Key facts
UNE unit code: SOIL310
*You are viewing the 2025 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- Yes
- No
- 6
Unit information
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Polluted and degraded soils cost us millions of dollars every year. They limit productivity and present real human health and environmental risks.
In this unit you will focus on soil pollution and its impact. The unit offers opportunities to develop advanced and integrated knowledge of soil physical, chemical and biological processes, critical for management of key globally important soil degradation issues.
You will explore topics including pollutant behaviour and effects, policy and regulation, sampling and analysis, risk assessment, remediation and rehabilitation, salinity and acidification.
Through site visits, industry speakers, practical and field activities you will hone the skills needed to become an informed environmental manager, able to apply best practice to real world problems underpinned by sound science.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
Teaching period | Mode/location |
---|---|
Trimester 1 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
Start | Finish | Duration | Attendance | Offerings | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
TBA | TBA | 3 days | Mandatory Intensive School | All offerings | The Intensive School is mandatory for both online and on campus students. Dates to be advised. |
Enrolment rules
Notes
The School of Environmental and Rural Science considers all practical/laboratory/tutorial activities as essential to student learning. Attendance and participation in all practical/laboratory/tutorial classes (sessions) is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence.
Should you require'permission of unit coordinator'-follow the steps below:
1. Contact the unit coordinator in writing (email).
2. Enrol online in the unit, completing the "waive prerequisites" form and attaching the Unit Coordinator's written approval.
3. Make contact via AskUNE in the event of any difficulties with the above steps.
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
![profile photo of Susan Wilson](https://www.une.edu.au/__data/assets/image/0004/242527/varieties/69x77.jpg)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of soil physical, chemical and biological processes that are important for degraded and polluted land management;
- discuss with knowledge key land degradation pollution issues and examples, and develop integrated approaches to their assessment, management and remediation;
- apply an advanced set of robust sampling and analysis techniques for soil pollution assessment and interpret the results in the context of real world management applications;
- source, access and interpret technical, regulatory and guidance material for best practice management; and
- work and communicate as a competent professional in a multidisciplinary team discipline.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Online Assessment | Yes | 30% | All offerings | 3 online quizzes. Students must obtain an average of least 50% in the 3 online quizzes to pass the unit. No. Words: 1500 |
Practical | Yes | All offerings | The School of Environmental and Rural Science considers all practical/laboratory/tutorial activities as essential to student learning. Attendance and participation in all practical/laboratory/tutorial classes (sessions) is mandatory - exemptions will not be granted without supporting evidence. | |
Practical Assessment 1 | Yes | 10% | All offerings | Exposure assessment, CSM, and Fieldwork. Students must obtain an average of at least 50% in Practical Assessment 1, 2, and 3 to pass the unit. No. Words: 650 |
Practical Assessment 2 | Yes | 35% | All offerings | Data Assessment. Students must obtain an average of at least 50% in Practical Assessment 1, 2, and 3 to pass the unit. No. Words: 2500 |
Practical Assessment 3 | Yes | 25% | All offerings | Discussion Report. Students must obtain an average of at least 50% in Practical Assessment 1, 2, and 3 to pass the unit. No. Words: 1350 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Textbook information will be displayed approximately 8 weeks prior to the commencement of the teaching period. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
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Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
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