Soil, Environment, and Society
GPHY 317
300-Level Courses
3 Units
In-person
6
one-way Exclusions
One 3-hour lecture & one 3-hour lab per week
Please note that course information listed in the Arts and Science Course Calendar supersedes any information listed on the Geography and Planning website.
For the most current course offerings, registered Queen鈥檚 students should consult .
Course Description
Soils are a critical resource required by societies. Using a strong methodological approach, this course will examine the important biological, chemical, and physical properties of soils. The course will also explore critical soil-related issues facing society, including salinization, degradation from agriculture, climate change, and erosion.
NOTE Field Trip: estimated cost $30.
Learning Outcomes
- Develop understanding of the importance of healthy soils to society and to the Earth System.
- Learn key skills in field sampling of soil and laboratory analyses to determine soil properties.
- Explore the key interactions between soil physical, biological, and chemical processes and how they regulate soil 'function'.
- Formulate and test key questions about the role of land use and land management on soil quality.