Soil Science Fundamentals
- 39 hour course, no prerequisites
This course includes an overview of soil formation and soil classification with emphasis given to soils of Western Canada. Additional topics will include basic soil chemical, physical and biological properties and processes. Soil make-up and why air and water are important components of soil will also be included, water holding and transmission, soil nutrient cycling by microorganisms, effects of salt on soil properties, and soil interactions within ecosystems will also be covered. Course concepts will provide a broad understanding of soil science as preparation for more specialized soil and environmental sciences courses.
Course at a glance
- In-class, lecture-based course with group work and case study review.
- 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.
- 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 Alberta Society of Professional Biologists (ASPB), the College of Alberta Professional Foresters (CAPF), the Alberta Institute of Agrologists (AIA), 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:
- Define soil and describe what it is comprised of.
- Describe the classification of soils in Canada, especially in Western Canada.
- Identify how various factors affect soil development and how those factors affect soil forming processes.
- Describe some of the fundamental physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils.
- Demonstrate use of soil survey reports and the online Alberta Soil Viewer.
Take note:
- No textbook required.
This course has no prerequisites
Students from all educational backgrounds welcome. You can register for this course without applying and enrolling in a program.
Currently counts towards
-
Certificate
in
Environmental Resource Management
└ core course
* 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.
You can register for and take a course without applying and enrolling into the program.
We recommend that you apply to the program as soon as possible to lock in your course requirements as they are subject to change.
Looking for different course dates?
New course schedules are released each June and November.
Cart is empty
Online checkout is currently unavailable — re-opens on Monday Mar. 1 at 11:59 PM.
Be sure to read our refund, withdrawal, and transfer policies
Call Continuing Education Student Services Office at 780-492-3116
or Information Services and Technology (IST) at 780-492-9400