Soil Classification and Mapping
- In-person & online delivery
- eClass
- 39 hour course, no prerequisites
Introduction to classification and mapping of soils with emphasis on soil-forming processes; principles of the Canadian system of soil classification; soil profiles, diagnostic features, soil-forming factors and processes; kinds and distribution of soils in Canada; soil survey procedures, and utilization of existing spatial information to support soil mapping at a detailed scale. This course includes a mandatory field trip to collect data for mapping exercises. Prior knowledge of soil science is recommended.
Course at a glance
- Lecture-based instruction with learning facilitated through group work, case study review, and one fieldwork day.
- Face-to-face delivery with instructional support through eClass, the University of Alberta’s eLearning management tool.
- Aimed at individuals transitioning into the environmental field, as well as mid-level professionals in sectors involving environmental aspects, this course will also be of value to agrologists, biologists, engineers, industrial managers, foresters, technologists, and others who wish to update their skills and knowledge in this area.
- Recognized by the Alberta Institute of Agrologists (AIA) as a senior agrology course related to entrance into the profession and to augment core knowledge requirements related to a practice area.
- This course may be recognized as educational or continuing professional development credits by ECO Canada, the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA), the Alberta Society of Professional Biologists (ASPB), the College of Alberta Professional Foresters (CAPF), and the Association of Science & Engineering Technology Professionals Of Alberta (ASET).
What you will learn
By the end of this course, you should be able to:
- Identify common landforms and parent materials associated with soils in Alberta.
- Describe soil profiles, including hand texturing and classification of soil structure.
- Recognize soils of 10 soil orders using the Canadian System of Soil Classification.
- Relate soil forming factors, soil forming processes and functions, and their roles in the genesis of these soils.
- Describe soil drainage classes and soil moisture regimes.
- Understand soil survey procedures through: interpretation of various types of imagery; pre-field soil mapping; soil survey exercise in the field; and finalizing soil map and the legend.
Take note:
- Pre-course materials are available on eClass one week prior to the course start date. Prior to the first day of class, students must review a series of videos and complete a pre-course assignment provided on eClass; advanced registration is advised.
- While there are no prerequisites for this course, prior knowledge of soil science is recommended for student success.
- This course includes in-class, computer-based activities. Our learning spaces are Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) enabled, with wi-fi available to students and numerous USB/electrical outlets distributed throughout common areas outside the classrooms.
- Course assessment includes post-course work, as well as assignments outside of class times; in-class final exam will also be included.
- Mandatory fieldwork: students are required to bring their own Personal Protective Equipment. Long pants and good grip boots with good ankle support are essential; rubber boots are useful but not necessary. Wear weather-appropriate clothing, sun block, work gloves, and high-visibility clothing (safety vest, reflective stripes, or blaze orange/yellow outer layer). Students are responsible for their transportation to the fieldwork sites; carpooling options may be available.
This course has no prerequisites
Students from all educational backgrounds welcome. You can register for this course without applying and enrolling in a program.
Offered:
Overall Schedule
Lecture/Class Schedule
May 10May 12
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
May 13
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
May 14
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
May 28 — post-class component closes
Students in this section may have post-class readings or assessments to complete.
Online learning, eClass
39 hours of instruction
Learning combines in-person and online activities. Students meet face-to-face on pre-scheduled in-person classes, but also engage in online learning through eClass, the University of Alberta’s eLearning management tool.format details
Be sure to refer to your course schedule to learn more about when the class meets in person and when you’ll be completing work online.
Classes take place at DIST EDUC.
Your Instructor
Konstantin Dlusskiy
Class info
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This class is a combination of online synchronous learning and in-person field work. There will be a post-work component to be completed after the last online meeting. The mandatory Field Trip component will take place on May 13. For the real-time online sessions, a computer with both audio input and output (such as a microphone-equipped headset) is required. More information will be sent to your ualberta.ca email before the first day of class. To start your online learning experience at the Faculty of Extension, visit www.extension.ualberta.ca/elearning.
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39 course hours in total
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Cost assistance: May be eligible for the Canada-Alberta Job Grant and the Canada Training Benefit. (view all)
Corporate multi-registration packages (groups of 4 or more) are available for most Extension courses. Contact us at corporate.learning@ualberta.ca for preferred pricing. -
Open for registration until May 10, 2021. Register at least one week before the course start date to secure your spot. If space is available you may register until the day the course starts.
Currently counts towards
-
Certificate
in
Land Reclamation
└ core course
-
Certificate
in
Environmental Resource Management
└39-hour elective course
-
Certificate
in
Soil Science
└39-hour elective course
-
Certificate
in
Water Resource Management
└ elective course
-
Certificate
in
Environmental Resource Management
└ course option
* If you are already enroled in this program, please refer to your specific program requirements as outlined at the time of your admission: Bear Tracks > Academic Advisement.
You can register for and take a course without applying and enrolling into the program.
We recommend that you apply to the program as soon as possible to lock in your course requirements as they are subject to change.
Looking for different course dates?
New course schedules are released each June and November.
- Offered now
- Online delivery
- 39 hour course, no prerequisites
A note about courses during COVID-19: all online
All courses will be delivered online, including many that were previously unavailable in the online format.
If you do see a course or program on our website announced as an in-person or downtown Edmonton offering, please disregard the format – but not the course. There will be no in-person offerings through the Faculty of Extension for the Winter or Spring Terms.
Get ready to keep learning! Register for a course and join us online this year.