Course description

“Topical issues of soil science” is a normative discipline for the students of speciality 103 “Earth Sciences”, educational program “Applied soil science and estimation of lands”, master’s degree, taught in 1 semester in the volume of 3 credits (according to European Credit-transfer System ECTS).

The syllabus of the course envisages acquaintance of master’s students with the basic problems of soil science in the context of sustainable development, scientific approaches in relation to the rational use and protection of soils, methodology and methods of soil and geographical science, estimation of the agro-ecological state of soils and ground cover. The course touches upon global problems of humanity in relation to food provision as well as preservation of natural environmental, in particular properties of soil. On completion of the course a student must be able to analyze the state of soil resources of the world and Ukraine, ecological role and functions of soils; to explain the role and value of modern soil forming processes, show the importance of soil science.