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Unit of study_
SOIL4000: Soil and Water in the Changing Environment
2025 unit information
Our need to fulfill the demand of food and clean water for the world's population has changed how we interact with our soil, water, and environment. This change is represented by a strong signature detectable within the earth's systems, so much so that current scientific consensus classifies the current age as the 'Anthropocene', a new geological epoch driven by the activity of humanity and our impact on environmental systems. In this unit you will investigate how soil, water, and the environment have changed and how it will change into the future in the face of climate change and other anthropogenic forcings. You will evaluate the impact of anthropogenic activities, in terms of agricultural industry and land-use changes, on the environment. This evaluation will progress to the identification of signals of change in soil and water and a discussion of approaches that ensure that agriculture and our future can be sustainably developed. You will also discuss current research and technology focussed on mitigating this change. By doing this unit, you will develop an understanding of the impact of anthropogenic activities on soil and water and contribute to ideas on how we can create more sustainable and climate-resilient landscapes.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Science
| Study level | Undergraduate |
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| Academic unit | Life and Environmental Sciences Academic Operations |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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144 credit points of units including SOIL2005 |
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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None |
| Assumed knowledge:
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Understanding of Soil Science concepts |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. Identify the impact of human activities and climate change on soil and water resources.
- LO2. Apply soil science and hydrology principles in evaluating the effect of change on the landscape.
- LO3. Infer soil and water processes from a variety sources of data from field and laboratory experiments.
- LO4. Design strategies to better manage our soil and water resources for food production.
Unit availability
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