ENVR 164 Soil and Earth Sciences will cover the identification of common rocks and minerals, landforms and soils of British Columbia. Learners will be introduced to the study of physical geology and geomorphology in relation to management of the forest environment and landscape. Learners will gain skills and knowledge in rock and mineral identification, description of the physical and chemical qualities of soils, and identification and classification of landforms and terrain. Skills will also be developed with respect to interpretation of geology, landforms and soils for environmental management.
Accessibility Services Notice
Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.Course Details| Total number of weeks | 15 |
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| Total Credits | |
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| Total Hours | 75 |
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Typical hours per week breakdown| Lecture | 2 |
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| Lab (lab, field, computer) | 3 |
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- Identify common rock types and the minerals that comprise them
- Explain the rock cycle
- Describe the five soil forming factors
- Collect field soil data following standards described in the Field Manual for Describing Ecosystems (2nd edition)
- Classify soils based on the Canadian System of Soil Classification (3rd edition)
- Describe the importance of physical and chemical properties in soil
- Identify common geomorphological landforms and processes found in the interior of BC and explain their formation
Teaching and Learning Approach
This class is comprised of a 2-hour lecture and a 3-hour lab per week. The lectures consist of a combination of
face to face lectures, class discussions, problem-based learning, case-study analysis and short videos. Most
labs are field-based in locations near Castlegar where many different soil types and landforms are readily
available.Learning Resources
Required:
· Lessard, K. (2013). ENVR 164 Lecture Manual (bookstore)
Recommended:
· Valentine, K.W.G. et.al. (1986). The Soil Landscapes of British Columbia. Agriculture Canada. Available online
(See course website for link to file. Also, hard copy versions are available for sign out from the equipment room).
· Howes, D.E. and Kenk, E. (1997). Terrain Classification System for BC. BC Ministry of Environment. Available
online (See course website for link to file).
· Van der Flier-Keller, E., and McMillan, W.J. (1986). Identification of Common Rocks. Available online (See
course website for link to file).Detailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered
1. Course introduction
2. Learning tips
3. Introduction to soils and landforms
4. General structure of the earth and plate tectonics
5. Rocks and their influence on the landscape
6. Mountain building and geologic history of BC
7. Weathering, mass wasting, and slope stability
8. Midterm exam
9. Fluvial, glacial, and eolian processes
10. Glacial and alpine features and terrain classification in BC
11. Terrain classification in BC
12. Slide show exam
13. Physical, chemical, hydrological properties of soil
14. The Canadian System of Soil Classification and review
15. Final Exam Week – check selkirk.ca for detailsAssessment
| Title | Learning Outcomes | Value |
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| Task 1 Lab Assignments | | 20% |
| Task 2 Quizzes | All | 10% |
| Task 3 Midterm | 1,2,3,5 | 20% |
| Task 4 Slide Show Exam | 1,2,3,4,5,7 | 20% |
| Task 4 Final Exam (comprehensive) | All | 30% |
| Total | 100% |
Grading Table
Standard Academic and Career Programs Grading Table
| Percentage |
Letter Grade |
GPA |
| 90-100 |
A+ |
4.33 |
| 85-89 |
A |
4.00 |
| 80-84 |
A- |
3.67 |
| 76-79 |
B+ |
3.33 |
| 72-75 |
B |
3.00 |
| 68-71 |
B- |
2.67 |
| 64-67 |
C+ |
2.33 |
| 60-63 |
C |
2.00 |
| 55-59 |
C- |
1.67 |
| 50-54 |
P |
1.00 |
| 0-49 |
F |
0.00 |
| |
DNW |
0.00 |
See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.
Disclaimer
Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.