Southern Connecticut State University

Earth Science 358

Soil Science

 

Course Syllabus, Spring Semester 2003-2004

 

Instructor:  Dr. Thomas Fleming                                      Office:  Morrill Hall, Room 214-A

e-mail: fleming@southernct.edu                                        Office Hours: MWF 11:00am-12:00pm; MW 9:00-10:00pm, or by appointment

Office Phone: 203-392-5837 (includes voice mail)

Department Office Phone:  203-392-5835 (hours 1:00 - 5:00pm)

 

Lecture:  Morrill Hall, Room 216; MWF, 12:10-1:00pm

 

Course Description:  This course provides a survey of the soil-forming processes and properties of soil, with special attention to soils in land use decision making.

 

Prerequisites:  ESC 200 (Principles of Geology ), or GEO 201 (Physical Geography).

 

Required Text: 

 

Brady, N.C., and Weil, R.R. (2004) Elements of the Nature and Properties of Soils. 2nd edition, Prentice-Hall. 606 p.

 

Modes of Learning:  Class lectures and discussions, in-class demonstrations, reading assignments, homework problems/assignments, hands-on laboratory activities, cooperative learning within a group format.

 

Examinations:   There will be two mid-term exams and a comprehensive final exam.  Exams will be predominantly short answer/essay format and will cover lecture materials, and reading from the text.  If a legitimate and unavoidable conflict arises such that you need to miss an exam, you must contact me (e-mail, voice mail, phone, message to Dept. Secretary, or written note) at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled date to be eligible for a make-up.  In emergency situations you must contact me a soon as reasonably possible.  All excuses must be appropriately documented.  If the university cancels class on a quiz or exam-day due to weather or other unforeseen emergency, the exam/quiz will be held during the next regular class meeting.

 

Grading:   Final grades will be based on homework exercises, two mid-term exams, and a final exam.  They will be weighted as follows:

Homework Exercises            15%

Two Mid-term Exams           25% each (50%  total)

Final Exam                             35%

 

Students with Disabilities:    Students with a disabilities are welcome to enroll in this course.  Those wishing to receive accommodations in this class will need to make an appointment with the Disability Resource Center located in Engleman Hall room C-16 to arrange for approved accommodations. Please discuss these accommodations with me during the first week of class, if possible.  If you have other special needs, such as emergency medical information, or arrangements in case the building must be evacuated please feel free to discuss these issues with me.

 

Class Policies:

 

- Attendance at all lectures is mandatory. Attendance will be taken periodically and will affect decisions regarding borderline final grades.

- All exams, lab work, and homework are to be completed individually unless specifically noted by the instructor.

- Coursework must be turned in on-time.  Late work will not be accepted.

- No “Extra Credit” will be given.

- Students are expected to behave in a manner that is consistent with the Student Code of Conduct as outlined within the Universities Student Handbook.

- This course involves use of expensive laboratory equipment and samples.   Damage of equipment resulting from misuse or abuse will constitute grounds for immediate administrative withdrawal from the course.

- Cell phones must be turned off during class (both lecture and lab).   If you have an emergency situation that requires access to a cell phone, please discuss your situation with me.

 

                                       Course Outline

 

 

Week

 

Dates

 

Topics

 

Reading Assignment

 

1

 

Jan. 26–30

 

Introduction to Soils

 

Ch 1

 

2

 

Feb 2-6

 

Origin, Nature and Classification of Parent Materials

 

Ch 2

 

3

 

Feb 9-13

Origin, Nature and Classification of Parent Materials

Friday,  Feb 13,  No Class

 

Ch 2

 

4

 

Feb 16-20

Monday, Feb 16,  No Class

Weathering and Genesis of  Soils

 

Ch 2

 

5

 

Feb 23-27

Mineralogy and Geochemistry of Soils

 

 

Ch 8,

 

6

 

Mar 1-5

Mineralogy and Geochemistry of Soils

Friday, Mar 5,  Midterm Exam 1

 

 

Ch, 9, 11

 

7

 

Mar 8-12

 

Physical Properties of Soils

 

Ch 4

 

8

 

Mar 15-19

Physical Properties of Soils

Friday, March 19,  Midterm Grades

 

Ch 4, 6, 7

 

9

 

Mar 22–26

 

Spring Break, Mar 22-26, No Class

 

 

 

10

 

Mar 29 – Apr 2

 

Soil Water

 

Ch 5, 6

 

11

 

Apr 5-9

 

Soil Water

 

Ch 5, 6

 

12

 

Apr 12-16

Friday, April 16, Midterm Exam 2

Soil Organisms

 

Ch 10

 

13

 

Apr 19-23

 

Soil Profiles and Classification

 

Ch 3

 

14

 

Apr 26–30

 

Soil Profiles and Classification

 

Ch 3

 

15

 

May 3 – 7

 

Soils and Land Use

 

Ch 14

 

16

 

May 10-14

Soils and Land Use

Friday May 10, reading or make-up day

 

Ch 15

 

17

 

May 17–21

Comprehensive Final Exam

Monday, May 17,  12:45pm-2:45pm

 

 

 

Note : This syllabus is meant to be a guide to the topics that will be covered in this course.  Coverage of individual topics and exam dates may be adjusted during the semester, any changes will be announced in class.