EAE3321 - The earth's critical zone - 2018

The critical zone is the outer layer of the earth that sustains human life. Sustainable management of the critical zone is an important challenge facing society. This unit will engage students in the sustainable management of regolith and soil resources which support terrestrial ecosystems. Students will be presented with a number of soil and regolith problems and land management issues, and explore alternative land uses and sustainable land management techniques.

By the end of this unit, students are expected to:

1. Exhibit a high level of skill in field description, identification and analysis of soils and regolith.
2. Assess the current explanations for landscape management problems through critical evaluation of the literature and field and laboratory data.
3. Discuss the processes that lead to soil and regolith formation.
4. Discuss the key threats to the critical zone and identify management and remediation strategies.
5. Describe soil, regolith and land management issues in the context of both longer term environmental change and current environmental change.

Examination (2 hours): 50% (Hurdle)

In-semester continuous assessment: 50%

Passing the final exam with a grade of greater than or equal to 50% is a hurdle requirement for this unit. Failing the final exam will result in the student attaining a final grade of 48% or their actual grade if that is lower.

• 2 hours of lectures and one 3-hour practical per week
• One 2-day field trip on a weekend during semester

See also Unit timetable information

Earth science

Environmental science

Geographical science

Human geography