Course code LauZ2056

Credit points 3

Geology and Soil Science

Total Hours in Course81

Number of hours for lectures16

Number of hours for laboratory classes16

Independent study hours49

Date of course confirmation05.01.2016

Responsible UnitInstitute of Soil and Plant Science

Course developer

author Augsnes un augu zinātņu institūts

Aldis Kārkliņš

Dr. habil. agr.

Replaced course

LaukB002 [GLMEB001] Geology and Soil Science

Course abstract

Introduction in geology. Geophysical parameters and mineral composition of Earth’s crust. Geological processes. Basics in geomorphology and hydrogeology. General scheme of the soil  forming processes and soil  forming factors. Soil profile development. Soil morphological features. Mineral phase of soil. Soil organic matter. Formation, composition and properties of soil humus. Soil reaction and buffer capacity of the soil. Soil physical properties. Soil temperature. Soil fertility, genesis and classification. Soils of Latvia. Soil degradation and conservation. Soil mapping.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge and understanding about the basic geological processes, soil formation and genesis, principal soils’ properties, about soil classification, geography, mapping. To obtain skills in morphological, physical and chemical analytical methods, in critical analysis of obtained information, in data processing and interpretation methodology. Development of ability for decision making and advisory activities in the field of soil related issues.

Course Content(Calendar)

Full-time studies:


Part-time studies:

All topics specified for full-time studies are implemented, but the number of contact hours is 1/2 of the specified number of hours.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Students independently prepare the answers to the questions raised by the lecturer about the topics of lectures and complete protocols of the laboratory works.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

The evaluation of the study course takes place at three levels:
1. At the end of each lecture is a written test. The 80% correct answers on the questions of the test (cumulatively), the possible evaluation of the course is 4 points.
2. If the correct answers of the tests are less than 80%, or the students wants increase the assessment - the test must be written. Maximum possible number of points 6.

If the students gain't to score the required number of points or want to increase the grade - the oral test shall be taken. Maximum possible number of points 10

Compulsory reading

1. Latvijas augšņu noteicējs. A. Kārkliņa red. Jelgava: LLU, 2009. 240 lpp.
2. Augsnes diagnostika un apraksts. Sast. A. Kārkliņš. Jelgava: LLU, 2008. 336 lpp.
3. Ģeoloģija, augsne, agroķīmija: Metodiskie norādījumi mācību praksei. Prof. A. Kārkliņa red. Jelgava: LLU, 2008. 88 lpp.
4. Kārkliņš A. Zeme, augsne, mēslojums: Terminu skaidrojošā vārdnīca. Jelgava: LLU. 2012. 477 lpp.

Further reading

1. Soil Atlas of Europe. European Soil Bureau Network, European Commission. 2005. 128 p.
2. Soil Atlas of the Northern Circumpolar Region. European Soil Bureau Network, European Commission. 2010. 144 p.
3. European Atlas of Soil Biodiversity. European Soil Bureau Network, European Commission. 2010. 128 p.

Notes

Professional higher education bachelor study program "Geology and Soil Science" full-time studies and part time studies.