GEOG 317 - SOIL SCIENCE

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.

Prerequisite:
one of: GEOG 213, 214, 215, CHEM 121

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

Recommended Textbook: 
Brady, N.C. and R.R. Weil. 2008.  The Nature and Properties of Soils. Fourteenth edition, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey.  Note: previous editions of this text are also acceptable. (Library link to the 13th ed.)

Note: As an alternative to purchasing the print textbook, students can subscribe to the same content online and save up to 50% off the suggested list price of the print text. With a CourseSmart etextbook, students can search the text, make notes online, print out reading assignments that incorporate lecture notes, and bookmark important passages for later review. For more information, or to subscribe to the or ask Dr. Schmidt CourseSmart eTextbook, visit www.coursesmart.com or ask Dr. Schmidt.

Evaluation:
Laboratory exercises and quiz      40%
Midterm examination                      25%
Final examination                             35%

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