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Main
UQU Programs
Environmental Sciences

Soil Science

BIOE3509
3 hours English

Soil Science

Soil Science
BIOE1502 Principle of Ecology
3 hours No requisites
1 Introduction of soil science, soil definition, soil science branches, Soil phases
2 Origin of soil, Types of rocks, weathering, and its type
3 Soil formation processes, soil formation factors
4 Soil classification, Soil orders, Categories and nomenclature of soil taxonomy, Soil textural classes
5 Soil physical properties, Texture, Structure, Color, Profiles, Bulk Density Particle density, Pore space, and Soil management as applied to physical properties
6 Mid-Term
7 Soil chemical properties, Soil pH, Cation Exchange Capacity, Soil Organic Matter, Macronutrients, Micronutrients, Major cations, Electrical Conductivity, Salt-Affected Soils
8 Diversity of soil organisms, Influence of soil microorganisms, The soil environment and organisms, and organic matter
9 Soil water
10 Soil fertility
11 Major causes of soil degradation
12 Types of soil in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
14 Soil Sampling
15 Soil moisture content
16 Soil Physical Properties: Mechanical analysis (Soil texture)
17 Soil Physical Properties: Soil temperature, color, pore spaces
18 Soil Physical Properties: Soil particle and bulk density
19 Types of water in the soil
20 Water holding capacity
21 Chemical properties of soil: Soil solution, pH, Electrical conductivity
22 Chemical properties of soil: Total soluble salts
23 Chemical properties of soil: Soil Organic Matter
24 Chemical properties of soil: Determination of Chloride
25 Chemical properties of soil: Determination of Carbonate, and Bicarbonate
1.1 Mapped to: K1

Comprehensive knowledge of rocks and minerals, their composition, and the types of soils formed from different parent materials.

Teaching Strategy In-class lecturing -Homework assignments -Discussions (connecting what they learn in the class. -Handout of lecture notes for each topic. -Small group discussions.
Assessment Methods -Homework and Quizzes. Midterm and final written exams -Evaluation of reports - Oral presentation
1.2 Mapped to: K1

Understand the role of soil-forming factors and processes in soil formation.

Teaching Strategy In-class lecturing -Homework assignments -Discussions (connecting what they learn in the class. -Handout of lecture notes for each topic. -Small group discussions.
Assessment Methods -Homework and Quizzes. Midterm and final written exams -Evaluation of reports - Oral presentation
1.3 Mapped to: K1, K4

Understand various soil physical, chemical, and biological properties and their impact on plant growth.

Teaching Strategy In-class lecturing -Homework assignments -Discussions (connecting what they learn in the class. -Handout of lecture notes for each topic. -Small group discussions.
Assessment Methods -Homework and Quizzes. Midterm and final written exams -Evaluation of reports - Oral presentation
2.1 Mapped to: S1, S4

Explain how soil surveys are prepared and used.

Teaching Strategy -Application of essential scientific techniques through lectures and essays. -Small group discussion -Ask the students to make small search projects during the semester -Class discussions (Engage students in interaction with questions and answers). -Homework assignments -Experiments in laboratories
Assessment Methods -Evaluation of the topics prepared by students. -Midterm and final exams -Checking the homework assignments - Monitoring applied experiments
2.2 Mapped to: S2

Name and classify the essential elements in soil and explain how the plants absorb them.

Teaching Strategy -Application of essential scientific techniques through lectures and essays. -Small group discussion -Ask the students to make small search projects during the semester -Class discussions (Engage students in interaction with questions and answers). -Homework assignments -Experiments in laboratories
Assessment Methods -Evaluation of the topics prepared by students. -Midterm and final exams -Checking the homework assignments - Monitoring applied experiments
2.3 Mapped to: S1, S3

Describe soil pH, how it develops, and its effects on plant growth.

Teaching Strategy -Application of essential scientific techniques through lectures and essays. -Small group discussion -Ask the students to make small search projects during the semester -Class discussions (Engage students in interaction with questions and answers). -Homework assignments -Experiments in laboratories
Assessment Methods -Evaluation of the topics prepared by students. -Midterm and final exams -Checking the homework assignments - Monitoring applied experiments
2.4 Mapped to: S1

Explain what organic matter is, how it forms, and what it does in the soil.

Teaching Strategy -Application of essential scientific techniques through lectures and essays. -Small group discussion -Ask the students to make small search projects during the semester -Class discussions (Engage students in interaction with questions and answers). -Homework assignments -Experiments in laboratories
Assessment Methods -Evaluation of the topics prepared by students. -Midterm and final exams -Checking the homework assignments - Monitoring applied experiments
3.1 Mapped to: V1

Analyze and evaluate time management, discipline, and also to ethical behavioral, respect from different points of view.

Assessment Methods -Assignments (Individual and group) -Presentation (Individual and group) assessments. -Research search assignments
3.2 Mapped to: V2

Learn continuously through self-reflection and or experience to recognize the value of learning.

Assessment Methods -Assignments (Individual and group) -Presentation (Individual and group) assessments. -Research search assignments
3.3 Mapped to: V3

Perform effective communication and positive relation with others and work as an influential team member.

Assessment Methods -Assignments (Individual and group) -Presentation (Individual and group) assessments. -Research search assignments
Assessment
Weight
Quiz and activities
10%
Laboratory activities
10%
Mid-term Exam
20%
Final Exam (written test)
%
Total
40%