ALS 3133 Agricultural and Environmental Quality
Credits: 3.
Analysis of effects of agriculture on environmental quality with emphasis on agricultural wastes and practices, the potential for using agricultural systems for disposal of other wastes and the effects of pollution on the agricultural environment. (P)
Credits: 3.
The full range of water issues including abundance and quality of water in the environment, water policy and conflict. (P)
Credits: 3.
Relationships between human activities and soil and environmental quality. Lectures concentrate on the fundamentals of soil and environmental science using case studies to illustrate basic principles. Intended for non-majors. (B)
SWS 3022 Introduction to Soils in the Environment
Credits: 3.
Fundamentals of soil science emphasizing the physical, chemical and biological properties of soils in relation to growth of native and agricultural plants and environmental uses. (P)
SWS 3022L Introduction to Soils in the Environment Laboratory
Credits: 1.
Hands-on exposure to soils-related properties and processes.
Credits: 2; can be repeated with a change in content up to 6 credits.
Students learn to inventory soil properties and record them on a standard form used by USDA soil scientists. Students travel locally to the field and also attend a 3-day regional soil judging contest where they learn to classify soils using soil taxonomy and to interpret soil quality and behavior from soil properties.
SWS 4116 Environmental Nutrient Management
Credits: 3; Prereq: SWS 3022.
Consumption, existing reserves, formulation, chemical and physical properties, and manufacture of commercial fertilizers; basic chemical reactions of fertilizer materials with the soil and the fate of the nutritional elements whether it be loss by leaching, plant uptake, fixation or soil retention. (P)
Credits: 3; Prereq: BSC 2010 and BSC 2010L, and CHM 2045 and 2045L.
To gain understanding of the earth as a biogeochemistry system in the context of global change.
Credits: 3.
Suitabilities/limitations of soils for different uses; using soil surveys and related information to plan use/management of land; behavior of water in soils/landscapes; policies for and implications of water allocation among urban, agricultural and natural resource uses. (P)
Credits: 3.
Soil/water resources, historical erosions and sediment problems, geologic vs. accelerated erosion, erosion prediction equations and government conservation programs; water conservation, irrigation, drainage and salinity; stormwater management; and case studies in erosion and sedimentation.
Credits: 3.
Introduction to wetland ecosystems with emphasis on principles and problems associated with their functions and values as related to water quality. Students become familiar with basic and applied concepts in hydrology, soils and vegetation of both constructed and natural wetlands.
Credits: 3.
The quantitative effects of human impacts on hydrologic ecosystems (aquifers, watersheds, coastal zones, lakes and wetlands). Case studies illustrate detrimental effects of unsustainable resource utilization and beneficial management strategies.
Credits: 3; Prereq: SWS 3022.
Occurrence and activities of soil microorganisms and their influence on soil productivity and environmental quality.
SWS 4307 Ecology of Waterborne Pathogens
Credits: 3; Prereq: MCB 3020 or MCB 4203, or equivalent
Survival strategies, gene regulation and metabolism of waterborne pathogens. Methods for microbe detection and control.
Credits: 3.
Physico-chemical processes such as mineral weathering and formation, sorption and ion exchange. Also includes introduction to diffuse double-layer theory.
Credits: 3; Prereq: CHM 2045, CHM 2046 and BSC 201, or instructor permission.
Important instances where soil and water science and public health overlap. Students develop skills required for competency in both disciplines.
Credits: 3; Prereq: MAC 2311, PHY 2004 and SWS 3022.
Physical processes and properties of soils that influence optimum growth of plants as well as potential for groundwater pollution from agrochemicals and applied wastes. Primary emphasis is given to basic concepts of transport and retention for water and solutes; secondary emphasis is given to air and heat in the root zone of the soil profile; and limited attention is given to mechanical properties of soil that affect the proliferation of plant roots. (P)
Credits: 4; Prereq: SWS 3022.
Study and analysis of soil in the environment and the factors responsible for soil formation and geographic distribution. Development of hydric soil criteria and hydric soil indicators. Emphasis on morphology or hydric/ non-hydric soils and introduction to diagnostic horizons and soil classification. Course also includes abs on soil field techniques.
Credits: 3.
Basic, practical understanding of GIS concepts, technical issues and applications to soil and water science using ArcGIS geographic information system.
Credits: 1 to 3; can be repeated with change in content up to 6 credits. Prereq: 8 hours of soils and instructor permission.
Selected topics for qualified students.
Credits: 1 to 6; can be repeated with change in content up to 6 credits. Prereq: admission to the college's honors program.
Students complete a project on a selected topic, issue or problem in research, teaching or extension. The project will be reviewed by at least two faculty chosen by the honors coordinator.
SWS 4932 Special Topics in Soil and Water Science
Credits: 1 to 3; can be repeated with change in content up to 6 credits.
Variable topics designed to meet students' needs and interests.
SWS 4941 Full-time Practical Work Experience in Soil and Water Science
Credits: 1 to 3; Prereq: prior arrangement with adviser, and department and dean permissions.
Practical work must be a new experience and related to field of study. (S-U)