NC State Soil Science: SSC–012: Principles of Soil Science

Principles of Soil Science

Dr. Stephen W. Broome, stephen_broome@ncsu.edu
Department of Soil Science, Box 7619 Williams Hall
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, North Carolina 27695-7619
Phone: (919) 513-2555
Fax: (919) 515-2167

COURSE LOCATION

2215 Williams Hall

COURSE TIME

8:05 - 8:55 MWF

OFFICE HOURS

3214 Williams Hall
By Appointment

TEXTBOOK

Soil Science and Management 5th Edition
by Edward J. Plaster, 2008
Delmar Publishers

Soil Science and Management 4th Edition (A less expensive alternative that is suitable for the class)

COURSE OBJECTIVES

1. Know the basic terms used for the description, study, and management of soils.
2. Understand soil chemical and physical properties and processes important to agriculture and nonagricultural soil uses.
3. Develop skills in determining soil properties and interpreting soils information necessary for the productive use of soils.
4. Understand the role of soils and soil management in maintaining and improving environmental quality.

Grading

• 4 one-hour lecture exams - 60%
• Lab exercises, homework and quiz grades - 20%
• Final Exam - 20%

Grading Scale

Academic Integrity

The instructor will uphold the Code of Student Conduct, and the University's policies on Academic Integrity. He expects that students have read and understand the "Code", particularly the definitions and examples of cheating, plagiarizing, and aiding and abetting others to cheat or plagiarize. Students caught cheating on exams or plagiarizing will receive a zero for that portion of the course. University procedures for reporting cheating will be followed.

Students with Disabilities

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 mandate that the faculty provide reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities. These accommodations are based on the premise that students with disabilities need an equal opportunity to acquire information and demonstrate what they have learned; not have an advantage over others in the class. This does not mean lowering class standards, but it may mean having students learn and express knowledge in a different mode. All students registered with the NC State Office of Disability Services for Students (DSS) will provide the instructor with an accommodation letter. This letter verifies that appropriate medical documentation is on file and that the student has a substantiated disability requiring effective reasonable accommodations. Accommodations for which the student qualifies will also be included in the letter. If you have not registered with the DSS and have a learning disability, you should register in Suite 1900, Student Health Center. If you have a documented disability, please schedule an appointment with the course instructor to discuss academic accommodations.

Conduct

You are expected to conduct yourself in a mature manner that is considerate and respectful of your classmates, the instructor, and yourself to insure an atmosphere that is conducive to learning. Any person who disrupts class or lab will be asked to leave.

Attendance

You are expected to attend class and Lab. Attendance will be recorded and considered in assigning a letter grade. Be on time. Arriving late disrupts class and is inconsiderate of other students.

Field Trip Policy

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences will provide transportation for field trips. The University assumes no responsibility when Students provide for their own transportation.