GV1E1NU-Environmental Soil

Module Provider: Geography and Environmental Science
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:4
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Steve Robinson
Email: j.s.robinson@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module provides an introduction to the wide ranging scientific processes that explain why soils are so variable in terms of their properties and functions in the wider environment.

Aims:

To provide an overview of the key concepts and theories in soil physical and chemical properties and processes; e.g. relating to soil porosity, permeability, structure, texture, weathering and clay minerals. The module also introduces students to numerical problem solving in soil science.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module, it is expected that the student will:

• Understand different types and aspects of soil morphology along with the relevant processes occurring within the soil ecosystem.   


• Illustrate and discuss the nature and functions of soil colloids both in relation to the availability of nutrients to plant roots, and to the wider environmental implications.


• Enhance their skills in solving numerical problems across a range of soil physical properties and understand the theory behind clay mineral formation and processes.

Additional outcomes:

Students will enhance their skills in the critical appraisal of scientific information. Written communication skills will also be developed.  Student group presentations will improve their teamwork, time management and technical vocabulary.

Outline content:

• The importance of soil in our environment


• Processes of soil formation


• Properties in soil morphology: texture and structure, and their importance in determining soil porosity and water dynamics.


• Theory, practice and applications in soil sampling: identifying basic physical soil properties and types; sampling techniques, transport and storage.


• Clay minerology and its importance in chemical processes: pH buffering, ion exchange, nutrient and pollutant mobility.


• Numerical problem solving in soil management for environmental engineers.

Global context:

Various aspects of the module draw on examples from around the world and contrasting ecosystems. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

A combination of lectures and tutorials.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	38
Tutorials	10
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)	5
Wider reading (directed)	10
Exam revision/preparation	5
Peer assisted learning	5
Advance preparation for classes	5
Preparation for tutorials	5
Preparation for presentations	5
Reflection	12
Total hours by term	100	0	0
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	40
Written assignment including essay	30
Oral assessment and presentation	30

Summative assessment- Examinations:

2 hours.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

One written assignment (1500 words), one oral presentation.

Formative assessment methods:

Advice on course work is provided through tutorials; quizzes provide the opportunity for feedback and feed-forward.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A mark of 40% overall

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-examination in February

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 2 December 2021