Soil Classification and Mapping
- 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 fieldwork day(s).
- 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 may 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.
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.
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Be sure to read our refund, withdrawal, and transfer policies
Call Continuing Education Student Services Office at 780-492-3116
or Information Services and Technology (IST) at 780-492-9400
Questions about our courses?
Prefer to register by phone?
780-492-3116
extnreg@ualberta.ca