Applied Soil Physics
This course will introduce students to the basic concepts of applied soil physics, with an emphasis on the quantitative aspects. Basic physical aspects of both the solid and liquid phases of soils as well as how water is held by soils and how it moves through soils, will be covered. The course will examine the link between the soil water régime and processes within the hydrologic cycle, with emphasis on infiltration and the soil physical properties affecting this key hydrologic process. Soil management challenges that involve soil physics and how to manipulate soils to enhance their physical properties will also be examined.
Course at a glance
- In-class, lecture-based course with group work, case study review, and calculation demonstrations.
- A variety of assignments allows students to work with SI units, soil physical properties, soil physical parameters, functional inter-relationships, calculations of soil water potentials, soil water movement, and water balances.
- 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.
- May be recognized as educational or continuing professional development credits by ECO Canada, the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA), the Alberta Society of Professional Biologists (ASPB), the College of Alberta Professional Foresters (CAPF), 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:
- Understand soil physical parameters.
- Identify how soils hold water and how water moves in soils.
- Complete calculations for soil physical properties and water balances.
- Understand how soil physical properties can be manipulated for soil enhancement or for dealing with soil management challenges.
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:
- Required textbook: Hillel, Daniel (1998) Environmental Soil Physics, Academic Press, ISBN 0123485258 (hardcover) or ISBN 9780080544151 (eBook).
- Additional learning resources are available through eClass, the University of Alberta’s eLearning management tool.
- Bring your own device for access to course resources; students also must bring calculators and blank, non-lined paper to every class.
- Access to a Microsoft Windows-based computer may be required.
- Assessment includes a final exam to be completed in-class.
Currently counts towards:
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└39-hour elective course
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└ course option
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└ course option
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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or Information Services and Technology (IST) at 780-492-9400