GEO204 Ecological and Environmental Soil Science (8)
Abstract
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. A general underpinning of soil related topics relevant to the environmental and ecological sciences is presented so that ecological and environmental professionals can apply soil knowledge to the exploration of Australia's unique flora and fauna.
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+ Subject Availability Modes and Location
| Session 1 | | Internal | Albury-Wodonga Campus | | Distance | Albury-Wodonga Campus | Session 3 | | Distance | Albury-Wodonga Campus |
Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: GEO204
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.
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Subject information| Duration | Grading System | School: |
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| One session | HD/FL | School of Environmental Sciences |
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Assumed Knowledge|
Knowledge of major rock types, climate principles and basic chemical processes similar to that provided in GEO164 Earth System Processes is assumed.
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Enrolment restrictions|
Students who have completed GEO302 or GEO240 cannot enrol in this subject |
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| Incompatible subject(s) |
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| GEO240 GEO302 |
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Learning OutcomesUpon 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 crtically evaluate solutions to some environmental problems related to soils
- be able to discuss the role of soils in sustainability
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SyllabusThe 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
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The information contained in the 2016 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 06 September 2016. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.
