EART 3007 Land Degradation and Contamination

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Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 301273

Coordinator Jason Reynolds Opens in new window

Description This unit will examine current interdisciplinary topics on land degradation and contamination in both urban, peri-urbanand rural environments. The effects of the various human induced land degradation and contamination processes and pollutants in terrestrial environments will be explored and how impacts can be ameliorated and managed. The focus is on both the science of environmental pollutants and on the remediation strategies currently available. Topics include; basic concepts of soils, study of the processes, common soil pollutants, persistent organic contaminants and pesticides, acidification of soils, quantitative risk assessment, land reclamation, and landfill sites

School Science

Discipline Soil Science

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 2 10cp

Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 3 subject

Restrictions Successful completion of 20 credit points at Level 2.

Assumed Knowledge

A basic understanding of scientific enquiry including the periodic table, equilibria, and pH. Introductory statistics including mean, standard deviation, and distributions.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
  1. Detail the interactions between land, human activities and pollutants
  2. Evaluate land data to assess degradation and contamination
  3. Explain current land degradation and contamination issues and processes
  4. Discuss current environmental quality criteria in relation to land management
  5. Demonstrateskills used to monitor degradation and contamination on land
  6. Synthesise data for reporting to peers and an academic audience

Subject Content

1.Soil concepts
2.The history of land degradation and contamination in Australia
3.Land degradation due to erosion, salinity, organic matter and fertility decline, soil acidity and alkalinity and other related factors
4.Environmental contaminants and their fate in the environment
5.Pathways for contamination mobility on land surfaces
6.Analytical techniques for measuring contamination and degradation
7.Statistical and modelling approaches to land evaluation and assessment
8.Environmental quality criteria for land evaluation and assessment

Assessment

The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.

Item Length Percent Threshold Individual/Group Task
Lab Report 2,000 words 40 N Individual
Presentation 10 minutes 20 N Individual
Quiz 1 hour 20 N Individual
Quiz 1 hour 20 N Individual

Prescribed Texts

  • Soil and Water Contamination. CRC Press Published 2013 ISBN 9780415893435

Teaching Periods

Spring

Hawkesbury

Composite

Subject Contact Jason Reynolds Opens in new window

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