Overview

The lecture order is subject to change in order, but will include the following topics:

Lecture 1: Introduction to soil quality

Lecture 2: Key concept: Soil water

Lecture 3: Key concept: Nutrient cycling in ecosystems

Lecture 4: Key concept: Soil biology and biodiversity

Lecture 5: Key concept: Greenhouse gas emissions from soil

Lecture 6: Key concept: Nutrient function and plant uptake

Lecture 7: Key concept: The rhizosphere

Lecture 8: Key concept: Mycorrhizas and N2 fixation

Lecture 9: Global problems I: Soil salinity

Lecture 10: Global problems II: Soil acidity

Lecture 11: Global problems III: Human and animal pathogens

Lecture 12: Global problems IV: Organic pollutants

Lecture 13: Global problems V: Food security

Lecture 14: Global problems VI: Heavy metals

Lecture 15: Global problems VII: Water use and conservation

Lecture 16: Global problems VIII: Soil erosion

Lecture 17: Global problems IX: Microplastics

Lecture 18: Global problems I: Ammonia, methane and nitrous oxide

Lecture 19: Global problems II: Indoor air pollution

Lecture 20: Global problems III: Radioactivity

Lecture 21: Global problems I: Pesticides and pollutants

Lecture 22: Global problems II: Eutrophication

Lecture 23 Global problems III: Sewage and waterborne diseases

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -Grade D- to D+- Knowledge of key areas/principles only- Some weaknesses in understanding of main areas- Limited evidence of background study- Answer only poorly focussed on question and with some irrelevant material and poor structure- Arguments presented but lack coherence- Several factual/computational errors- No original interpretation - Only major links between topics are described- Limited problem solving- Many weaknesses in presentation and accuracy- No use of background reading

-good -Grade C- to Grade B+- Strong knowledge- Understands most but not all- Evidence of background study- Focussed answer with good structure- Arguments presented coherently- Mostly free of factual/computational errors -Some limited original interpretation - Well known links between topics are described- Problems addressed by existing methods/approaches -Good presentation with accurate communication- Good use of background reading material within work

-excellent -Grade A- and above-Comprehensive knowledge- Detailed understanding - Extensive background study- Highly focussed answer and well structured- Logically presented and defended arguments- No factual/computational errors- Original interpretation - New links between topics are developed- New approach to a problem- Excellent presentation with very accurate communication- Excellent use of background reading material within work and especially journal articles

Learning Outcomes

• Conduct statistical analyses of data and critically assess the results

• Gain a practical knowledge of chemical analysis methods to quantitatively determine pollution. levels.

• Observe in the field, different contaminated soils and the factors which caused this pollution.

• Produce scientific reports

• Understand what properties control pollutant movement in the environment and how they may be controlled.

• Understand what regulates air, soil and water quality from a scientific and legislative perspective.

• Work collaboratively within practical classes communicate data effectively