Horticultural Soil Syllabus for 2018-2019
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Instructor Information

Course Information

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Administrative Drop Policy

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Course

HALT-1305-001 Horticultural Soil

Prerequisites

Course Description

A study of the physical properties of soil including structure and texture. Topics include the origin and development of soils, the composition of a soil horizon, and the interrelationship between soil fertility and plants.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Notice to Students enrolled in an educational program for preparation of issuance of certain occupational licenses:

Students enrolled in an educational program in preparation for obtaining certain occupational licenses are potentially ineligible for such license if the student has been convicted of an offense. For further information, please contact:

Melodie Graves
Justice Involved Advocate
Student Service Center 117
mgraves24@actx.edu
806-371-5995
Make appointment at https://melodiegraves.youcanbook.me

You can also contact the Legal Clinic, or the faculty member in charge of the educational program that you seek to enroll in. The further information you will receive will include notification to you of your right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the licensing authority in order to clarify your particular situation.

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 2 lec, 2 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

 Plaster, E. J. 2014. “Soil Science and Management” 6^th ed. Cengage Learning. 

Supplies

Note taking supplies, text book, materials relevant to the course or discussed in class.

Student Performance

PURPOSE AND GOALS OF COURSE:

The overarching purpose of this course is to provide students with an understanding of concepts and features germane to soil science and soil ecosystems.  We will be looking at: Formation and composition, physical and chemical properties, hydraulic and thermal relationships of soil.  Role of soil in ecosystems.  This course fulfills core technology and applied science requirement.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

After studying the material in this course of study, the student will be able to do the following:

Identify the structure of soil and the history of its development; and ascertain the physical properties of soil including color, texture, drainage, depth, water holding capacity, and fertility as they relate to horticulture plant production.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

FOOD AND DRINK:

You may bring food and drink into both lecture and lab; however if you spill something, please clean up after yourself. 

ATTENDANCE

Attendance will be taken each class period.  Those who attend class every day and participate usually do much better than those who do not, so IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU COME TO CLASS PREPARED EVERY DAY!

CELL PHONES AND PAGERS:

Cell phones and pagers are not prohibited; however, please be considerate of others.  This means they should be on silent or vibrate mode.  Please be courteous to those around you with regard to cell phones and pagers and do not disrupt class.  If the call is an emergency please take the call outside of the classroom.  No texting during class.  And no music devices (Ipods, etc.) can be used in class and head phones must be out of ears and out of sight.  If your cell phone or pager goes off while we are taking a quiz, exam, or practical, you may receive a grade of zero on that test.  Cell phones in the “silent or vibrate” modes are not considered to be in the off mode and the preceding sentence will apply to these phones. 

STC Contract for Success

_______I fully understand that if I cheat, or attempt to cheat on any test I will receive an automatic “F” in the course. This grade will go on my permanent transcript and cannot be removed. Cheating includes but is not limited to: the illegal use of books, notes, copying or photographing any test material, leaving the Science Testing Center with a test, and the use of any electronic devices such as unapproved calculators, cell phones, smart watches, laptops, tablets, etc. Cheating also includes helping or attempting to help other students cheat or gain an advantage on a test either inside or outside the testing center by sharing of information from the test.

_______Please Note: Cell phones or any other “SMART” devises are NOT allowed in the testing room at any time for any reason. If we see any unapproved electronic devises out AT ANY TIME, FOR ANY REASON, while in the testing room, your test WILL be taken up immediately and may result in an “F” for the course.

_______I understand all testing will be done outside of the class time, except for the final exam.

_______I understand if I score below a 70 on any exam, I must complete a mandatory tutoring session with my instructor or the Science Enrichment Center before requesting the next exam (excluding the Final Exams week). I also understand that I must present a completed Record of Tutoring form to the Science Testing Center staff when requesting my next exam.

 

Science Testing Center RULES

• Books, personal items, watches, drinks and snacks must be placed on the bookshelf before you take your test but, remember, Amarillo College is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
  • Items are better left at home or at another safe location.
• To take a test, fill out a “Test Request” slip.
• An Amarillo College picture ID is required in order to take or view any test in the Science Testing Center. 
• unapproved scratch paper is allowed for testing. You may use the back of the test or scratch paper from the STC to show your extra work.  Once you have begun work on a test that is considered one attempt. You cannot leave the Science Testing Center and return to finish that test at a later time.
• In the testing room, please do not sit by someone with the same test.
• The Science Testing Center will not give any tests out later than 1.5 hours before closing.
• The Science Testing Center personnel will pick up your test 5 minutes prior to closing time.
• Tests may not be taken out of the Science Testing Center.
• The Science Testing Center hours are posted on the outside door, in your syllabus, and Science Testing Center. 
• Please come prepared. If you do not have a pencil, you may purchase one from the Science Testing Center for 25 cents.  Please bring exact change. Pens are not allowed on any scantron.
• Children may not accompany students into testing room or be left unattended anywhere on campus.
• CELL PHONE CALCULATORS or any other non-approved calculators ARE NOT ALLOWED in the testing area. Cell phones placed on the bookshelf must be turned off.
• Students will have to wait for their test results from their instructor.
• All online exams must be taken using the Respondus Lockdown Browser.

I have read and understand all of the above rules and requirements. Any violation of any of the above outlined rules or requirements will result in an immediate seizure of my test by the Science Testing Center staff, which may result in further disciplinary actions and possible “F” for the course.

Course and Section #:_________________________ Instructor Name _________________________ Semester ___________________________ Phone Number _____________________

Signature: _________________________________ Print Name:_________________________________ Student ID Number ____________________ Email _______________________________________

Grading Criteria

LECTURE:

50% of the Total Grade.  There will be five tests, notebook average, and a video average and the lowest of the 7 will be dropped.  

Tests: There will be no make-up tests given since there is a drop test.  The tests will be 50 questions multiple choice,

matching, and true/false.  The tests will be taken in the Science Testing Center except for Test 5.  A scatron will be needed for all tests.  Test dates given are subject to change.  If classes are officially canceled exams will be given the next class meeting.

                                                Test 1:                     September 13 – 15, 2018

                                                Test 2:                     October 4 – 6, 2018

                                                Test 3:                     November 1 – 3, 2018

                                                Test 4:                     November 26 – 28, 2018

                                                Test 5:                     December 10, 2018 (in class)

Notebook Average:  You will be responsible for printing and completing the Student Notes.  These notes are found on Blackboard.  There will be five notebook check grades that will be averaged to the Notebook Grade, which equals a test grade.  During lectures I will check to see if you have completed the Student Notes.  You will have until each test to complete that section of notes (for example the notes for Test 1 must be completed by Test 1).  You should fill out the notes for each week’s chapter and bring them to class to help you complete the discussions and activities.

Video Average:  There is a video that corresponds to each chapter and set of Student Notes.  As you watch the video you will be able to fill in the Student Notes (the above grade).  During the videos there will be questions that pop up that you will complete.  This will be how the video is graded.  The video grades (14 videos) will be averaged into the Video Average, which equals a test grade.  You must complete the videos by the test given (for example complete the videos for Test 1 must be completed by Test1).  Since these videos help you fill out your Student Notes you should watch them before the week begins so the notes will be ready to bring with you for lecture.

                                               

LABORATORY:

50% of the Total Grade.  There will be activities or labs that we will complete during lecture along with 3 class projects. 

Class Activity Average:  This will count for 30% of you grade.  These are hands on activities working with soils and laboratory equipment.  If you miss an activity in class you will need to arrange for time to complete it in the greenhouse or you will get a zero.  It is important that you do not miss class days since some activities may take multiple class times and the dates of the activities are not set.  The in class activities will correspond with the chapter that we are covering that week.  There will be a total of 14 activity grades.  We will also be working on the class projects during the class period.

Class Project One: This will count for 10% of your grade.  This will be an individual Soil Report and Analysis.  You will have details given on a separate form.  This will be a semester long project and you will complete various tests and experiments involving your soil sample.  At the end of the semester you will turn in a Soil Report and Analysis.

Class Project Two:  This will count for 5% of your grade.  We will take a field trip to Wildcat Bluff Nature Center.  On the hike we will take pictures and observe soils and the natural habitat.  In class we will conduct an analysis and discussion of the soils.  More information and questions will be on a separate form.

Class Project Three:  This will count for 5% of your grade.  This will be a group project, Mystery Soil Report and Analysis.  We will conduct the same activities and experiments on mystery soil samples that you will do for Project One.  In your groups you will answer questions and complete an abbreviated soil report at the end of the semester.  Details will be given on a separate form.

GRADING:

                A:            90-100

                B:             80-89

                C:             70-79

                D:            60-69

                F:             Below 60                  *There will be NO curves so don’t ask*

Attendance

ATTENDANCE

Attendance will be taken each class period.  Those who attend class every day and participate usually do much better than those who do not, so IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU COME TO CLASS PREPARED EVERY DAY!

Calendar

Additional Information

MSDS:

Material Safety Sheets (MSDS) are stored in the yellow storage cabinet.

CAMPUS POLICE:

                For help, call Campus Police at 371-5163

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE:

If a student is having a problem with the course policies or the instructor he or she should first try and resolve any such problems with the instructor.  If the problem is not resolved, the student may proceed to the Biology Department Chairperson (Dr. Biggers), the Dean of Instruction, and the college President, IN THAT ORDER.

FOOD AND DRINK:

You may bring food and drink into both lecture and lab; however if you spill something, please clean up after yourself. 

OFFICE:

                Science Lab Building- 203K

OFFICE HOURS:

They will be posted on the office door and additional times may be added.  It will also be possible to find me before or after a class in my office.  Also available by appointment on certain days (see schedule by office suite).

                                Tuesday and Thursday            3:15 – 4:45

                                Tuesday – Biology Club              12:00 – 12:30

                               

CLASS HOURS:

                LECTURES

Anatomy and Physiology I      9:00 – 10:15 MTWTH             Warr 212 (Fall 2)

Anatomy and Physiology I      12:30 – 1:45 MTWTH             Warr 214 (Fall 2)

Anatomy and Physiology II     9:00 – 10:15 MTWTH             Warr 212 (Fall 1)

Anatomy and Physiology II     12:30 – 1:45 MTWTH             Warr 214 (Fall 1)

                                Horticulture Soils                     3:30 – 4:45 MW                      Stem 101

LABS

Anatomy and Physiology I      10:30 – 11:45 MTWTH           Scie 209 (Fall 2)

Anatomy and Physiology I      2:00 – 3:15 MTWTH                               Scie 109 (Fall 2)

Anatomy and Physiology II     10:30 – 11:45 MTWTH           Scie 212 (Fall 1)

Anatomy and Physiology II     2:00 – 3:15 MTWTH                               Scie 212 (Fall 1)

               

E-MAIL ADDRESS:

                Through Blackboard or crotaluslady@yahoo.com

COMPUTER LAB:

The Science and Engineering Computer Lab is located in the Library.  Please check with the library personnel about the lab hours.  When using the Computer lab, please be sure that you log in and out on the computer located at the entrance of the Computer lab.

SCIENCE ENRICHMENT CENTER:

The Science Enrichment Center is located in the Warren Hall, room 110.  The hours are posted at the center and through the hallways.  These hours are subject to change based on the availability of the monitors.  When using the study center, please be sure that you log in and out on the computer located at the entrance of the study center.  This is a good place to study models but not all models match the ones in lab.  PLEASE BE NICE AND TREAT THOSE AROUND YOU AND THE LADIES IN THE CENTER WITH RESPECT AT ALL TIMES!  Students will be asked to leave if they do not follow the rules.  Remember this is a privilege to help you get extra study time not a requirement of the biology department so please be patient if the hours are changed or if the center has to be closed due to an emergency.

SCIENCE TESTING CENTER:

Warren Hall 112

All tests, excluding take-home exams and final exams, will be taken in the Science Testing Center during days scheduled by the teacher during normal Science Testing Center hours.  Tests will be taken outside of class lecture time.  Please note:  No test may be started less than one and a half hours before the Science Testing Center closes. You must present an Amarillo College student ID every time you take a test. The Science Testing Center staff will retain your ID while you take your test and it will be returned to you when you turn in your test.  When using the Science Testing Center students will scan in and out with their Amarillo College student I.D.

 

Mandatory Tutoring:

Warren Hall 110

In an effort to increase retention in Biology courses, any student who scores below a 70 on any exam (excluding the Final Exam week) must complete a mandatory tutoring session in the Science Enrichment Center or with his/her instructor before taking the next exam. Before getting mandatory tutoring, students must first schedule a tutoring time with the SEC by either calling (806 345-5536) or visiting (Warren Hall 110).  The SEC will do its best to accommodate a student’s schedule within the SEC hours of operation. This may require plenty of advanced notice by the student as time slots fill quickly.   Upon arrival in the SEC, students must inform SEC staff that they are there for mandatory tutoring.  Mandatory tutoring will not require remediation over a failed test.  The first instance of mandatory tutoring will be for 60 minutes.

 

Free Drop-in:

Peer tutors are available at the Science Enrichment Center

 

Cheating:

Cheating will not be tolerated in any biology course at Amarillo College. On the first day of class, you will be required to sign and date a Course Contract. Included in the contract is the following statement: "I fully understand that if I cheat, or attempt to cheat, on any test I will receive an automatic “F” in the course. This grade will go on my permanent transcript and cannot be removed. Cheating includes, but is not limited to: the illegal use of books, notes, cell phones*, copying a test or portion of a test, or leaving the Science Testing Center with a test or questions from a test. Cheating also includes helping, or attempting to help, other students to cheat on a test."

You will not be allowed to take your tests until this contract is signed and on file in the Science Testing Center.

*Please Note: NO CELL PHONES in the Testing Room. If we see your cell phone out AT ANY TIME, FOR ANY REASON, while in the testing room, YOU WILL RECEIVE an "F" for the course!

DROPPING:

Students who wish to withdraw from a class must consult with their instructor first. Students can either communicate via email or meet face-to-face with their instructor to begin the withdrawal process. If the instructor and the student both agree that withdrawal is the appropriate course of action, then the instructor will initiate a withdrawal case for the student in the Retention Alert System (AC Connect).  Students will receive confirmation that their withdrawal request has been completed. The Registrar’s Office will process the withdrawal and notify both the student and instructor via AC email.