Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2021 - GEOG 317 D100

Soil Science (4)

Class Number: 4304

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2021: Tue, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 12, 2021
    Sun, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Margaret Schmidt
    schmidtc@sfu.ca
    1 778 782-3323
    Office: RCB 7133

  • 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 the 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), survey and mapping; and (3) become familiar with environmental issues related to soil science.

Course organization:
One two-hour lecture and one two-hour laboratory session most weeks.  There will be no labs held in the first week of classes.

Grading

  • Assignments 40%
  • Midterm examination 25%
  • Final examination 35%

NOTES:

The final examination will be scheduled in the formally-scheduled university examination period. 

Materials

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.  CourseSmart extextbooks 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 2021

Teaching at SFU in fall 2021 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with approximately 70 to 80 per cent of classes in person/on campus, with safety plans in place.  Whether your course will be in-person or through remote methods will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware 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.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the fall 2021 term.