Soils and Sustainability, University of Edinburgh

Overview

Course Overview

This programme aims to introduce students to the concepts of soil for the 21st century and is suitable for students wishing to pursue a career in land-based management or environmental protection. Soils underpin the sustainability of terrestrial ecosystems and are key to food production. Soils form the basis of all agricultural production, but they also store water, mediate the impact of pollutants, provide biological habitats, have an impact on the accumulation of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere, are involved in dealing with society-s waste, are a source of extractable minerals and provide the foundations for the housing and roads on which society depends. You will learn about soil function and management, and soil classification, assessment and analysis, with a strong emphasis on practical skills. You will gain expertise in the relationship between soil and sustainable approaches to land resource use. This programme is run in collaboration with Scotland-s Rural College (SRUC). Learning outcome: Students will: gain a knowledge and understanding of the relationship between soils and sustainable land management, gain an understanding of soil sampling and analysis, interpretation and reporting, be able to assess soil management issues and develop improved management plans, understand the function of soils in relation to sustainable land use and societal needs, Career opportunitiesA recent report by the British Society of Soil Science (BSSS) identified soil science as an area in which there are critical skills shortages, meaning graduates will be in high demand. Soil scientists are employed in a broad range of vocations including environmental consultancy, research, overseas development, environmental impact assessment and analysis, site reclamation and remediation, and conservation as well as advising on government policy, archaeological excavations and laboratory analyses, forensics, and landscape design.

Program Outline

Information