Courses in soil science at SFU involve both the development of lab and field techniques. Topics will include physical, chemical and biological properties of soils, soil formation, classification and mapping.

The properties, processes, and principles which are particularly fundamental in understanding soils are highlighted in Geography 317 and 417.

COURSES OFFERED:

Soil Science I - Geography 317

Soil Science II- Geography 417

Geography 617- Advanced Topics in Forest Soils

Soil physics, soil chemistry, soil biology and/or forest soils.

Other Related Courses at SFU:

REM 471- Forest Ecosystem Management

Students will examine the problems of managing forest ecosystems for a variety of societal goals and objectives. The course will start with an examination of the ecological characteristics of forest ecosystems and their dynamics. The second section will focus on the objectives and tools of forest management in an ecological context. The final section of the course will focus on the institutions, economics and policies of forest management, with a focus on British Columbia's historical and current management issues. This course will involve lectures, group discussions, field trips, and exercises. Prerequisite: At least one of REM 311, BISC 304, BISC 310, BISC 404, GEOG 315, or GEOG 316.

REM 670- Introduction to Forestry

Examines the theory and practice of forest management based on an understanding of the linkages between forest ecosystem dynamics, economics, policy and social management. Principles are illustrated with reference to contemporary forestry issues. Prerequisite: REM 611 or permission of instructor.

REM 671- Forest Ecology

Structure, function and development of forest ecosystems. Population, community, ecosystem and landscape approaches are used to enable students to understand the biology and management of forests in terms of the processes driving spatial and temporal dynamics.

EASC 313- Introduction to Soil and Rock Engineering

An introduction to the engineering properties and behavior of soil and rock. Laboratory and field measurements of soil and rock properties. Applications in engineering design will be illustrated with case studies of slope stability, road design, foundations and underground excavations. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of soil and rock mechanics in the resources sector. Prerequisite: EASC 101, 204 or permission of instructor.

EASC 413- Forestry Geotechnics

Terrain stability, channel, watershed and gully assessments in forested terrain. Slope failure mechanisms in soil and rock. Methods of slope stability analysis. Techniques of slope reinforcement and stabilization. Slope monitoring. Forest road construction and deactivation. Introduction to risk assessment and decision analysis. Prerequisite: EASC 313 or permission of instructor

EASC 419- Forest Harvesting Techniques

A field-based course dealing with techniques used in the harvesting of timber; their impact and mitigation. Topics covered will include forest harvesting techniques (ground-based systems, cable systems, aerial systems, hand logging and horse logging), elements of operational logging (layout of cut blocks and road systems), and forest development plans. Prerequisite: EASC 313, 411 and 413.

For more information on these courses please visit:

The Department of Earth Sciences at SFU

Resource and Environmental Management at SFU