Learning Pathways - Water & Soil Resources

Description

The Water and Soil Resources pathway focuses on the complex interplay between water and soil and the effect global change is having on their sustainable use. Water and soil resources are rapidly becoming the environmental issues of the next century as they both respond to multiple stressors on their use that include climate change, population growth, land use changes and environmental pollution. To be leaders in this field one must have baseline of skills that include a knowledge base in the physical, chemical and biological processes at play in these environments and the policies that govern their sustainable use and development.

Faculty

David Fowle, Geology - Lead Faculty Member, Water & Soil Resources
Ford Ballantyne, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
Sharon Billings, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
Nate Brunsell, Geography
Amy Burgin, Environmental Studies
Greg Cushman, History
Dorothy Daley, Political Science
Jerry DeNoyelles, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
Rick Devlin, Geology
Sarah Gregg, History
Robert Hagen, Environmental Studies
Dan Hirmas, Geography
Mark Jakubauskas, Environmental Studies
Bill Johnson, Geography
Kelly Kindscher, Environmental Studies
Edward Martinko, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
David Mechem, Geography
Shannon O’Lear, Geography
G ene Rankey, Geology
Paul Stock, Sociology
Belinda Sturm, Environmental Engineering
Joy Ward, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Resources

Suggested Courses

Typically Offered Every Year

BIOL 100 Principles of Biology

Intended for non-science majors. The basic concepts of biology at the cellular, organismal, and population levels of organization and their applications to humans and modern society. An honors section, BIOL 101, is offered for students with superior academic records. BIOL 100 and BIOL 102 (or BIOL 101 and BIOL 103, honors) satisfy the College natural science with laboratory requirement. Concurrent enrollment in BIOL 102 is recommended. LEC.

Spring 2020
Type	Time/Place and Instructor	Credit Hours	Class #
LEC	Marriage, Tara Tu 02:30-03:45 PM BUD 120 - LAWRENCE APPT- ONLNE KULC - LAWRENCE M 05:50-07:50 PM EXAM SPEC - LAWRENCE Tu 08:00-10:00 PM EXAM SPEC - LAWRENCE F 05:50-07:50 PM EXAM SPEC - LAWRENCE M 05:50-07:50 PM EXAM SPEC - LAWRENCE	3	40399
LEC	Marriage, Tara APPT- ONLNE KULC - LAWRENCE	3	58691
LEC	Marriage, Tara APPT- ONLNE KULC - LAWRENCE	3	58692
LEC	Rivers, Trevor APPT- ONLNE KULC - LAWRENCE Th 02:30-03:45 PM BUD 120 - LAWRENCE M 05:50-07:50 PM EXAM SPEC - LAWRENCE Tu 08:00-10:00 PM EXAM SPEC - LAWRENCE F 05:50-07:50 PM EXAM SPEC - LAWRENCE M 05:50-07:50 PM EXAM SPEC - LAWRENCE	3	58065

BIOL 414 Principles of Ecology: Study of the principles underlying species population density changes, community structure and dynamics, biogeochemical cycles, and energy flow and nutrient cycling in ecosystems. (Same as EVRN 414.) Prerequisite: BIOL 152 or BIOL 153, or consent of the instructor. LEC.
The class is not offered for the Spring 2020 semester.

BIOL 477 Ecology and Global Change: Humans influence both natural and managed ecosystems. This course studies the effects of climate change, land-use change, and reductions in biodiversity on ecosystems. Emphasis is placed on how biological and physical processes may be perturbed by human influences. Topics include the greenhouse effect, species extinctions, human disease expansion, and the effects of global change on agricultural productivity. A combination of lectures and discussion address issues from a scientific basis and link these ecological issues to our everyday lives and society as a whole. Prerequisite: BIOL 152, BIOL 153, or equivalent, or permission of instructor. LEC.
The class is not offered for the Spring 2020 semester.

EVRN 320 Environmental Policy Analysis

An historical and analytical study of the formulation, implementation, and consequences of environmental policy in the United States. Attention will be directed at relevant interest groups, issues specific to both rural and urban populations, relationships between national policies and international organizations concerned with environmental problems. Prerequisite: EVRN 140/GEOG 140/HIST 140 or EVRN 142/GEOG 142/HIST 142; or EVRN 144/GEOG 144/HIST 144 or EVRN 145/GEOG 145/HIST 145; or EVRN 148/GEOG 148; or concurrent enrollment. LEC.

Spring 2020
Type	Time/Place and Instructor	Credit Hours	Class #
LEC	Daley, Dorothy MW 12:30-01:45 PM RIT 164 - LAWRENCE	3	49227

EVRN 335 Introduction to Soil Geography: This course focuses on the properties and processes of soils as they occur in their environment. The student is introduced to the nature of soil as it functions as a body; genesis of soils; properties of soil solids, especially colloids; soil chemical composition, properties, and reactions; interaction between solid, liquid, and gaseous components in soils; plant-soil-water relationships; biological interactions with soil; classification of soils; and the distribution of soils on the landscape. Not open to students who have taken EVRN 535 or GEOG 535. (Same as GEOG 335.) Prerequisite: GEOG 104 or GEOL 101 or consent of instructor; BIOL 100 and CHEM 130 or CHEM 190 and CHEM 191 recommended. LEC.
The class is not offered for the Spring 2020 semester.

EVRN 410 Environmental Applications of Geographic Information Systems

An introduction to the use, display, and analysis of spatial data. Students will acquire a foundational skill-set in geographic information systems and remote sensing using industry-standard GIS software and will apply these skills using environmental data and case studies. Prerequisite: EVRN 148 or EVRN 149 or GEOG 148 or GEOG 149; EVRN 103 or HIST 103, EVRN 150 or GEOG 150 or EVRN 347 or HIST 347. LEC.

Spring 2020
Type	Time/Place and Instructor	Credit Hours	Class #
LEC	Nuckolls, Kathleen APPT- ONLNE KULC - LAWRENCE	3	55840

EVRN 460 Field Ecology: An introduction to research methods for environmental science. The course includes fieldwork in diverse ecosystems (lakes, streams, forests, prairies). It emphasizes the development of skills in data analysis and interpretation that are essential to a full understanding of environmental issues. Enrollment limited to environmental studies majors, or by instructor permission. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing, completion of the natural sciences requirement of the KU Core (GE3N), and either EVRN 320 or EVRN 332. FLD.
The class is not offered for the Spring 2020 semester.

EVRN 510 Advanced Environmental Applications in Geospatial Techniques

This course focuses on applying advanced geospatial mapping and analysis techniques to "real-world" environmental issues. Course content may include lecture/lab time on advanced geospatial topics; a major class project, small-group projects, or individual projects; or half-semester internships with state agencies or campus entities that will culminate in an individual project. The specific nature of projects will be driven largely by student interest and ability, as well as agency/center needs. Prerequisite: EVRN 410 or equivalent course; or permission of the instructor. LEC.

Spring 2020
Type	Time/Place and Instructor	Credit Hours	Class #
LEC	Wichman, Katy APPT- ONLNE KUEC - EDWARDS	3	58134

EVRN 535 Soil Geography: A broad study of the principles and properties of soils and their distribution on the landscape. Topics covered include: pedology, clay mineralogy, soil physics, soil chemistry, management of soils, soil biology, taxonomy, and soil geomorphology. Laboratory section and a field project are required. Not open to students who have taken GEOG 335 or EVRN 335. (Same as GEOG 535.) Prerequisite: GEOG 104 or GEOL 101 or consent of the instructor; BIOL 100 and CHEM 130 or CHEM 190 and CHEM 191 recommended. LEC.
The class is not offered for the Spring 2020 semester.

GEOG 335 Introduction to Soil Geography: This course focuses on the properties and processes of soils as they occur in their environment. The student is introduced to the nature of soil as it functions as a body; genesis of soils; properties of soil solids, especially colloids; soil chemical composition, properties, and reactions; interaction between solid, liquid, and gaseous components in soils; plant-soil-water relationships; biological interactions with soil; classification of soils; and the distribution of soils on the landscape. Not open to students who have taken EVRN 535 or GEOG 535. (Same as EVRN 335.) Prerequisite: GEOG 104 or GEOL 101 or consent of instructor; BIOL 100 and CHEM 130 or CHEM 190 and CHEM 191 recommended. LEC.
The class is not offered for the Spring 2020 semester.

GEOG 535 Soil Geography: A broad study of the principles and properties of soils and their distribution on the landscape. Topics covered include: pedology, clay mineralogy, soil physics, soil chemistry, management of soils, soil biology, taxonomy, and soil geomorphology. Laboratory section and a field project are required. Not open to students who have taken GEOG 335 or EVRN 335. (Same as EVRN 535.) Prerequisite: GEOG 104 or GEOL 101 or consent of the instructor; BIOL 100 and CHEM 130 or CHEM 190 and CHEM 191 recommended. LEC.
The class is not offered for the Spring 2020 semester.

GEOG 104 Introduction to Physical Geography

The components of the physical environment are discussed in order to familiarize the student with their distributions and dynamic nature. Major topics include the atmosphere, landforms, soils, and vegetation together with their interrelationships and their relevance to human activity. This course and GEOG 105 together satisfy the laboratory science requirement. Both courses are required for geography majors. LEC.

Spring 2020
Type	Time/Place and Instructor	Credit Hours	Class #
LEC	Mohammed, Aoesta MWF 11:00-11:50 AM RIT 164 - LAWRENCE	3	41447
LEC	Dingle, Ashton TuTh 11:00-12:15 PM LIN 412 - LAWRENCE	3	48413
LEC	Vanderveen, Cornelis TuTh 02:30-03:45 PM RIT 164 - LAWRENCE	3	41446
LEC	Koop, Aaron APPT- ONLNE KULC - LAWRENCE	3	47573

GEOG 105 Introductory Laboratory in Physical Geography

A laboratory course designed to complement GEOG 104 in satisfying the laboratory science requirement. It is required for geography majors. Laboratory exercises include a wide variety of analyses using data on the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and lithosphere. Prerequisite: GEOG 104, which may be taken concurrently. LAB.

Spring 2020
Type	Time/Place and Instructor	Credit Hours	Class #
LAB	Mohammed, Aoesta Ekpetere, Kenneth MW 08:00-09:50 AM LIN 418 - LAWRENCE	2	41448
LAB	Mohammed, Aoesta Sena, Matthew MW 08:00-09:50 AM LIN 403 - LAWRENCE	2	52146
LAB	Mohammed, Aoesta Sena, Matthew TuTh 08:00-09:50 AM LIN 403 - LAWRENCE	2	52147
LAB	Mohammed, Aoesta Kato, Yurika MW 10:00-11:50 AM LIN 403 - LAWRENCE	2	41450
LAB	Mohammed, Aoesta Smith, Kiera MW 10:00-11:50 AM LIN 418 - LAWRENCE	2	41451
LAB	Mohammed, Aoesta Liang, Chen TuTh 10:00-11:50 AM LIN 403 - LAWRENCE	2	41452
LAB	Mohammed, Aoesta Smith, Kiera TuTh 10:00-11:50 AM LIN 418 - LAWRENCE	2	41453
LAB	Mohammed, Aoesta Kato, Yurika MW 12:00-01:50 PM LIN 403 - LAWRENCE	2	41454
LAB	Pickett, Nathaniel Mohammed, Aoesta MW 12:00-01:50 PM LIN 418 - LAWRENCE	2	41455
LAB	Mohammed, Aoesta Ekpetere, Kenneth TuTh 12:00-01:50 PM LIN 403 - LAWRENCE	2	41459
LAB	Mohammed, Aoesta Esmond, Stephen TuTh 12:00-01:50 PM LIN 418 - LAWRENCE	2	41460
LAB	Mohammed, Aoesta Liang, Chen MW 02:00-03:50 PM LIN 403 - LAWRENCE	2	41456
LAB	Pickett, Nathaniel Mohammed, Aoesta MW 02:00-03:50 PM LIN 418 - LAWRENCE	2	41457
LAB	Mohammed, Aoesta Esmond, Stephen TuTh 02:00-03:50 PM LIN 403 - LAWRENCE	2	45251

GEOG 321 Climate and Climate Change

This course is designed to introduce students to the nature of the Earth's physical climate. It introduces the basic scientific concepts underlying our understanding of our climate system. Particular emphasis is placed on energy and water balances and their roles in evaluating climate change. The course also evaluates the impact of climate on living organisms and the human environment. Finally, past climates are discussed and potential future climate change and its impact on humans is evaluated. (Same as ATMO 321.) Prerequisite: ATMO 105 or GEOG 104. LEC.

Spring 2020
Type	Time/Place and Instructor	Credit Hours	Class #
LEC	Phillips, Cory APPT- ONLNE KULC - LAWRENCE	3	51231

GEOL 302 Oceanography

An introduction to the origin, nature, and dynamics of the world's oceans, including aspects of geology, chemistry, biology, physics, and meteorology that are involved in ocean processes. The relations between the oceans and humans in the past, present, and future, and instruction in scientific reasoning as it applies to oceanography. Laboratory exercises in critical thinking about oceanography. This course cannot be taken if a student has completed GEOL 301. Prerequisite: An introductory science course. LEC.

Spring 2020
Type	Time/Place and Instructor	Credit Hours	Class #
LEC	APPT- ONLNE KULC - LAWRENCE	4	41497

GEOL 351 Environmental Geology: An introductory course dealing with the implications of geologic processes and materials for civilization. Topics to be considered include: geologic hazards such as floods, landslides, earthquakes, and volcanism; the availability of water, mineral, and energy resources; and the environmental impact of resource utilization. The importance of recognizing geologic constraints in land use planning and engineering projects is emphasized and illustrated by examples. LEC.
The class is not offered for the Spring 2020 semester.

GEOL 552 Introduction to Hydrogeology

Physical description of hydrogeologic media. Elementary groundwater hydraulics: analytical and graphical solutions for steady-state application. Well hydraulics and pumping tests. Basic groundwater geology. Effects of topography and geology on regional flow systems. Field and numerical delineation and analysis of groundwater flow systems and applications. Chemical characteristics of groundwaters and their relationship to aquifer geology and hydrology. Investigations of groundwater quality and contamination. Prerequisite: Two semesters each of calculus, physics, and chemistry. LEC.

Spring 2020
Type	Time/Place and Instructor	Credit Hours	Class #
LEC	Baker, Gregory Jacks, Clayton APPT- ONLNE KULC - LAWRENCE	3	52554
LEC	Baker, Gregory Jacks, Clayton APPT- ONLNE KUEC - EDWARDS	3	58724

Typically Offered Every Two Years

EVRN 347 Environmental History of North America

A survey of changes in the landscape and in people's perceptions of the natural world from 1500 to present. Topics include agroecology, water and energy, the impact of capitalism, industrialism, urbanization, and such technologies as the automobile and the origins of conservation. (Same as HIST 347.) LEC.

Spring 2020
Type	Time/Place and Instructor	Credit Hours	Class #
LEC	Boynton, Alex Th 03:00-05:50 PM BEST 125 - EDWARDS	3	58111

EVRN 371 Environmental Geopolitics: This course examines how human relationships with the biophysical world are politicized. Examines key contributions to debates surrounding environmental security, resource conflicts, and related issues, as well as geopolitical assumptions on which these debates build. (Same as GEOG 371 and GIST 371.) LEC.
The class is not offered for the Spring 2020 semester.

EVRN 538 Soil Chemistry: This course examines the chemical properties and processes of soils and methods of evaluation. Topics include solid and solution speciation, mineral solubility, soil colloidal behavior, ion exchange, surface complexation, soil salinity and sodicity, soil acidity, oxidation-reduction reactions, and kinetics of soil chemical processes. (Same as GEOG 538.) Prerequisite: GEOG 335 or GEOG 535 or EVRN 335 or EVRN 535, CHEM 135 or CHEM 195 and CHEM 196, MATH 125, or consent of the instructor. LEC.
The class is not offered for the Spring 2020 semester.

GEOL 541 Geomorphology: A critical study of landforms in relation to tectonics, climatic environment, and geologic processes. The use of geomorphic methods in the interpretation of Cenozoic history is emphasized. Laboratory exercises in analysis of field observations, maps, and photographs. Required field trip and fee. (Same as GEOG 541.) Prerequisite: GEOL 101 and GEOL 103, GEOG 104 and GEOG 105, or GEOL 304 and GEOL 103. LEC.
The class is not offered for the Spring 2020 semester.

Typically Offered Less Than Every Two Years

GEOG 635 Soil Physics: Provides theoretical and practical foundations for understanding physical properties and processes of variably-saturated porous media. Focus is on the transport, retention, and transformation of water, heat, gas, and solutes through the soil. We examine modern vadose zone measurement methods, analytical tools, and numerical models for data collection and interpretation. (Same as EVRN 635.) Prerequisite: GEOG 335 or EVRN 335; or GEOG 535 or EVRN 535, and MATH 125, PHSX 114; or consent of instructor. LEC.
The class is not offered for the Spring 2020 semester.

PLEASE NOTE: If you are interested in enrolling in one of the courses listed above, remember to check the Schedule of Classes or contact the offering department (e.g., Geography & Atmospheric Science) to verify that the course will be offered during the semester in which you plan to enroll in the course.

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