General Geo-Sciences

This course covers the earth interior and exterior surfaces; the minerals and the rock; the processes that have resulted in the formation of those materials; the changes that have taken place over the vastness of geological time and the changes that we can anticipate will take place in the near future

General Soil Sciences

A general soil science course provides a comprehensive study of soil as a dynamic, living ecosystem and a critical natural resource, beginning with the fundamental principles of Soil Genesis which explores how soil forms and develops from parent material through the interaction of the five major soil-forming factors (CLORPT: Climate, Organisms, Relief, Parent material, Time). The course then delves into Soil Properties, examining the interconnected physical characteristics like texture (sand, silt, clay proportion), structure (arrangement of peds), and color, as well as the key chemical properties, most notably Soil pH (the master variable) and Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC). Furthermore, the curriculum highlights the crucial role of the Soil Food Web in biological processes like decomposition and nutrient cycling. Finally, the course teaches practical applications of this knowledge, including the systematic description of soil morphology and profiles, the use of major systems like USDA Soil Taxonomy and FAO-WRB for classification, the techniques of Soil Survey, and the principles of Land Evaluation to ensure sustainable resource management.