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UBC: APBI40x Catalysts: learning modules addressing content and language gaps

Catalysts: learning modules addressing content and language gaps


UBC
Enrollment is Closed

About This Resource

Catalysts is an online learning resource specific to upper level students taking soil science related courses at UBC. The aim is to provide students with tools that they can use to bridge gaps in either content or language related to that content. Modules are specific to our courses, and cover topics identified as “challenging” by current students. Thus this resource is not comprehensive for a particularly course, but provides open-access materials for students taking APBI 401, 402 and/or 403.

Topics currently available include:.

  • Rocks and minerals: understanding the influence of rock types and minerals on inherent soil physical and chemical characteristics
  • Soil fertility: key soil chemical characteristics, and their effects upon plant nutrients present in the soil system
  • The soil food web: the role of soil organisms in decomposition and nutrient cycling
  • More coming soon…

Our Team

Resources

  • Animations - illustrating concepts (e.g. isomorphic substitution, coordination number)
  • Videos - relaying the importance of theory (e.g. why is understanding geology important for understanding soils)
  • Graphics - visualizing differences & interactions (e.g. complexity in the soil food web)
  • Quizzes – self testing to gauge your progress
  • Text – focused on concepts AND implications for soils
  • Glossary / definitions and distinctions – beyond learning technical terms and definitions (glossary), comparing and contrasting terms helps solidify your understanding

Which Browser to Use?

Google Chrome and Firefox should be used preferably for full functionality.

  1. Course Number

    APBI40x

  2. Classes Start

  3. Classes End