Fall 2018 Course Syllabi

Exams: There will be four regular exams. Exams may contain short answer, multiple choice, Completion and problems. Periodic tables and calculators may be used on the test. Homework: Throughout the semester problems will be assigned in order for you to better Comprehend the concepts and math involved. This homework will not be graded, however you Will be able to use these assignments on quizzes. The problems assigned will be similar to those Which will be on the exams. Quizzes: will be used to check for understanding. Quizzes cannot be made up. Laboratory: The laboratory portion of the course provides an opportunity to integrate lecture concepts with observable activities and is critical to understanding chemical concepts. Safety Goggles are available for purchase in the bookstore. Attendance in lab is mandatory and the Instructor must validate that you actually assisted in the collection of data. Borrowed results are not acceptable and all parties involved will receive a grade deduction. Lab reports are due at The beginning of the next lab class. Late lab reports will not be accepted. Failure to wear safety goggles, not following instructions or using unsafe procedures is unacceptable and may result in your dismissal from further labs. Field trips will be taken as a part of lab in order for students to gain 1 st hand experience in soil testing and analysis. Final lab- A special activity involving application of the principles of scientific method and inquiry Will occur the last two lab sessions and are due at the end of the last scheduled lab day. A Formal lab report must be completed. Tentative Course Outline: Reading lab schedule Week 1 Soils, Soil Ecosystems p.1-9 No Lab Week 2 Soil Formation, Classification p.10-14 soil texture Week 3 Soil organic matter & pores p. 15-40 soil solution & buffering Week 4 air, water, porosity & permeability p. 40-55 porosity & permeability Week 5 Soil physical properties p.55-70 soil properties Exam #1- Chapters #1-3 water conservation Week 6 Soil Climate p.71-76 soil fertility Week 7 Soil water, potential & retention p.87-109 soil water Week 8 soil biology p.111-133 soil organisms Week 9 Carbon, nitrogen cycles & microbes p.134-168 soil organisms Exam #2 Chapters #4-8 plant nutrition Week 10 nutrients in plants & soil p.169-198 macronutrients Week 11 managing plant nutrients & fertilizers p.199-239 soil analysis Week 12 acidity, salinity & soil genesis p.212-248 pH Week 13 organic soils p.249-300 soil formation Exam #3 Chapters 9-12 soil sampling & testing Week 14 Soil information & surveys p.301-338 soil survey Week 15 soil degradation & control p.353-383 soils as filters Week 16 uses of soil & water quality p.385-405 final lab 12/7 Final Review 12/10 Final Exam