Course Number and Title:    ENV 138 Introduction to Soil Science

Instructor:     Jamie Laurin

Telephone Number (if any):    552-2523

Email Address:     jlaurin@hcc.mass.edu

Office Hours (if any):    Call for an appointment.

Online Hours:    None

Communication Policy:    None

X   Asynchronous Course               Synchronous Course

Asynchronous: This kind of distance education is characterized by an emphasis on "learning on demand" or "as needed communication" between students and faculty from multiple locations at times convenient to participants.

Synchronous: This form of distance education entails the use of live, two-way communication among and/or between students and faculty in a scheduled or "fixed" point(s) of time(s), much like classroom-based instruction.

Course Description: This course is an overview of the major principles and techniques required for the detailed investigation and documentation of soil conditions. Consideration is given to the physical and chemical properties of soil development. Topics to be covered include Soil forming factors, soil profile genesis, layer and horizon nomenclature, soil texture and the applications of soil science to scientific studies. Lecture and field/laboratory exercises are designed to introduce the student to the qualitative and quantitative methods of the soil assessment process. A major component of this course will be a student project that emphasizes field investigation integrated with Internet research.

Required Textbook & Materials: Singer, Michael, J, and Munns, Donald, N., 2002. Soils an Introduction. 5th edition, Upper Saddler River, Prentice Hall.

Palmer, Robert, and Troeh, Frederick, 1995. Introductory Soil Science Laboratory Manual 3rd edition, New York, Oxford Press.

Course Objectives: Introduce students to the field of soil science. Understand soil's role as a primary resource. To become familiar with the mineral particles, organic matter, organisms, pores, water, of soil and how each relates to the formation and function formation and function within soil.

Methods of Instruction: Online – Distance Learning Students are required to engage in the following interaction(s) for successful completion of this course: Complete practice quizzes for each chapter available at the textbook web site http://wps.prenhall.com/chet_singer_soilsanint_5. Review each chapter presentation available at the HCC distance learning web site. Attend all Saturday laboratory meetings. Complete all in-class quizzes. Complete take-home final examination/field project.

Students are required to engage in the following interaction(s) for successful completion of this course: Students are required to engage in the following interaction(s) for successful completion of this course: (Give them a brief overview of what they should expect.  Ie: read chapter 9 and write a 2 page summary) Students will be responsible for attending all classes on campus.  The text book is required and every chapter is covered and tested.  Students must have dependable and consistent access to the internet in order to meet the full requirements of the course. Students will be expected to complete on-line assignments and research-related activities. Students are expected to take quizzes on-line and must attend campus classes in order to take a midterm and final exam.

This course may include, but not be restricted to, the following interactions:
1. in person meetings	YES
2. telephone interactions	YES
3. electronic interactions (email, internet...)	YES
If yes, dates, times, places are to be specified Instructor will be available before and after scheduled classes on campus. The instructor will also be available every Monday via e-mail and checks e-mail at least every 24 hours. Evaluation of Student's Progress: Weekly chapter quizzes to be administered during laboratory meeting. Emailed results of publisher online practice quizzes. Laboratory manual exercises will be collected and graded. Graded take-home final examination/field project.