The Soil and Physical Sciences Department comprises 19 academic staff, research officers and postdoctoral fellows and a similar number of technical and support staff.  As the name implies, the department has responsibility at the University for the delivery of all undergraduate and postgraduate soil-related courses, and many physical science courses including first and second year undergraduate chemistry and physics.  The academic staff teach into a number of academic programmes including: Bachelor of Agricultural Science, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology, Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture) and the Diploma of Agriculture.  All the academic staff are involved in Postgraduate supervision at Masters and Doctoral levels.

The range of research being undertaken is extensive but in recent years has increasingly focused on environmental issues, especially soil’s role and influence on water and air quality.  For example, a number of current research programmes involve the measurement and modelling of solute and microbial transport through soil.  Other programmes involve the measurement and modelling of gases generated within or absorbed by soil.  Further examples of current programmes include investigations into: soil-plant rhizosphere relationships, heavy-metal contamination of soil, soil remediation and quaternary geology and paleoclimate research. 

Want more information?
Contact Rob Sherlock, Head of Department or email Amal Torky, Department Secretary