Why Bachelor of Science (Honours)?
Curious about the ground beneath your feet and how it shapes our future?
The Bachelor of Science (Honours) majoring in Soil Science gives you a deep understanding of how soil supports life on Earth -- from producing our food to sustaining vital ecosystems. You’ll explore how to improve land management and conservation through science, while building strong technical and research skills.
With the additional honours year, you’ll take on advanced study and complete a major research project focused on real-world challenges.
This degree prepares you for a career that takes you outdoors, into the lab or into policy, across agriculture, environmental protection, research and more.
Overview
Explore the science beneath your feet with the Bachelor of Science (Honours) majoring in Soil Science at Adelaide University.
This advanced four-year degree will prepare you to tackle global issues like food security, land degradation and environmental conservation. You’ll study how soils develop, what they’re made of and how they function, gaining the skills to assess soil quality, manage land sustainably and support healthy ecosystems.
Learn how to use tools such as GIS, remote sensing and spatial modelling to analyse landscapes and monitor change. In your final year, deepen your expertise through an independent honours research project supervised by leading academics.
You'll graduate with advanced scientific knowledge, practical field skills and the ability to provide evidence-based advice. You’ll be prepared to take on roles in various fields including agriculture, mining, land rehabilitation, urban planning, environmental consulting and policy.
Key features
Investigate the biological, chemical and physical behaviour of soils across diverse Australian environments. - Address complex, real-world soil science issues through advanced coursework and research.
- Build high-level practical skills with extended fieldwork, lab analysis and an honours research project.
- Learn alongside leading researchers and contribute to current scientific investigations.
- Work with specialised lab equipment and tools such as GIS, remote sensing and spatial analysis software.
- Examine Indigenous knowledge systems and how they inform sustainable land and soil practices.
What you'll learn
The Bachelor of Science (Honours) majoring in Soil Science builds advanced skills in scientific research, fieldwork and evidence-based analysis. Over four years, you’ll develop your critical thinking, explore global environmental issues and develop technical expertise in soil science.
Through core courses, you'll study the properties of soil in relation to agriculture, water, ecology and sustainability. Topics may include:
- Soils and landscapes
- Soil and water management
- Soil ecology and nutrient cycling
- Environmental sustainability and soil carbon
- Ecotoxicology and environmental risk assessment
- Soil and plant nutrition
- Agricultural production
- Earth and landscape evolution.
You’ll learn in a range of settings including classrooms, labs, paddocks and the field and use technologies like GIS, remote sensing and spatial modelling. You’ll also gain experience with our on-campus soil pit, laboratories, glasshouse and commercial farming equipment.
Our wide range of electives give you the freedom to explore a little bit of everything. You could study another area of science or venture into non-science areas such as arts, languages, business, mathematics – or something else entirely.
In your third year, a work integrated learning experience will further develop your expertise.
In your fourth honours year, you’ll complete an extended research project under expert supervision. This final year gives you a strong foundation in independent scientific investigation, opening pathways to postgraduate research or highly skilled roles in government, consultancy and industry.
Majors
The Bachelor of Science (Honours) is also available with majors in the following:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Animal Behaviour
- Animal Science
- Biotechnology
- Chemistry
- Computational Physics
- Ecology
- Environmental Science
- Environmental and Geospatial Science
- Evolutionary Biology
- Evolutionary Biology and Palaeontology
- Experimental Physics
- Food Science and Technology
- Genetics
- Geology
- Geology and Earth Resources
- Geology and Palaeontology
- Geophysics
- Marine and Wildlife Conservation
- Medicinal and Biological Chemistry
- Microbiology and Immunology
- Nuclear Chemistry
- Nuclear and Radiation Physics
- Physics and Geophysics
- Plant Biology
- Pure and Applied Chemistry
- Soil Science
- Space Science and Astrophysics
- Theoretical Physics.
Degree Structure: Bachelor of Science (Honours) majoring in Soil Science
Program code: HSCIE
Complete 192 units comprising:
- 42 to 54 units for Core courses, and
- 78 to 144 units for Majors, and
- 0 to 48 units for Electives
Study plan
A study plan sets out the courses you will need to complete and the recommended timing for each one. This will help to guide your enrolment in each study period, alongside any additional information provided below. If you have received a personalised plan or alternative advice from your Program Director, please refer to that guidance in the first instance, or seek help from your Program Director or Student Assist if you are unsure.
Enrolment information
Find details about the rules and notes that apply to your program, along with other essential information required for successful enrolment. Supplementary supporting resources may also be provided where applicable.
Courses
Listed here are all the courses that contribute to your program, including elective options that can be chosen. These courses come together to form your study plan. Courses fall into different categories, each of which have specific unit values that need to be met under the program rules.
What courses you'll study
Complete 192 units comprising:
- 42 to 54 units for Core courses, and
- 78 to 144 units for Majors, and
- 0 to 48 units for Electives
Complete 42 to 54 units comprising:
- 6 to 12 units for all Program core, and
- 12 to 18 units from Common Core, and
- 6 to 30 units from Core Selective
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Science of People, Society and the Future Planet
|
Course code
SCIE1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Data Skills for Scientists
|
Course code
STAT1000
|
Units
6
|
Common core description
Common core courses are interdisciplinary courses that build key graduate capabilities.
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
An Ethically Rich Life
|
Course code
COREX001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Fact or Fiction: Data for Everyone
|
Course code
COREX002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Igniting Change: Ideas to Action
|
Course code
COREX003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Transforming Learning through First Nations Knowledges
|
Course code
COREX004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Responsible AI: Bridging Ethics, Education and Industry
|
Course code
COREX005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Building Belonging: Navigating Cultural Complexities
|
Course code
COREX006
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Biology 1A: Molecules, Genes and Cells
|
Course code
BIOL1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Biology 1B: Evolution and Diversity of Organisms
|
Course code
BIOL1004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Foundations in Chemistry
|
Course code
CHEM1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Chemistry 1A
|
Course code
CHEM1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Chemistry 1B
|
Course code
CHEM1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Planet Earth
|
Course code
EART1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Extra-terrestrial Geoscience
|
Course code
EART1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Earth, Climate and Life Systems
|
Course code
EART1012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Foundations in Mathematics
|
Course code
MATH1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Calculus 1
|
Course code
MATH1004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Calculus 2
|
Course code
MATH1005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Essential Mathematics
|
Course code
MATH1015
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Differential Equations
|
Course code
MATHX202
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Linear Algebra
|
Course code
MATHX104
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Foundations in Physics
|
Course code
PHYS1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Physics 1A
|
Course code
PHYS1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Physics 1B
|
Course code
PHYS1002
|
Units
6
|
Notes
-
Program core - Students in the following Majors will not enrol in STAT1000 Data Skills for Scientists:
Computational Physics, Experimental Physics, Nuclear and Radiation Physics, Physics and Geophysics, Space Science and Astrophysics, Theoretical Physics
Complete exactly 30 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Soils and Landscapes
|
Course code
AGRI1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Environmental Sustainability and Soil Carbon 2
|
Course code
AGRI2000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Soil and Water Resources
|
Course code
AGRI2004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Environmental Chemistry
|
Course code
CHEM1004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Microbial Ecology
|
Course code
BIOLX200
|
Units
6
|
Electives description
A flexible course choice within your degree.
- 0 to 48 units from University-wide electives
- 0 to 48 units from Electives - unspecified plan
- 0 to 6 units from Electives - Work integrated learning
A full list of university-wide elective options can be accessed below.
University-wide elective options| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Soils and Landscapes
|
Course code
AGRI1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Environmental Sustainability and Soil Carbon 2
|
Course code
AGRI2000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Soil and Water Resources
|
Course code
AGRI2004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Crop and Pasture Production
|
Course code
AGRI2005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Agricultural Biochemistry
|
Course code
AGRI2006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Microbiology and Invertebrate Biology
|
Course code
AGRI2013
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Soil and Water Management and Conservation 3
|
Course code
AGRI3011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Contaminants in the Agro-ecosystem
|
Course code
AGRI3012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Soil and Plant Nutrition
|
Course code
AGRI3013
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Soil Ecology and Nutrient Cycling 3
|
Course code
AGRI3014
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Biology 1C: Molecular Biology and Biomedical Science
|
Course code
BIOL1031
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Ecological Issues 1
|
Course code
BIOL1032
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Zoology 2
|
Course code
BIOL2004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Principles of Biotechnology 2
|
Course code
BIOL2019
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Botany 2
|
Course code
BIOL2023
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Foundations in Plant Science
|
Course code
BIOL2024
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Science International Study Tour
|
Course code
SCIE3009
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Communicating Science
|
Course code
SCIEX300
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Probability and Statistics
|
Course code
STATX100
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Plant Identification 2
|
Course code
BIOL2049
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Animal Identification in Wildlife Conservation 2
|
Course code
BIOL2050
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Principles of Ecology 2
|
Course code
BIOL2051
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Molecular and Biomedical Science Practical 2
|
Course code
BIOL2900
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Microbial Ecology
|
Course code
BIOLX200
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Bioinformatics: Sequencing Technologies
|
Course code
BIOLX401
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Bioinformatics: Overview
|
Course code
BIOLX402
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Environmental Chemistry
|
Course code
CHEM1004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Environmental Chemistry 2
|
Course code
CHEM2010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Food Chemistry
|
Course code
CHEMX200
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Problem Solving and Programming
|
Course code
COMP1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Object-Oriented Programming
|
Course code
COMP1005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Extra-terrestrial Geoscience
|
Course code
EART1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Geophysics 2
|
Course code
EART2003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Sedimentary Geology 2
|
Course code
EART2008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Structural Geology 2
|
Course code
EART2009
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Igneous and Metamorphic Geology 2
|
Course code
EART2010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Geochemistry 2
|
Course code
EART2011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Mineral Resources 2
|
Course code
EART2012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Palaeontology and Palaeoenvironments 3
|
Course code
EART3001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Mineral Resources 3
|
Course code
EART3014
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Space Missions
|
Course code
EART4005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Fire and Culture
|
Course code
EARTX300
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Earth Observation for the Environmental Sciences
|
Course code
ECOL3001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Surveying and Spatial Sciences
|
Course code
ENGI1006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Remote Sensing
|
Course code
ENGI2002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Spatial Data Acquisition and Analysis
|
Course code
ENGI2004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Food Processing and Safety
|
Course code
ENGPX415
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Fundamentals of Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Physical Geography and Human Environmental Impacts
|
Course code
ENVI1010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Environmental Interpretation and Community Engagement
|
Course code
ENVI2007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Park and Ecotourism Management
|
Course code
ENVI2008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Climate and Sustainability
|
Course code
ENVI2010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Environmental Impact Assessment 3
|
Course code
ENVI3002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
GIS for Agriculture and Natural Resources
|
Course code
ENVI3008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Environmental Pollution and Monitoring
|
Course code
ENVI3010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
GIS for Environmental Management
|
Course code
ENVI3011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Environmental Technologies 3
|
Course code
ENVI3012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Food and Science Technology
|
Course code
FOOD1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Future Foods
|
Course code
FOOD3005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Food Microbiology
|
Course code
FOOD3015
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Sensory Evaluations of Food
|
Course code
FOODX200
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Food Production in a Future Climate
|
Course code
FOODX300
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Food Microbiology
|
Course code
FOODX500
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Food Quality and Regulation
|
Course code
FOODX501
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Discrete Mathematics
|
Course code
MATH1006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Geometry
|
Course code
MATH1007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Mathematics in Action
|
Course code
MATH1012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Complex Analysis
|
Course code
MATHX100
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Mathematical Modelling
|
Course code
MATHX103
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Data Taming and Prediction
|
Course code
MATHX105
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Critical Evaluation in Data Science
|
Course code
MATHX106
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Algebra
|
Course code
MATHX201
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Real Analysis
|
Course code
MATHX206
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Nutrition
|
Course code
NUTR1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Astronomy 1
|
Course code
PHYS1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Nuclear and Radiation Physics 2
|
Course code
PHYS2006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Scientific Data: Analysis and Visualisation
|
Course code
SCIE2000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Human Behaviour and Conservation 3
|
Course code
SCIE3001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Web Cartography
|
Course code
SCIE3003
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Science Professional Placement
|
Course code
SCIE3900
|
Units
6
|
Notes
-
Electives - unspecified plan - The electives listed above are for students in the unspecified plan of the Bachelor of Science (Honours). Students in a defined plan should refer to the electives listed within their major.
Complete exactly 18 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Soil and Water Management and Conservation 3
|
Course code
AGRI3011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Contaminants in the Agro-ecosystem
|
Course code
AGRI3012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Soil and Plant Nutrition
|
Course code
AGRI3013
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Soil Ecology and Nutrient Cycling 3
|
Course code
AGRI3014
|
Units
6
|
Complete 6 to 12 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Landscape Evolution 3
|
Course code
EART3006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Science Professional Placement
|
Course code
SCIE3900
|
Units
6
|
Notes
Students must complete Landscape Evolution 3. Students may complete Science Professional Placement or free elective.
Complete 36 to 48 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Ecological Issues 1
|
Course code
BIOL1032
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Principles of Ecology 2
|
Course code
BIOL2051
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Environmental Chemistry 2
|
Course code
CHEM2010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Planet Earth
|
Course code
EART1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Geochemistry 2
|
Course code
EART2011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Fire and Culture
|
Course code
EARTX300
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Earth Observation for the Environmental Sciences
|
Course code
ECOL3001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Fundamentals of Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
GIS for Agriculture and Natural Resources
|
Course code
ENVI3008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Environmental Pollution and Monitoring
|
Course code
ENVI3010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
GIS for Environmental Management
|
Course code
ENVI3011
|
Units
6
|
Complete 48 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Plant, Food and Soil Sciences
|
Course code
AGRI4002
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Honours Plant, Food and Soil Sciences Project
|
Course code
AGRI4003
|
Units
36
|
|
|
Course name
Honours Science Project 1
|
Course code
SCIE4002
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Honours Science Project 2
|
Course code
SCIE4003
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Honours Science Project 3
|
Course code
SCIE4004
|
Units
12
|
Career outcomes
Study soil science at Adelaide University in Australia and graduate prepared to solve complex challenges across environmental management, land use and sustainable development.
You might lead research into carbon storage solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. You could help restore contaminated mining sites, turning damaged land into thriving ecosystems. Perhaps you’ll develop smart soil monitoring systems that use sensor technology and data analytics to support precision agriculture.
You could work in various roles across different industries as a:
- Climate change analyst
- Soil conservationist
- Agronomist
- Environmental consultant
- Land rehabilitation specialist
- Agricultural scientist
- Soil fertility expert
- Hydrologist
- Environmental impact assessor
- Extension agent
- Oil surveyor
- Biodiversity consultant
- Research scientist
- Sustainability advisor.
Industry Trends
The field of soil science is experiencing significant growth and technological advancement. In Australia, employment for environmental scientists is projected to grow by 7.7% from May 2023 to May 2028, reflecting increasing demand for expertise in sustainable land management (Job and Skills Australia).
Technological innovations, such as remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), are transforming soil analysis by enabling large-scale, non-invasive monitoring of soil properties (MDPI, 2023). These tools enhance precision agriculture and environmental conservation efforts. Additionally, artificial intelligence is being utilised to improve soil carbon monitoring, aiding in climate change mitigation strategies.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Science (Honours) majoring in Soil Science at Adelaide University are well positioned to lead environmental research, shape sustainable land use policy and respond to global soil challenges through advanced scientific and technological skills.
Ready to apply?
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your program team
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
