Soil Science courses at SFU:

click on a course for the Course Outline

Highlighted in Geography 317 and 417, are the properties, processes, and principles that are particularly fundamental in understanding soils.

Soil Science I - Geography 317
An introduction to the study of soils: physical, chemical and biological properties of soils; soil formation, description, classification, survey and use. Field and laboratory techniques of soil analysis.

Soil Science II - Geography 417W
Advanced treatment of topics in soil science: soil physics, soil chemistry, soil biology, soil classification and/or forest soils.

Soil in our environment - Geography 318
A survey of soils and their management. Focuses on the role of soils in the environment; their physical, chemical and biological properties; processes of degradation (including erosion, desertification, pollution, and nutrient depletion); and the maintenance of healthy soils.

Advanced topics in Forest Soils - Geography 617
Soil physics, soil chemistry, soil biology and/or forest soils

Other related courses at SFU:

REM 471- Forest Ecosystem Management
Students will examine the problems of managing forest ecosystems for a variety of societal goals and objectives. The course will start with an examination of the ecological characteristics of forest ecosystems and their dynamics. The second section will focus on the objectives and tools of forest management in an ecological context. The final section of the course will focus on the institutions, economics and policies of forest management, with a focus on British Columbia's historical and current management issues. This course will involve lectures, group discussions, field trips, and exercises. Prerequisite: At least one of REM 311, BISC 304, BISC 310, BISC 404, GEOG 315, or GEOG 316.

REM 670- Introduction to Forestry
Examines the theory and practice of forest management based on an understanding of the linkages between forest ecosystem dynamics, economics, policy and social management. Principles are illustrated with reference to contemporary forestry issues. Prerequisite: REM 611 or permission of instructor.

REM 671- Forest Ecology
Structure, function and development of forest ecosystems. Population, community, ecosystem and landscape approaches are used to enable students to understand the biology and management of forests in terms of the processes driving spatial and temporal dynamics.

EASC 313- Introduction to Soil and Rock Engineering
An introduction to the engineering properties and behavior of soil and rock. Laboratory and field measurements of soil and rock properties. Applications in engineering design will be illustrated with case studies of slope stability, road design, foundations and underground excavations. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of soil and rock mechanics in the resources sector. Prerequisite: EASC 101, 204 or permission of instructor.

EASC 413- Resource Geotechnics
Application of geotechnics to the resource sector with particular emphasis on forestry and minerals. Topics covered will include: Engineering geological characterization, slope failure mechanisms in soil and rock, methods of slope stability analysis, techniques of slope reinforcement and stabilization, slope monitoring, road construction and deactivation, underground excavations and petroleum geotechnics. Brief case studies will be used to illustrate the influence of geotechnics in the forestry, mining and the petroleum industries. Prerequisite: EASC 313 or permission of instructor.

Courses outside of SFU:

Students are encouraged to contact Dr. Schmidt for more details

UNBC Forestry FSTY498 - Summer field school Ecosystems of BC
This field course will examine a wide diversity of ecosystems across British Columbia in order to explore relationships between climate, site and soil conditions, disturbance, succession and the resulting ecosystems.

PRSSS - Soil Identification Courses
Every summer the PRSSS hosts a soil identification course that is suitable for both the soil professional and soil-curious alike. Each year the course is held in a different region of BC where course participants can benefit from the wealth of knowledge shared by local soil experts as they explore the diverse array of soil types throughout the province.