Nov 23, 2024  
2024-2025 Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Catalog

PHS 215 - Introduction to Soil Science

4 credit hours - Three hours of lecture and three hours of laboratory weekly; one term.
Explore the nature and properties of soil, including the relationship between soil and the physical, biological, and chemical principles that operate within Earth’s system.  Discuss the practical applications of soil science: soil management strategies for sustainable agriculture, conservation, land use planning, and remediation of degraded soils. Develop laboratory skills and sampling methods by collecting, characterizing, classifying, and interpreting soil data. Lab fee $40.

Prerequisite(s): BIO 103  or PHS 113 .

Location(s) Typically Offered: Arnold Main Campus (MC)

Term(s) Typically Offered: Spring

Course Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: 

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of soil composition and formation.  

  1. Classify soils and apply the Soil Taxonomy System.  

  1. Analyze the physical and chemical properties of soil. 

  1. Describe the nature and movement of water in soil. 

  1. Examine the role of soil in natural ecosystems.