Teaching
Sanjai J. Parikh - Courses
SSC 102: Environmental Soil Chemistry
Introduction to the basics of soil chemistry, providing students with the fundamentals of chemical processes occurring in the soil. Topics which are covered include soil minerals, natural organic matter, surface charge, soil solution chemistry, redox reactions in soil, and sorption of inorganic and organic contaminants. A basic knowledge of inorganic chemistry is required. This course is offered in the Winter quarter (3 units).
SSC 202: Advanced Topics in Soil Chemistry
This course is taught jointly with SSC 102, but with an additional discussion section. In the discussion section, students examine various real-world applications of soil chemistry, become aware of relevant analytical approaches, and critically evaluate data. Activities include modeling soil solution with Visual Minteq, group presentations, and peer-review of unpublished manuscripts. This course is offered in the Winter quarter (4 units).
SAS 5: Soil, Water and Civilizations
This course examines erosion, irrigation approaches, deforestation, and agricultural practices with a focus on soil conservation. The primary objective of this course is to explore past civilizations and examine how their management of soil resources allowed them to flourish, and/or decline and often fail. Finally students are critically asked to explore current soil conservation practices and discuss sustainability of our own society. This course is offered each Spring quarter through the Science and Society program for 3 units.
SSC 290: Soils and Biogeochemistry Seminar
Parikh regularly organizes seminar courses for graduate students. For example, each spring Parikh co-leads a "brown bag seminar" with Prof. Randy Dahlgren where students practice giving research talks. Other times specific topics are addressed -including soil processes, science communication, and professional development. The content of these seminars change from year to year, often upon request from students (1 unit).
SSC 298: Foundations of Soils and Biogeochemistry
This course is co-taught my multiple instructors. Each week one faculty member directs the discussion, with student leaders, on specific topics in soil science and biogeochemistry. The discussion is based on papers selected by faculty that they feel are important to their area of expertise. Each year Parikh leads the section on Soil Chemistry (2 units).
SSC 92/192: Soil Science Internship
Undergraduate students looking to gain laboratory experience are encouraged to apply for an internship in the Environmental Soil Chemistry Lab. Students will work with an in-lab mentor on a research project. They will be responsible for conducting experiments, maintaining a lab notebook, and presenting their finding to the research group. Prerequisite: completion of 84 units and consent of instructor. This course can be taken any quarter for 1-12 units.