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AESC30220

Academic Year 2024/2025

Soil Science Applications (AESC30220)

Subject:
Agricultural&Environmental Sci
College:
Health & Agricultural Sciences
School:
Agriculture & Food Science
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Assoc Professor Paul Murphy
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

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 and data handling and analysis 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 and labwork, data handling and analysis, 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 biodiversity assessment; 3. Soil sampling and nutrient management planning; 4. Soil carbon stock assessment. Shorter case studies will be undertaken on topics drawn from: soil compaction; soil erosion; soils and climate change; soils and food security; soils of the Anthropocene; soil mapping; 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.

About this Module

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 and analyse original numeric and categoric field and lab observations; collate and analyse 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 and lab observation, description, and measurement of soil properties and collation and analysis of data 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
- lab-based exercises
- computer-based labs
- 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 Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Report(s): 4 Reports associated with 4 practical sessions in field (2) and lab (2). Week 3, Week 5, Week 10, Week 12 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
60
 No
Assignment(Including Essay): An essay assignment reflecting the breadth of topics considered in the module will be assigned. Week 15 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
40
 No

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
Dr Linxi Jiang Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Mohd Faheem Khan 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

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Thurs 14:00 - 14:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Tues 14:00 - 14:50
Autumn Field Trip Offering 1 Week(s) - 2, 4, 6, 10 Mon 14:00 - 16:50
Autumn Field Trip Offering 2 Week(s) - 3, 5, 9, 11 Mon 14:00 - 16:50
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