Spring 2026 - GEOG 317 D100
Soil Science (4)
Class Number: 2278
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Tue, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Margaret Schmidt
margaret_schmidt@sfu.ca
1 778 782-3323
Office Hours: Tues. 2:30-3:20 pm
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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.
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 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.
The following online text can also be used. Canadian Society of Soil Science. 2021. Digging into Canadian Soils: an introduction to Soil Science.
Note: available at https://open.umn.edu/opentextbooks/textbooks/1040
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
At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.
To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit:
- SFU’s Academic Integrity Policy: S10-01 Policy
- SFU’s Academic Integrity website, which includes helpful videos and tips in plain language: Academic Integrity at SFU
RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION
Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term 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.