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Agricultural Landscape Systems unit (KLA534)

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Unit year 2027

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Location: Hobart

Introduction

Agricultural Landscape Systems focuses on assessing land for sustainable and profitable production. The unit involves desk-top (web searches), field (soil pits, geophysics) and minor laboratory-based assessment of the soils, landforms, climate, hydrology, vegetation and geology of a farm in Tasmania.  This information will be used by you to assess both land capability and suitability.  You will be asked to report and justify your assessments in a seminar and via several written reports.  

This unit will develop your skills in soil description, land use assessment, soil management, and use of GIS tools. This unit will make use of prior knowledge in soils, agronomy, horticulture and agribusiness to develop a sustainable farm management plan. We will also introduce you to GIS and online assessment of land resources.

A key component of the unit is 5 - 6 days field work, including soil profile description, land use assessment and topographic evaluations (for example, slope and aspect). Field activities are complemented by laboratory analysis of soil samples.

Learning will be based on theory (lectures and your reading), fieldwork, laboratory work and some computer laboratory sessions.  Your assessment tasks include both written and oral activities. The theory will cover soil survey, soil and land classifications, landform assessment, catchment hydrology and use of GIS software.

Summary

Unit name Agricultural Landscape Systems
Unit code KLA534
Credit points 12.5
College/School Sciences and Engineering
Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture
Discipline Agriculture and Food Systems
Coordinator Associate Professor Marcus Hardie
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Postgraduate

Sustainable Development Goals

The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.

Availability

Location Study period Attendance options Available to
Hobart Semester 1 This unit is available through on-campus delivery Available to International Students Available to Domestic Students
  • Key:
  • This unit is available through on-campus delivery On-campus
  • This unit is available through off-campus delivery Off-Campus
  • Available to International Students International students
  • Available to Domestic Students Domestic students
Note

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Key Dates

Study Period Start date Census date WW date End date
Semester 1 22/02/2027 16/03/2027 19/04/2027 13/06/2027

* 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 2027 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2027 will be available from the 1st October 2026. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

  • Describe soil profiles in the field, map and classify them using Australian standard systems.
  • Collect and interpret soil, land, climate and crop data to evaluate land capability, land suitability, and sustainable land-use options.
  • Utilise GIS and online spatial information systems and portals to analyse, interpret, and communicate land resource information for decision-making.
  • Communicate your land resource assessments via written and oral reporting.
  • Determine genesis of key soil profiles and landscapes

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 $613.00 $613.00 not applicable
  • 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

AssessmentDesktop Study: (15%)|Oral Defence: (15%)|Final exam (30%)|Final report: (40%)
TimetableView 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.

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