AESC20070 Soil Resources

Academic Year 2020/2021

This module gives a rapid introduction to soils.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

The module provides an introduction to soils and soil materials relevant to urban and constructed landscapes for plant growth. On successful completion, students will be able to assess topsoil suitability for plant growth, and to relate soils in landscape architecture with the broader field of soil science.

Indicative Module Content:

1. Soil Functions: the concept of soil functions; the policy context of soil functions; the biomass-production function; the processing function; threats to soil functions.
2. Soil Materials: soil vocabularies; soil organic matter; soil biology; soil chemistry.
3. Soil Landscapes: soil landscapes of the world and the five factors of soil formation; soil landscapes of Ireland and soil processes; soils in the Anthropocene.
4. Working with Soil: brownfields and greenfields; soil materials for landscape architecture.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Practical

6
Autonomous Student Learning

76
Online Learning

18
Total

100
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
In addition to lectures, there will be three practicals, one indoors on soil colour, texture & stucture, and two outdoors on assessing topsoil suitability for plant growth, and interpreting constructed landforms. Where restrictions are in effect, replacement online material will be provided on these topics. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
AESC20060 - Soil Science Basics, AESC40410 - Soil, Plant & Water Resources

Equivalents:
Land Utilisation (ERM40280)


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Multiple Choice Questionnaire: MCQ Throughout the Trimester n/a Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

70
Lab Report: Practicals, or online replacement content. Varies over the Trimester n/a Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No

30

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn Yes - 1 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Following assessment, answers and automated feedback are given through the quiz in Brightspace. Where practicals are replaced by online content, feedback will be given as descriptive grading guides, at class level and following grading.