| |
The soil science major is for those who desire to become guardians
of the soil. Soil is one of the natural resources which is basic
for life and human existence. As the natural medium for plant
growth, it is the source of most of our food and clothing. It
provides shelter in the form of bricks and timber products.
Mankind also depends upon the soil as a material for supporting
and locating buildings, transportation systems, waste disposal
sites, outdoor recreational playgrounds, flood control ditches,
and underground utility systems.
There are thousands of kinds of soil on earth; each having a
unique set of characteristics. Soil science students learn how
to determine these characteristics in both the field and laboratory.
They learn to relate these characteristics to the genetic history
of the soil and to organize and classify this information in
a systematic manner. They also learn to determine the location
and extent of soils in the field and to show this on a soil
map.
The characteristics of a soil determine the degree of suitability
for a variety of alternative uses, and the appropriate management
practices required to keep the soil permanently productive.
Soil quality can be altered by the activities of mankind. If
abused, soil productivity declines. If treated properly, a soil
will produce indefinitely. Soil scientists prevent soil deterioration
while striving to maintain or improve soil productivity for
all future generations.
The demand for soil scientists is keeping pace with the human
population growth curve and the growing awareness for maintaining
a clean and aesthetic environment. A career in soil science
is an alternative for anyone who is concerned about the conservation
of natural resources and the future wealth of mankind, and has
a strong interest in the biological and physical sciences.
The Cal Poly, Pomona, soil science program enjoys an excellent
local, state, and national reputation. This reputation results
from a strong curriculum, taught by a well-qualified faculty,
supported by laboratory and field facilities which have produced
alumni who are professional soil scientists.
Soil scientists have many options for career opportunities.
They can work for private industry or governmental agencies;
in the laboratory, field, office or classroom; and in either
urban or rural areas. They can apply their knowledge to the
production of agronomic, horticultural, rangeland, or forestry
plants; to the use of soils for urban planning and development;
to the manufacturing and marketing of fertilizers and other
agricultural materials; or to the administration of natural
resource programs. Many graduates pursue advanced training and
work in research and education.
About half of the Cal Poly soil science graduates are employed
by a governmental agency. At the federal level they are working
for the Bureau of Land Management, Forest Service, Natural Resource
Conservation Service, Environmental Protection Agency, or Agricultural
Research Service. Several foreign students are employed by their
native country's Department of Agriculture. At the state level
in California and elsewhere, they are employed by a State University,
Department of Forestry, Department of Water Resources, or Department
of Health Services. At the county or local level, they are working
for the Agricultural Commissioner's Office, the Agricultural
Extension Office, or the County Arboretum. One alumnus is with
the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations.
The soil science graduates with private industry are mainly
employed by agricultural chemical companies, soil engineering
testing and consulting firms, wholesale horticultural nurseries,
food production and processing companies, agricultural management
consulting firms, or soil testing laboratories.
Soil Science Minor:
The soil science minor is primarily for students majoring in
another discipline which is dependent upon soil science. It
is a valuable curricular adjunct for those majors stressing
plant growth, such as: agronomy, botany, fruit industries, landscape
architecture, and ornamental horticulture. The soil science
minor will also strengthen the academic background of those
majoring in agricultural engineering, civil engineering, agricultural
science, anthropology, biology, geology, geography, international
agriculture, and urban planning.
[Return To Top of Page]
(Required of all students)
| Orientation to the College of Ag |
AG 100 |
(1) |
| Agriculture and the Modern World |
AG 101 |
(4) |
| Ethical Issues in Agriculture |
AG 401 |
(4) |
| Basic Soil Science |
SS 231/231L |
(4) |
| Soil Fertility and Fertilizers |
SS 233/233L |
(4) |
| Soil Materials & Mgt. |
SS 332/332L |
(4) |
| Soil Resource Management and Conservation |
SS 334/334L |
(4) |
| Soil and Plant Analysis |
SS 339/339L |
(3) |
| Crop Ecology |
AGR 401 |
(4) |
| Soil Chemistry |
SS 431/431L |
(4) |
| Soil Physics |
SS 432/432L |
(4) |
| Soil Morphology and Survey |
SS 433/433L |
(4) |
| Senior Project |
SS 461 |
(2) |
| Senior Project |
SS 462 |
(2) |
| Undergraduate Seminar |
HPS 463 |
(2) |
| Environmental Toxicology |
AGB 411 |
(4) |
| Plant Structures and Functions |
BOT 124/124L |
(5) |
| Basic Microbiology |
MIC 201/201L |
(5) |
| Introduction to Microcomputing |
CIS 101 |
(4) |
| College Chemistry |
CHM 122 |
(3) |
| College Chemistry Lab |
CHM 122L |
(1) |
| College Chemistry |
CHM 123 |
(3) |
| College Chemistry Lab |
CHM 123L |
(1) |
(Required of all students)
| Irrigation |
AE 240/240L |
(4) |
| Animal Agricultural Science |
AVS 111 |
(4) |
| Elements of Organic Chemistry |
CHM 201 |
(3) |
| Quantitative Analysis |
CHM 221/221L |
(4) |
| Elements of Organic Chemistry Laboratory |
CHM 250L |
(1) |
| Principles of Geology |
GSC 111 |
(3) |
| Principles of Geology Laboratory |
GSC 141L |
(1) |
| College Physics |
PHY 121 |
(3) |
| College Physics |
PHY 122 |
(3) |
| College Physics Laboratory |
PHY 121L |
(1) |
| College Physics Laboratory |
PHY 122L |
(1) |
| Elementary Statistics with Applications |
STA 120 |
(4) |
Choose 8 units from the department environmental component list....(8)
Choose 8 units from the department list in business applications....(8)
[Return To Top of Page]
Required of all students. A total of 68 quarter units of General
Education courses are required for all majors in the College of
Agriculture. A new GE program will be adopted beginning fall 2001
with full implementation targeted for fall 2002. Unless specific
courses are stated below, see the list of approved courses under
General Education Requirements, Area A through E, in this catalog.
Area A
| Select one course |
|
(4) |
| Select one course |
|
(4) |
| Select one course |
|
(4) |
Area B
| Select one course |
|
(4) |
| College Chemistry |
CHM 121 |
(3) |
| College Chemistry Laboratory |
CHM 121L |
(1) |
| Basic Biology |
BIO 115/115L |
(5) |
| Select one course |
|
(4) |
Area C
| Select one course |
|
(4) |
| Select one course |
|
(4) |
| Select one course |
|
(4) |
| Select one course |
|
(4) |
Area D
| United States History |
HST 202 |
(4) |
and Intro to American Government
|
PLS 201 |
(4) |
| Select one course |
|
(4) |
| Select one course |
|
(4) |
| Select one course |
|
(4) |
Area E
[Return To Top of Page]
Minimum Units-20
Minimum Upper Division Units-9
Required Courses (all students)
| Basic Soil Science |
SS 231/231L |
(4) |
| Soil Fertility and Fertilizers |
SS 233/233L |
(4) |
Select 12 units from the following:
| Soil Materials and Management |
SS 332/332L |
(4) |
| Soil Resource Mgmt and Conservation |
SS 334/334L |
(4) |
| Soil and Plant Analysis |
SS 339/339L |
(3) |
| Soil Chemistry |
SS 431/431L |
(4) |
| Soil Physics |
SS 432/432L |
(4) |
| Soil Morphology and Survey |
SS 433/433L |
(4) |
[Return To Top of Page]
All courses offered in Soil Science may be taken on a CR/NC basis
except by majors or by students taking minor in Soil Science.
SS 200 Special study for Lower Division Students (1-2)
Individual or group investigation, research, studies or surveys
of selected problems. Total credit limited to 4 units, with a
maximum of 2 units per quarter. Staff
SS 231/231L Basic Soil Science (3/1)
Basic concepts and scientific methodologies of the living and
non-living systems of soils; integrated relationships between
soils and climate, plants, animals, geologic materials, land form
and time; and the impact of soils on civilization. 3 lectures,
1 three-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: CHM 121/121L. Concurrent
enrollment required.
SS 233/233L Soil Fertility and Fertilizers (3/1)
Critical evaluation of concepts, methods and materials for improving
the fertility of soils used for the sustained production of all
types of commercial plants while preserving environmental quality
as influenced by past and present social, political, and economic
institutions in Western and non-Western societies. 3 lectures,
1 three-hour laboratory. Prerequisite: SS 231/231L. Concurrent
enrollment required.
SS 299/299L/299A Special Topics for Lower Division Students
(1-4) (1-4) (1-4)
Group study of a selected topic, the title to be specified in
advance. Total credit limited to 8 units, with a maximum of 4
units per quarter. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Instruction
is by lecture, laboratory, activity, or a combination. Concurrent
enrollment required.
SS 332/332L Soil Materials and Management (3/1)
Comprehensive evaluation of soils, soil materials, and technical
and scientific methodologies for managing soils and soil materials
for the production of agronomic and horticulture crops on a sustained
basis while preserving environmental quality. Presented in an
interactive setting. 3 lectures/problems, 1 three-hour laboratory.
Prerequisite: SS 231/231L; computer literacy encouraged. Concurrent
enrollment required.
SS 334/334L Soil Resource Management and Conservation (4)
An integrated study of principles and methods for managing soil
and water resources for multiple uses, sustainable agriculture,
environmental quality, and erosion control. Integrated effects
of soil, climate, topography, and land use; social, political,
and economic relationships. 3 lecture problems, 1 three-hour laboratory.
Prerequisite: SS 231/231L.
SS 339/339L Soil and Plant Analysis (2/1)
Critical evaluation of the basic concepts and scientific methodologies
for analyzing the nutrient status of soils and plant tissue as
a means for diagnosing alternative fertilizer and amendment treatments
as influenced by past and present social, political, and economic
institutions in western and non-western societies. 2 lectures,
1 three-hour laboratory. Prerequisites: CHM 122/122L; SS 231/231L.
Concurrent enrollment required.
SS 400 Special Problems for Upper Division Students (1-2)
Individual or group investigation, research, studies or surveys
of selected problems. Total credit limited to 4 units, with a
maximum of 2 units per quarter.
SS 431/431L Soil Chemistry (3/1)
Critical evaluation of the basic concepts and scientific methodologies
regarding the chemical composition and reactions of the integrated
solid-liquid-gaseous system in soils and their relationship to
soil productivity and environmental quality as influenced by past
and present social, political, and economic institutions in western
and non-western societies. 3 lectures, 1 three-hour laboratory.
Prerequisite: SS 339/339L; CHM 221; or consent of instructor.
Concurrent enrollment required.
SS 432/432L Soil Physics (3/1)
Critical examination of the methods of characterizing the physical
attributes of soil, including soil particle size particle size
distribution and structure, the nature and behavior of clay, the
state and movement of water and solutes in both saturated and
unsaturated soil conditions, gas and energy exchange between the
soul and atmosphere, and the principles of rheology. 3 hours lecture/problem-solving,
1 three-hour laboratory. Concurrent enrollment required.
SS 433/433L Soil Morphology and Survey (3/1)
An in-depth examination of soul morphology. Descriptions, characterization,
and interpretation of soul profiles, soil bodies, and patterns
of soul. Categorization using the morphogenic system of the USDA.
Allied aspects of soils including technology transfer, land use
planning, ecology, soil surveys and mapping, and pedogenic processes.
3 lecture-discussions, 1 three-hour laboratory. Prerequisites:
SS 231/231L; upper division standing. Concurrent enrollment required.
SS 441, 442 Internship in Soil Science (1-4) (1-4)
On-the-job experience with public and private agencies for advanced
students. Professional type experience new to the student so that
a valuable contribution toward career development results. One
unit credit for each 100 hours of experience. Written reports
necessary. Courses may be repeated for maximum of 12 units total.
Prerequisite: Junior standing.
SS 461, 462 Senior Project (2) (2)
An analytical investigation of a soil science research project
in an area of special interest to the individual student, working
under faculty supervision, culminating in a formal rhetorical,
expository report that emphasizes clarity and lucidity of thought
based on deductive and inductive reasoning, and the use of graphic
skills. Minimum of 120 hours. Must be taken in sequence.
SS 463 Undergraduate Seminar (2)
Critical reviews of contemporary research in the field of soil
science. The student will analyze, criticize and advocate by inductive
and deductive methods. Inferences in contemporary literature are
based on fact or a logical, unambiguous extension of fact. Oral
reports of literature and senior projects are required. Prerequisites:
SS 462 and successful completion of the GWT.
SS 499/499L/499A Special Topics for Upper Division Students
(1-4)
Group study of a selected topic, the title to be specified in
advance. Total credit limited to 8 units with a maximum of 4 units
per quarter. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Instruction
is by lecture, laboratory, activity, or a combination. Concurrent
enrollment required.
[Return To Top of Page]
|
|
|
|
