The Department of Soil Science provides undergraduate and graduate education in agricultural, environmental, and natural resource aspects of soils. The importance of soils as a natural resource in food and fiber production, in environmental protection, turf and grounds management, rural and urban planning, and waste disposal is integrated into the department's course offerings and research programs. Soil science majors prepare for professional, technical, consulting and administrative positions in such areas as crop and timber production, soil survey, conservation, environmental pollution control, turf and grounds management, and land-use planning. Contact the department for further information on career opportunities. All senior undergraduate students participate in a seminar course to prepare them for job-seeking and professional performance in their careers or continued studies.
Water is central to the functioning of planet Earth.
As humans increase their impact on Earth's systems and cohabitants, our understanding of the multiple roles of water becomes critical to finding sustainable strategies for human and exosystem health. This course explores the science of Earth's hydrosphere, with constant attention to human uses and impacts. 289 Honors Independent Study. 299 Independent Study. 301 General Soil Science.