207-203 Techniques of Resource Assessment

202-106 Land Resources.

This subject should introduce the student to basic land survey methodology, the instruments used to do such survey and deliver field experience. This will involve soil, plant and animal surveys on a catchment scale.

The subject will introduce techniques such as:

• map reading;

• global positioning systems;

• data-loggers; soil, plant and animal survey, land capability assessment;

• GIS; remote sensing and;

• appropriate sampling and analysis strategies.

On completion of this subject the students should be able to:

• describe the major techniques available to evaluate land and biological resources;

• observe, sample and record data in field situations;

• interpret results from the use of such techniques; and

• understand how to apply them in a natural resource management context.

A three-hour examination (50%), one major assignment of 4000 words (40%) and two practical reports (each worth 5%).