Soil Classification and Mapping
Introduction to classification and mapping of soils with emphasis on soil-forming processes; principles of the Canadian system of soil classification; soil profiles, diagnostic features, soil-forming factors and processes; kinds and distribution of soils in Canada; soil survey procedures, and utilization of existing spatial information to support soil mapping at a detailed scale. This course includes a mandatory field trip to collect data for mapping exercises. Prior knowledge of soil science is recommended.
Course at a glance
- This class has online synchronous lectures, with one day as a mandatory in-person fieldwork day.
- Lecture-based instruction with learning facilitated through group work, case study review, and one fieldwork day.
- Aimed at individuals transitioning into the environmental field, as well as mid-level professionals in sectors involving environmental aspects, this course will also be of value to agrologists, biologists, engineers, industrial managers, foresters, technologists, and others who wish to update their skills and knowledge in this area.
- Recognized by the Alberta Institute of Agrologists (AIA) as a senior agrology course related to entrance into the profession and to augment core knowledge requirements related to a practice area.
- This course may be recognized as educational or continuing professional development credits by ECO Canada, the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA), the Association of Alberta Forest Management Professionals (AAFMP), and the Association of Science & Engineering Technology Professionals Of Alberta (ASET).
What you will learn
By the end of this course, you should be able to:
- Identify common landforms and parent materials associated with soils in Alberta.
- Describe soil profiles, including hand texturing and classification of soil structure.
- Recognize soils of 10 soil orders using the Canadian System of Soil Classification.
- Relate soil forming factors, soil forming processes and functions, and their roles in the genesis of these soils.
- Describe soil drainage classes and soil moisture regimes.
- Understand soil survey procedures through: interpretation of various types of imagery; pre-field soil mapping; soil survey exercise in the field; and finalizing soil map and the legend.
This course has no prerequisites
Students from all educational backgrounds welcome. You can register for this course without applying and enrolling in a program.
Take note:
- Pre-course materials are available on eClass prior to the course start date. Prior to the first day of class, students must review a series of videos and complete a pre-course assignment provided on eClass; advanced registration is advised.
- While there are no prerequisites for this course, prior knowledge of soil science is recommended for student success.
- This course includes in-class, computer-based activities.
- Course assessment includes post-course work, as well as assignments outside of class times; in-class final exam will also be included.
- Mandatory fieldwork: students are required to bring their own Personal Protective Equipment. Long pants and good grip boots with good ankle support are essential; rubber boots are useful but not necessary. Wear weather-appropriate clothing, sun block, work gloves, and high-visibility clothing (safety vest, reflective stripes, or blaze orange/yellow outer layer). Students are responsible for their transportation to the fieldwork sites.
Currently counts towards:
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└ core course
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└39-hour elective course
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└ elective course
Applicants intending to enrol in a program are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to lock in their course requirements since they are prone to change.
*If you are already enroled in this program, please refer to your specific program requirements as outlined at the time of your admission: Bear Tracks > Academic Advisement.
When will this course be offered?
New course schedules are released each June and November.
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Call Continuing Education Student Services Office at 780-492-3113
or Information Services and Technology (IST) at 780-492-9400