Soil, Nutrients and Water unit (KLA213)

Hobart, Launceston

Introduction

This unit introduces the core concepts of soil science using a Tasmanian landscape lens. Students will develop the tools to advocate for the importance of soil to a range of stakeholders to sustainably feed the world. This unit integrates background knowledge from chemistry, physics, geography, agriculture, and environmental sciences into soil science and landscape systems. It requires students to apply core theoretical knowledge and develop practical skills in the laboratory and field to solve real world problems. This is a foundational unit for deeper understanding of agronomy, plant nutrition, environmental science, and advanced soil science units.

Summary

Unit name	Soil, Nutrients and Water
Unit code	KLA213
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture
Discipline	Agriculture and Food Systems
Coordinator	Doctor Bianca Das
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Intermediate

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 2
Launceston	Semester 2

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 2	5/7/2026	27/7/2026	30/8/2026	24/10/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Describe soil science concepts in relation to soil health and fertility
• Solve soil management challenges by interpreting soil data to inform the management of soils
• Assess soil properties in the field to inform sustainable land practices
• Explain how soil physical properties affect soil water storage

Fee Information

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
050101	$592.00	$592.00	not applicable	$3,382.00

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	On Campus:  2 x 50 minute lectures and 10 x 3-hr practical weekly (13 wks), 3 x 3-hr field trips Off Campus:  2 x 50 minute lectures
Assessment	Short Quizzes (10%)|Soil Health Poster (15%)|Field Report (20%)|Scientific Recordings (20%)|Final Exam (35%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.