SOIL 2010

Introduction to Soil Science

Course Objectives

i. To understand the basic physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil. ii. To learn and properly utilize soil science terminology.

iii. To improve our understanding and appreciation of soil in terrestrial ecosystems.

Study and Course Suggestions

• Attend every lecture. • If something is unclear or you would like more detail, ask questions in lecture

because the odds are good that one of your peers has a similar concern. • Review lecture notes regularly. • Read the recommended text. • Come see me during office hours if and when you have any questions.

Grading

Laboratory component 25%

Homework, quizzes, and in-class assignments 15%

Exams 40%

Comprehensive Final Exam 20%

Quizzes and in-class assignments may be given at any time during lecture. Final grades will be assigned at the discretion of the instructor based on: http://www.uwyo.edu/registrar/university_catalog/grade.html. You are responsible for keeping track of your own grade throughout the semester. If you maintain a 90% or greater grade prior to the final exam, you may elect not to take the final.

Participation and Attendance

You will be evaluated based on completion of unannounced and announced quizzes, in class assignments, homework assignments, exams, and the laboratory component. Lecture attendance is required.

Expectations

• Students will attend lecture and actively participate in discussions. • Students will read recommended text. • Instructor will clearly explain soil science concepts in lecture. If you have a

question or would like more information, just ask. I am here to help you learn.

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Required text and supplies

Brady, N.B. and R.R. Weil. 2008. Elements of the nature and properties of soils. 3rd edition. Pearson Education Inc., Upper Saddle River, NJ. Available at the bookstore and numerous online sources.

Missed quizzes and late work

Work turned in late will not be accepted and there will be no make-up quizzes. If a school-related obligation (university-related travel, intercollegiate athletics, etc.) conflicts with a scheduled lecture or lab meeting, you must make arrangements at least one week in advance of the absence in the event that there is a scheduled exam, quiz, or homework assignment.

Disability

If you have a documented disability and wish to discuss special accommodations, please see me in person during the first week of class to make arrangements. Please work with the University Disability Support Services (UDSS) to make accommodations (http://www.uwyo.edu/udss/).

Withdrawal

Withdrawals after the drop period will be signed only for institutionally accepted reasons as listed in the University Catalog. Poor performance in the course is not one of those reasons.

Cell phone policy

Cell phone use is permitted in lab but please refrain from use in lecture. Silence your cell phone in lecture, if the phone rings, you will be expected to bring cookies to the next lecture period for the entire class. CELL PHONES MAY NOT BE USED AS CALCULATORS DURING ANY LAB OR LECTURE QUIZZES AND EXAMS.

Academic honesty

Absolutely no cheating of any kind will be tolerated. See Regulation 6-802 for full details but here’s a good summary (from here http://www.uwyo.edu/ctl/teaching-tips-resources/Academic-Dishonest.html): An act is academically dishonest when it is an act attempted or performed which misrepresents one's involvement in an academic task in any way, or permits another student to misrepresent the latter's involvement in an academic task by assisting in the misrepresentation.

Homework

There will be 4 homework exercises assigned throughout the semester. Answer keys will be posted at 5 pm on the due date, therefore, no late homework will be accepted. If you are unable to hand in your homework when it is due, hand it in EARLY!

1 Horizonation due ________________

2 Soil physical properties due ________________

3 Soil chemical properties due ________________

4 Soil Taxonomy due ________________

SOIL 2010

Introduction to Soil Science