Bachelor of Science in Soil Science and Hydrology

The University of Sydney

A Bachelor of Science opens up a world of opportunity. Whether you dream of joining the forefront of research, learning how to analyse and think critically or making the planet a better place, a Bachelor of Science will give you highly sought-after skills for a huge range of careers. At Sydney you will be taught by dedicated scientific thinkers, including members of the Australian Academy of Science, Australian Research Council Fellows and prestigious prize winners. You will study in world-class facilities, including the multimillion-dollar Sydney Nanoscience Hub and the Charles Perkins Centre, with its focus on diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease. Soil and water security are major human existential challenges to the planet and more so in Australia, being the driest continent with highly weathered soils. The Soil Science and Hydrology major provides students with training in three key areas soil, water and climate, and their links with functional, resilient and productive ecosystems. Soil, water and climate define the physical constraints to ecosystems, and the interpretation of these along with their costs and benefits supports the development of policy and sustainable management strategies. This knowledge will help secure our soil and water resources to maintain healthy, functional and productive ecosystems. We will explore the complex interaction between soil, water and climate, and the way we manage our landscapes. Ecosystems are considered across paddock to catchment scales and include all sectors from agriculture to forestry to mining to nature reserves. This major has a strong emphasis on field-based learning through field schools and emphasis on field measurement and modelling through analysis of non-spatial and spatial data. Working with case studies and projects, you will identify and analyse real-world problems with the aim of identifying options to maintain the functionality of these interrelated systems. Students will develop generic skills in GIS, laboratory and data analysis that will enable students to contribute to water and soil security.

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