Course overview
Soils are the most complex and diverse ecosystem in the world. In addition to providing humanity with more than 95% of its food, soils provide a broad range of other important services such as carbon storage, greenhouse gas regulation and by playing a key role in global nutrient cycling. However, as a finite resource, soils face escalating pressure from population growth and heightened consumption, especially in intensified agriculture and urban development. These challenges are made even more significant by climate change effects on weather patterns and extreme events. The course emphasizes sustainable soil use and introduces key principles and strategies to tackle sustainability challenges effectively.
Course learning outcomes
- Understand the complexity of soils as (agro)ecosystems that are crucial for humanity
- Identify the diverse ecosystem services soils provide, including carbon removal and storage, regulation of greenhouse gases and cycling of nutrients
- Comprehend the impacts humans are having on soil resources, emphasising the need for sustainable soil management practices
- Apply key principles and strategies to address soil sustainability issues
- Understand policy and regulatory frameworks relating to soil sustainability, including carbon stock assessment and crediting
- Critically assess current approaches and explore and communicate innovative pathways towards sustainable soil stewardship
Availability
Class details
Waite Campus
Class number 56195
Section FR01
Size 40
Available 40
Class number 56196
Section PR01
Size 40
Available 40
Class number 56197
Section WS01
Size 40
Available 40
Fee calculator
To display course fees, please select your status and program below:
We’re updating this Fee Calculator. It currently shows fees for programs only. Please check the relevant program for full fee details.
Study Abroad student tuition fees are available here.
Only some Postgraduate Coursework programs are available as Commonwealth Supported. Please check your program for specific fee information.
If you are studying in a Professional Pathway Psychology or Clinical Psychology program, please refer to the Student Contributions amounts published here.
The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.