Module Details

Module Code: SCIE C2F02
Module Title: Concepts in Soil Science
Title: Concepts in Soil Science
Module Level:: 8
Credits:: 5
Module Coordinator: Stephen Whelan
Module Author:: John Carroll
Domains:  
Module Description: This module aims to develop the students understanding of the importance of soil in agricultural systems. Students will learn the principles of soil formation and how assess the physical and chemical properties of the soil including; structure, porosity, pH and nutrient content.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Recognise soil fertility concepts to ensure that land is managed in a sustainable manner
LO2 Understand the need for, and processes involved in soil nutrient testing
LO3 Critically assess the suitability of soils to grow a variety of crops
LO4 Be capable of conducting in field assessments of soil structure
LO5 Have a basic understanding of the influence of underlying geology on soil function
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.
No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Additional Requisite Information
No Co Requisites listed
 
Indicative Content
Soil nutrient management
The interaction between soil nutrients and availability for the crop
Soil pH
The effect of pH on the chemical properties of soil and crop growth
Physical properties of soil
Assessment of soil porosity, bulk density and water holding capacity
Soil texture and class
Characterisation of soils by their underlying geology and constituent components
Ion exchange in soils
Cations, Anions, • Cation and Anion Exchange Capacity and movement of ions from soils to roots
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Continuous Assessment50.00%
End of Module Formal Examination50.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Continuous Assessment
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 25
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 2,3,4
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Students will complete a number of practical tests on their own soils including; soil texture, bulk density, porosity, water holding capacity
Assessment Type Written Report % of Total Mark 25
Timing n/a Learning Outcomes 2,3,4,5
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
Students will create a bedrock and soil portfolio of their own farm/farm of their choosing.
No Project
No Practical
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 50
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,5
Non-marked No
Assessment Description
An end of year exam will take place covering aspects of soil science delivered during the term
Reassessment Requirement
Exam Board
It is at the discretion of the Examination Board as to what the qualifying criteria are.
Reassessment Description
Re-assessment will be based on repeat coursework. This is at the discretion of the exam board contingent on the nature of the failed submission. The student the student may have to complete a number of components of the project or it may be requested to repeat and attend the module.

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Category Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Imparting knowledge and ideas and facilitating learners to learn independently Every Week 1.50 1.5
Practicals Contact Students will partake in soil analysis studies in the field and lab Every Week 1.50 1.5
Independent Learning Non Contact Completion of laboratory reports. Autonomous student learning and revision of concepts delivered through the lectures Every Week 3.00 3
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Brady and Weil. (2017), The nature and properties of soils, 15. Pearson, [ISBN: 1292162236].
  • Teagasc. (2020), Major & micro nutrient advice for productive agricultural crops, 5. Teagasc, [ISBN: 1-84170-666-3].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources
Discussion Note: