GEOL 328 - Soils:Life and Death Underfoot

Credits: 4

In this course, students will learn about the ecological relationships between soil organisms and their biotic and abiotic environments, with emphasis on the role of soil organisms in biogeochemical cycling, ecosystem structure and function, long?term ecosystem sustainability, and global environmental change. Specific objectives are to examine (1) the physical processes of soil formation and development; (2) the biodiversity of soil ecosystems; (3) the biotic and abiotic factors controlling soil community diversity and structure; (4) the linkages between soil communities, soil physical properties, soil organic matter, and nutrient cycling; and (5) several contemporary topics in soil ecology such as aboveground?belowground dynamics, global environmental change, and invasive species. Prerequisite: ENVI 101/201. Offered regularly.

Course Fees
Course fee applies. Refer to the Schedule of Classes.