Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2020 - GEOG 317 D100

Soil Science (4)

Class Number: 4093

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Wed, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 14, 2020
    Mon, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    One of GEOG 213, 214, 215, or CHEM 121.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to the study of soils: physical, chemical and biological properties of soils; soil formation, description, classification, survey and use. Field and laboratory techniques of soil analysis. Students with credit for GEOG 318 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course provides students with a fundamental knowledge of soil science. The main learning objectives are to: (1) characterize the basic physical, chemical and biological properties of soils; (2) to become familiar with soil formation, classification (based on the Canadian System of Soil Classification), sorbet and mapping; and (3) become familiar with environmental issues related to soil science.

There are no lab exercises scheduled during the first week of classes.

Asynchronous course components:

  • Weekly lecture modules.
  • Weekly lab assignments.

Synchronous course components:

  • Optional (but highly recommended) attendance at live weekly lecture question and answer period with the instructor
  • Optional attendance (but highly recommended) at live weekly lab question and answer periods with TA supervision.
  • Midterm and Final examinations and lab quizzes (students must complete these during the scheduled timeframe)

Grading

  • • Laboratory exercises/lab quizzes 35%
  • • Midterm examination - Synchronous 30%
  • • Final examination - Synchronous 35%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Lab Resources:

  • Lab resources will be provided through CANVAS (SFU’s online learning management system).

Technical requirements

  • Internet connected device (computer recommended) for weekly access to CANVAS (SFU’s online learning management system) and Zoom (Video Communication)
  • Some lab exercise may require the use of a camera to take pictures and upload results (although alternatives are available if this is not possible).

RECOMMENDED READING:

R.R. Weil and Brady, N.C. 2016.  The Nature and Properties of Soils. Fifteenth edition, Pearson.  Note: previous editions of this text are also acceptable.

Online etextbook resources are available at www.coursesmart.com.


Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2020

Teaching at SFU in fall 2020 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).