NATRS 210 - Introduction to Soils

Credits: 5
Introduces the study of physical and chemical properties of soil and soil ecology. Includes topics on soil formation, plant nutrition, soil water, water and soil conservation, soil erosion and stability, and use of soil maps. Schedules mini labs and field trips to offer hands-on experience. Discusses influence of soils on environmental quality, human health, and forest and agricultural economies.

Enrollment Requirement: MATH 72 with a grade of 2.0 or higher; or eligible for MATH 97 or higher; and instructor consent.

Course Outcomes:
Students who successfully complete this class will be able to:

Correctly identify key soil morphological and physical properties.
Demonstrate knowledge of soil forming factors, soil classification and soil nutrition.
Demonstrate ability to utilize soil maps.
Identify soil erosion and instability factors and provide appropriate preventative measures.
Demonstrate knowledge of soil organisms and ecology and its influences on human health and economy.

Program Outcomes

Attain a job in the Natural Resources field.
Manage Forestland and Resources to attain positive outcomes.
Demonstrate effective written and verbal communications between industry partners and cooperator.

College-wide Outcomes

Critical Thinking - Critical thinking finds expression in all disciplines and everyday life. It is characterized by an ability to reflect upon thinking patterns, including the role of emotions on thoughts, and to rigorously assess the quality of thought through its work products. Critical thinkers routinely evaluate thinking processes and alter them, as necessary, to facilitate an improvement in their thinking and potentially foster certain dispositions or intellectual traits over time.
Responsibility - Responsibility encompasses those behaviors and dispositions necessary for students to be effective members of a community. This outcome is designed to help students recognize the value of a commitment to those responsibilities which will enable them to work successfully individually and with others.
Quantitative and Symbolic Reasoning - Quantitative Reasoning encompasses abilities necessary for a student to become literate in today’s technological world. Quantitative reasoning begins with basic skills and extends to problem solving.
Written Communication - Written Communication encompasses all the abilities necessary for effective expression of thoughts, feelings, and ideas in written form.