Soil, Water and Ecosystem Sciences
On Campus Courses
Course Listings:
SWS 3022: INTRODUCTION TO SOILS
IN THE ENVIRONMENT
About the Course
This course emphasizes soil physical, chemical and biological properties in relation to plant growth, the environment, and the soil's place in our daily lives. The course is intended to introduce students to the importance of soils to humans and the environment through the study of their morphology, physical and chemical properties, their distribution, and their biological significance. Each student who successfully completes the course should have a practical understanding of the following:
- Properties common to all or most soils on various scales
- Vocabulary to communicate with agricultural and environmental professionals
- Management strategies for different soils
- Problem-solving skills to manage soils effectively
- The importance of soils in sustaining life
- The impact of soils on environmental quality
Credits: 3
Semesters Offered: Fall and Spring
General Education Requirement Course: P (Physical Sciences)
Prerequisites: None
Textbook: Elements of the Nature and Properties of Soils by Nyle C. Brady and Ray R. Weil. 3rd Edition.