, soil physical and chemical properties, clay mineralogy, soil organic matter, soil biology & ecology, soil acidity and alkalinity, and the biogeochemical cycles of C, N, and other elements as well as the environmental outcomes associated with the management of soils. The subject will enable students to understand the importance of soil knowledge for sustainable agricultural production. Students will undertake hands-on practicals, and field trips will be used to enable students to understand the relationship between landscapes, soils and land use, the impacts land management decisions can have on soil quality, and to describe soils for the purpose of enabling informed land management decision.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Explain the relationship between soils and landscape
- Infer soil functions from biological, chemical and physical characteristics of the soil
- Report how land management influences soil health
- Advise land managers and others on how soil properties influence agriculture production
- Draw conclusions on the relationship between land use and soil using data collated on soil properties
Generic skills
A student who satisfactorily completes this subject should be able to:
- explain their understanding of soil science;
- review and evaluate readings relating to soil science and agricultural production
- participate as an effective member of a group in workshop discussions, and study groups;
- think independently and analytically, and direct his or her own learning; and
- manage time effectively in order to be prepared for regular classes, tests and the examination.
Last updated: 8 November 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
One of
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| AGRI10046 | Foundations of Agricultural Sciences 2 | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
| CHEM10003 | Chemistry 1 |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
| CHEM10006 | Chemistry for Biomedicine |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
EVSC20002 Soil and Water Resources
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.
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: 8 November 2024
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
Report 1 based on field trips, practicals or workshops
| Week 7 | 25% |
Report 2 based on field trips, practicals or workshops
| Week 10 | 25% |
Quiz based on practicals / workshops
| Approximately week 5 | 10% |
Examination
| End of semester | 40% |
| Hurdle requirement: Students must attend a minimum 80% of scheduled workshops/practical classes | N/A |
Last updated: 8 November 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 2 - On Campus
Principal coordinator Helen Suter Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 1 x 2 hour lecture per week, 1x2 hr tutorial/practicals per week, and 2-days of field trips Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 28 July 2025 to 26 October 2025 Last self-enrol date 8 August 2025 Census date 1 September 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 26 September 2025 Assessment period ends 21 November 2025 Semester 2 contact information
- Semester 2 - On Campus
Principal coordinator Helen Suter Coordinator Arjun Pandey Mode of delivery On Campus (Dookie) Contact hours 52 hours. 24 hours of lectures, 12 hours of practicals/workshops, 2-days field trips Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 28 July 2025 to 26 October 2025 Last self-enrol date 8 August 2025 Census date 1 September 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 26 September 2025 Assessment period ends 21 November 2025 Semester 2 contact information
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: 8 November 2024
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Informal specialisation Science Discipline subjects - new generation B-SCI Major Plant and Soil Science Major Production Animal Science Major Agricultural Economics - 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: 8 November 2024