This unit aims to develop your understanding of key physical and chemical properties and processes of soils and how these attributes relate to and inform land use and management. This unit will develop your ability to critically analyse soil data and published research in soil science and is taught in two sections; (i) Soil Chemistry - which focuses on weathering and clay formation, clay chemistry...

Microbiology is the study of microorganisms- how they work and their role in our world. Microorganisms encompass huge diversity and include bacteria, viruses, fungi and single-celled animals and algae. Although not visible to the naked eye, microorganisms have a profound effect on our world. They are fundamental to the basic nutrient and biogeochemical cycles that underpin life on Earth; they...

The unit covers the basic principles of environmental microbiology, microbial diversity and evolution. Lectures are provided on the latest techniques used in microbial ecology including coverage of advanced methods in functional analysis and genomics. A focus is placed on the role of microbes in major ecosystems including soil and the oceans and includes lectures on global cycling of nitrogen,...