Course code LauZP015

Credit points 1.50

Geology and Soil Science

Total Hours in Course40

Independent study hours40

Date of course confirmation08.10.2013

Responsible UnitInstitute of Soil and Plant Science

Course developer

author Augsnes un augu zinātņu institūts

Ilze Vircava

Dr. geol.

Replaced course

LaukR002 [GLMER002] Geology and Soil Science

Course abstract

Introduction to the methods and techniques of geological field work and practical skills and techniques in the diagnosis of soils under field conditions. Systematic observations and data collection for construction of geological cross-sections, soil maps and for land quality assessment. Interpretation of field data to understand relationships between geology, relief and sediments as soil parent material. Introduction to the soils of the area and their diversity.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

• Knowledge about methods geological field work and of field investigation and diagnosis of soils and the ability to use them. Knowledge and understanding about processes of soil formation related to the geological structure of study area, topography, and hydrological features.
• Skills - describe the basic geological and geomorphological situation and construct geological cross-sections, describe, classify and evaluate soils, compilation of survey materials and thematic soil maps.

• Competence - development of ability for decision making in the field of geology and soil related issues.

Course Content(Calendar)

Full-time intramural studies
1. Introduction with the study site geological structure, geological processes and soil diversity -
5 h.
2. Field studies of the geological processes and structure - 10 h.
3. Soil diagnostics, description and mapping - 10 h.
4. Preparation of practice report - 5 h.

Part-time extramural studies

The number of contact hours is ½ from the number of hours indicated, so the amount of fieldwork is reduced, but all topics specified for full-time are implemented.

Requirements for awarding credit points

Test in grade 1-10.

The test points is formed cumulatively:
• quality of field and kameral works;
• field-practice report;
• logic of conclusions and ability to engage in discussion;
• ability to formulate answers in relation to the tasks performed and the field-practice report.


The student is admitted to the final examination - defense of the practice report, if all field and kameral works have been performed, the practice report has been submitted and accepted.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Students independently carry out field and cameral works assigned by the lecturer. At the end of the work, students gather practical and theoretical knowledge by preparing a progress report.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

The lecturer evaluates the quality of field and cameral work, the logic of conclusions and the ability to engage in discussion during the training. The student must be able to formulate answers in connection with the progress report and defend it.

Compulsory reading

1. Karpovičs A., Mešķis S., Vircava I. 2019. Praktiskie darbi inženierģeoloģijā. Rēzekne: Rēzeknes Tehnoloģiju akadēmija. 111 lpp., ISBN 978-9984-44-230-3

2. Latvija - Zeme, Daba, Tauta, Valsts. 2018. Monogrāfija. Latvijas Universitāte. 752 lpp., ISBN10: 9934182976

Further reading

1. Ģeoloģija, augsne, agroķīmija: metodiskie norādījumi mācību praksei. A. Kārkliņa red. Jelgava: LLU, 2008. 88 lpp.

2. Bambergs K. Ģeoloģija un hidroģeoloģija. Rīga: Zvaigzne, 1993. 328 lpp.

Notes

Professional higher education bachelor study program “Land Management and Surveying” and “Environment and water management” full-time studies and part-time studies.