Academic Learning Compact - Soil and Water Science

The soil and water science major will enable you to identify and to describe the morphology of soils, to differentiate soils according to soil taxonomy and to distinguish soil forming factors. You will use this knowledge to assess properties of soils in relation to plant growth and environmental uses and to apply this knowledge to different soil uses in agriculture, natural resources and urban settings.

Additional information is available from your major's website.

Before Graduating You Must

• Pass the soil and water science competency exam, given in four parts. One part will be given in each of the following required courses:
  • SWS 3022 Soils in the Environment
  • SWS 4451 Soil and Water Chemistry
  • SWS 4602C Soil Physics
  • SWS 4715C Environmental Pedology
• Satisfactorily complete an approved research project in SWS 4905 or SWS 4941.
• Achieve minimum grades of C in AEC 3030C and AEC 3033C. These courses are graded using rubrics developed by a faculty team.
• Complete requirements for the baccalaureate degree, as determined by faculty.

Skills You Will Acquire in the Major (SLOs)

1. Identify and describe the morphology of soils, differentiate soils according to soil taxonomy and distinguish the soil forming factors.
2. Appraise the physical, chemical and biological properties of soils in relation to growth of native and agricultural plants and environmental uses.
3. Describe, identify and access the suitabilities/limitations of soils for different uses including, the behavior of water in soils/landscapes and policies for and implications of water allocation among urban, agricultural and natural resources uses.
4. Analyze experimental data and interpret results in soil and water science.
5. Create, interpret and analyze written text, oral messages and multimedia presentations used in agricultural and life sciences.