Program Overview

Introduction to GEO204 Ecological and Environmental Soil Science

The properties of soil are a major influence on the functioning of natural ecosystems. This subject explores how natural soil and landscape features affect plant and animal communities. The subject examines Australia's natural soil properties and the relationships between geology, biology, geomorphology, climate, and time that have influenced the development of Australia's soil.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Environmental Sciences

Enrolment Restrictions

Students who have completed GEO302 or GEO240 cannot enrol in this subject

Assumed Knowledge

Knowledge of major rock types, climate principles, and basic chemical processes similar to that provided in GEO164 Earth System Processes is assumed.

Incompatible Subjects

GEO240, GEO302

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

• be able to describe the main features of Australia's natural soil systems
• be able to describe the major landform development processes affecting the Australian landscape
• be able to describe the relationships between soil properties and native fauna and flora
• be able to describe, explain, and critically evaluate solutions to some environmental problems related to soils
• be able to discuss the role of soils in sustainability

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:

• Australia's native soils
• Australian landforms and their persistence through geologic time
• The features of the Australian environment that affect the formation of natural soil systems
• Classification of natural soil and landscape systems
• Ecological applications of soil knowledge
• Environmental problems related to soils
• Soils and sustainability

Availability

• Session 1 (30): On Campus at Albury-Wodonga Campus, Online at Albury-Wodonga Campus
• Session 3 (90): Online at Albury-Wodonga Campus