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ESC-30058 - Module Specification
School of Geography, Geology and the Environment
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2022/23 Last Updated: 14 February 2023

ESC-30058 - The Science of Soil
Coordinator: Ian Oliver Tel: +44 1782 7 34956
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 6
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 733615

Programme/Approved Electives for 2022/23

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2022/23

Soils are fundamentally important for food security, flood mitigation, construction, ecological networks, ecosystem services, and in the fight against climate change, yet they are underappreciated and often given little consideration. Soils, and the ecosystems and production systems formed around them, are influenced and threatened by natural factors and human activities and it is only through understanding the characteristics of soils and how to measure and interpret soil properties can soil health and function be protected and maintained. Through seminars, lectures and practical work, this module enables students to develop theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience of soil characterisation and evaluation techniques and of how to interpret soil data and related information.

Aims
This module aims to enable students to develop an appreciation and understanding of soil components and characteristics and of how soils are shaped and influenced by the uses to which they are put. Students will gain knowledge of the ecosystem services achieved through soil processes, and will learn about threats to soil posed by climate change, pollution, and unsustainable development. Soil chemistry, soil physics and soil ecology will be covered through the lens of soil health status and function evaluation. Students will gain experience in soil measurements and in conducting soil investigations using a range of equipment and techniques.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Analyse, describe and interpret physical, chemical and biological properties of soil from different habitats using field and laboratory based research techniques: 1,2
Work as part of team to produce a presentation/report identifying links between soil characteristics and land usage.: 1
Critically discuss soil remediation approaches to deal with such problems as soil contamination, soil acidification, low soil fertility, soil compaction, and issues exacerbated by climate change.: 2
Design and implement soil investigations and use a range of equipment used in soil characterisation.: 2

Study hours

6 hours of lectures and directed discussions
30 hours of workshops and practical sessions
114 hours of Independent learning and coursework preparation

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Oral Presentation weighted 30%
Group presentation + questions
Students in small groups (e.g. 4) will deliver a ~15 to 20 minute oral presentation on a set soil investigation task that uses existing data. The group will then be asked questions on the presentation content. All students within a group receive the same mark and this will be clearly indicated at the start of the module.

2: Report weighted 70%
Technical report
A 2000 word report based on a soil investigation evaluating the health status and functionality of a soil (or set of soils) and recommending with justifications any required soil remediation actions.

Please note that for the 2022/23 Academic Year programmes may be adapted to operate in accordance with a flexible, digital approach. This means that there may be some changes made to how modules are delivered and assessed. The latest information will be provided to you by your School in module handbooks. We endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes and details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/student-terms-and-conditions/

Last Updated: 14 February 2023