Unit information: Soils and Environmental Analysis in 2010/11

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Unit name Soils and Environmental Analysis
Unit code EASC20032
Credit points 20
Level of study I/5
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director Dr. Hornibrook
Open unit status Not open
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
School/department School of Earth Sciences
Faculty Faculty of Science

Description including Unit Aims

This unit is an introduction to the biology, mineralogy, chemistry and physics of soils, including how soils form and evolve, methods of soil classification, the global distribution of soil types, the diversity and role of macro- and micro-organisms in soils, and how moisture and heat move within soils. Practical sessions are focused on learning field and laboratory skills necessary for analysis of water, solids and organic matter in soil environments. The majority of these analytical methods are transferable to other low temperature terrestrial and aqueous environments. Participation in week 18 field and laboratory work, and attendance at practical sessions is mandatory.