Postgraduate Course: Soil Science Concepts and Application (PGGE11180)

Course Outline
School	School of Geosciences	College	College of Science and Engineering
Credit level (Normal year taken)	SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate)	Availability	Not available to visiting students
SCQF Credits	20	ECTS Credits	10
Summary	This practical application course will provide an introduction to soil biology, physics and chemistry through a series of lectures, associated lab classes and field visit's and is aimed at providing a foundation in the essential components of soil science. Students will be introduced to soil classification and analysis techniques used in soil surveying, as well as the basic lab skills required to conduct soil science research, sampling, analysis and reporting across the biological, chemical and physical aspects of the discipline. In addition, the course will introduce soil modelling providing experience in model utilisation and interpretation of modelled outputs. This course provides approximately 50% lectured material and 50% field / laboratory experience with assessed reports designed to improve written communication skills within science.
Course description	This course provides an insight and experience of skills set identified as currently desirable to the employment sector concerned with the sustainability of soils and the wider environment. The course would be delivered over 10 teaching periods (weeks). A provisional outline of which is as follows: 1. Introduction to soil a. Heterogeneity and the interaction of the biotic and abiotic b. Complexity of the physics, chemistry and biology c. Soil classification systems and the major soil orders of the world 2. The future of soil science a. Historical perspectives b. Current legislative and social considerations c. Advancement and future prospects/goals 3. Soil Sampling a. Strategies and feasibility b. Qualitative and quantitative determinations c. Methods of recovery d. Storage of materials and consideration of analysis 4. Soil biology a. Diversity, abundance and potential indicators b. Beneficials, pathogens and indicators c. Methods i. Classical taxonomy ii. Molecular approaches 5. Soil Biology (Lab Class) a. Recovery of fungi/nematodes and incorporating classical fungal/nematode id from keys b. DNA extraction and analytical equipment 6. Soil Chemistry a. Mechanisms of analysis b. Importance of storage, time and analysis in soil science c. Methods of analysis for N, P, C determination 7. Soil Chemistry (Lab Class) a. Preparation of salts for soil extraction b. Preparation of acids for soil analysis (theoretical) c. Extraction, purification and analysis of soils for nitrate/nitrate and phosphorous 8. Soil Physics a. Soil physical characteristics b. Methods of soil physical characteristics 9. Soil Physics (Lab Class) a. Hand texturing b. Soil moisture content c. Bulk Density 10. Reporting soil science a. Sources of information b. Minimal requirements c. Interpretation of results d. The role of advisors/consultants

Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites		Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations		Other requirements	None

Course Delivery Information

Academic year 2015/16, Not available to visiting students (SS1)		Quota: None
Course Start	Semester 2
Timetable	Timetable
Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info)	Total Hours: 200 ( Lecture Hours 30, Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4, Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours 166 )
Assessment (Further Info)	Written Exam 0 %, Coursework 100 %, Practical Exam 0 %
Additional Information (Assessment)	Student assessment would comprise of appropriately weighted laboratory class reports (3 x 10%)and an essay (70%) exploring a topic pertinent to practical soil assessment within today's society.
Feedback	Not entered
No Exam Information

Learning Outcomes
1. Learn the importance of soil analysis and its relation to sustainable use and be able to plan, undertake, analyse and report soil physical, chemical and biological investigations. 2. Gain general, analytical understanding of tests pertinent to soil chemical, physical and biological assessment. 3. Gain Organisation skills to plan, execute and report on scientific investigation and management of evaluations. 4. Participate in individual and team activities toward the completion of assignments and goals. 5. Develop critical thinking to evaluate information, feasibility of management options and interpretations of outcomes