Fall 2023 - GEOG 317 D100

Soil Science (4)

Class Number: 3627

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 6 – Dec 5, 2023: Mon, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Oct 10, 2023: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 13, 2023
    Wed, 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 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) 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 labs held in the first week of classes.

Grading

  • Assignments and Lab Quiz 35%
  • Midterm examination 30%
  • 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.  This book is available on VitalSource.


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.