Course:APBI401
| APBI401 / SOIL501 Soil Processes | |
|---|---|
| |
| Course Info | |
| Instructor: | Dr. Sandra Brown |
| Email: | sandra.brown@ubc.ca |
| Office: | MCML 229 |
| Class Schedule | MWF 11-12pm |
| Classroom: | MCML 160 |
| Optional Tutorial | M 4:30-5:30 |
| Classroom: | MCML 258 |
| Course Pages | |
| Syllabus | |
| Course Discussion | |
A course on Soil Processes will be offered in the fall jointly as APBI 401 and SOIL 501. The course may be taken for graduate or undergraduate credit. The course content and objectives are provided below.
Syllabus
Latest syllabus links (uploaded Fall 2018)(pdf)
Course Objective
APBI 401 aims for students to gain a basic understanding of the essential processes that take place in soils. It is best suited for students interested in gaining more depth in understanding soil processes and students interested in specializing in soil science. A background in natural sciences in recommended.
Course Description
Soils are a fundamental component of APBI-ecological, forest, and other land use systems; reflecting natural processes and the influence of human activities. Topics to be covered include:
- the genetic development of soils
- the essential function for biomass production
- microbial functioning
- nutrient cycling
- C sequestration
- how processes are influenced by land use activities
It is expected that students will gain sufficient knowledge to understand the role of soil biology in decomposition, recycling of nutrients, and soil formation, soil bio-meteorological processes, soil hydrology, soil quality and resilience, and spatial and temporal variability. Emphasis will be placed on the integration of soils, water, biota, and the atmosphere, and anthropogenic influences on soil processes.
Course Organization and Delivery
This course will be taught using a modular format (4-5 hours for each module). Lectures are held 3 times weekly. Approximately half of the lectures will be delivered by guest lecturers with expertise in specific topics, including faculty members from the Faculty of Land and Food Systems, the Faculty of Forestry, the Department of Civil Engineering, and the Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability.
Readings will be assigned prior to the start of each module. Readings will include class handouts, journal articles from the library, and various soil textbook chapters. Textbooks will be placed on reserve at the Woodward Library on campus. Students are expected to complete relevant readings before the module lectures.
Assignments and Grading Scheme
APBI 401:
| Activity | Percentage of Grade |
|---|---|
| Assignments (3) | 30% |
| Midterm Exam | 30% |
| Final Exam | 40% |
| TOTAL | 100% |
SOIL 501:
| Activity | Percentage of Grade |
|---|---|
| Assignments (3) | 25% |
| Midterm Exam | 25% |
| Term Paper | 10% |
| Final Exam | 40% |
| TOTAL | 100% |