ENSC 348 - Soil Science

4 Credit(s)

This course introduces students to soils and their properties as components of landscapes and ecosystems. Students study the interaction of the basic soil-formation parameters: geologic materials, climate, biological components, land surface, and time. Lectures, labs, and research activities focus on soil-forming processes, soil morphology, soil classifications, soil engineering properties, natural soil landscapes, and soil nutrient cycling. A large part of the class involves field examination, description, and classification of soils and their landscapes. Students will demonstrate their understanding of the material in exams, research reports, lab and field activities, and a major field project applying soils knowledge to a problem in environmental sciences. $100 Course Fee.

Prerequisite(s): demonstrated math ability at M 095 or higher; and either CHMY 121 or CHMY 141 ; and either BIOB 101, BIOB 160, or BIOB 170; and either GEO 101 or GEO 103; or c/i.
(spring/odd-numbered years)