Soil Science
Soil is one of our greatest natural resources. Soil science encompasses how soil forms, its role in the environment, land conservation and rehabilitation issues. Soil science is a multi-disciplinary subject combining aspects of physics, chemistry, biology and the integrative themes of pedology (the science of natural soils) and geomorphology (the study of the physical features of the Earth’s surface).
What do soil scientists do?
Soil scientists are employed in a wide range of occupations in public and private enterprises, working in basic and applied research in land and soil management. Graduates are employed in state departments of agriculture, the CSIRO, the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water, Sydney Water, the Department of Planning, chemical companies, land care groups and in the private sector in environmental consultancies.
What will you study?
You can major in soil science in the Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Science degree.
What will you study?
First year
Although there are no first year units in soil science all students must study first year maths or physics and chemistry or geology. Most students also choose to study first year physics, geology, geography or computer science.
Second year
In second year, you will learn about the principles and practices of soil science, about natural soils, soil physics and soil chemistry. The units will include practical experience in soil survey procedures, soil description and classification, quantitative soil mapping, soil degradation, soil quality and function evaluation, and aspects of soil management.
Third year
In third year, you will study soil analytical methods, soil formation processes and detailed aspects of the physical and chemical behaviour of soil. You will do field and laboratory work to measure important soil properties, field trips and laboratory work to measure important soil chemical properties.
If you are enrolled in the Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, you can study two soil science units in fourth year:
Contemporary Field and Lab Soil Science and The Soil at Work.