Soils in the Environment

Module Provider: Geography and Environmental Science
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: Only available to students with suitable science qualifications i.e. Biology, Chemistry or Environmental Science to A-level. Maths, Biology and Chemistry are needed to GCSE standard.
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2016/7

Summary module description:
This module provides an introduction to the wide ranging scientific processes that explain why soils are so variable in terms of their properties and functions in the wider environment.

Aims:
This module comprises a series of lectures, laboratory classes and a field class designed to introduce students to the importance of soils and their role in the environment.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module, it is expected that the student will be able to:

? Discuss the major physical, biological and chemical processes of soil formation.

? Analyse and describe the properties of soils in the field.

? Perform simple laboratory experiments and data analysis to examine and evaluate the physical properties of soils.

? Define and explain the importance of soil structure in relation to the availability of soil air and water to plant roots.

? Illustrate and discuss the nature and functions of soil colloids in relation to the availability of nutrients to plant roots.

Additional outcomes:
Students will enhance their data handling and reporting skills in both laboratory and field practice.

Outline content:
Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
There will be two 35-40 minute lectures (divided by a short break) each week, followed some weeks by laboratory work of about 2 hours. In week three there will be a 3.5 hour field class. Outside of these 25 hours of contact time, it is intended that you spend approximately 75 hours of your time engaged in guided independent study; e.g., background reading, consolidating your notes, writing up practical reports, revising and taking the module examination (summer term).

Contact hours:
Lectures 12
Tutorials 3
Demonstration 1
Practicals classes and workshops 6
Fieldwork 3
Guided independent study 75
Total hours by term 100

Summative Assessment Methods:
Written Exam 70%
Report 30%

Other information on summative assessment:
Formative assessment methods:
Approximately two hours of formative assessment will be provided in the form of small group feedback during the tutorial sessions; this feedback is additional to that provided during the lectures, and in written form on the reports.

Length of examination:
A one and a half hour examination.

Requirements for a pass:
40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:
Re-examination or re-submission of coursework in August/September