AESC30220 Soil Science Applications

Academic Year 2021/2022

This module puts the basics of soil science, taught at Stage 2, into the context of soil management and production and environmental issues, and immerses the student in the information sources and field observation skills necessary to make direct soil investigations for management decisions and research. The module is presented as a series of themed case studies, all of which the student studies in detail. Case-studies are investigated through lectures on theory and methods, fieldwork, scheduled assigned reading, problem-based learning and essay writing. The four major case-studies are (these or similar): 1. Describing a soil profile and classifying a soil; 2. Soil organic matter and earthworm assessment; 3. Soil sampling and nutrient management planning; 4. Soil drainage assessment. Shorter case-studies will be undertaken on topics drawn from: soil compaction; soil erosion; greenhouse-gas emissions; soil acidification; soil mapping; urban soils; and cultural aspects of soils. Students will be required to work outdoors, irrespective of weather, and to equip themselves in advance with suitable weatherproof clothing. This module will be delivered face-to-face. The mode of module delivery will, of course, comply with whatever COVID-19 public health measures and University guidelines are in place at the time and the mode of delivery may change accordingly. Further information will be provided in the module.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module, students should be able to: understand major production and environmental issues as they relate to soil functions and threats to those functions; demonstrate an ability to record, transcribe & present original numeric and categoric field observations; collate test data; apply defined analytical test procedures; present results using tables, graphs and maps; and interpret those results based on specified literature sources, establishing the link from field observation and measurement to management decisions or research conclusions. Practical skills in field observation, description, and measurement of soil properties will have been gained.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Field Trip/External Visits

12
Autonomous Student Learning

64
Total

100
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The main teaching and learning approaches used in this module are:
- lectures
- student-driven learning
- field-based exercises
- problem-based learning
- report writing
- essay writing. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

Since students have taken Soil Science Basics AESC20060 as a prerequisite, they are expected to have an understanding of the use of hazardous chemicals as may be used for soil testing, and the requirement to comply with safety instructions as necessary.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Pre-requisite:
AESC20060 - Soil Science Basics

Equivalents:
Soil Resources (AESC40250)


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Continuous Assessment: Reading, Fieldwork & Problem-based learning exercises Throughout the Trimester n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

60
Essay: An essay assignment reflecting one of the key topics considered in the module will be assigned to each student. Throughout the Trimester n/a Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

40

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
Dr Thomas Cummins Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Paul Murphy Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Magdalena Necpalova Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Professor Olaf Schmidt Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Saoirse Tracy Lecturer / Co-Lecturer