Environmental Science 111 Course Syllabus

Environmental Science 111 Course Syllabus

Mon & Wed 5:00 – 6:20 pm

HEC room 219

ROGUE COMMUNITY COLLEGE SPRING 2014

INSTRUCTOR: KEVIN CULHANE

Monday, March 31st - Class Begins

Monday, May 26 – Memorial Day – no classes

Wednesday, June 11 – last day of class (final exam)

Instructor: Kevin CulhaneOffice: HEC 301-G

Phone: (541) 245-7621e-mail:

Office Hours: Also by appointment if students are unable to make posted hours.

Mon2:30 pm – 3:30 pm

Tues noon – 1:00 pm and 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Wed noon – 1:00 pm

Thurs 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Students who are having trouble with this course, should please seek assistance before it becomes too late. I encourage you to come to my office and talk with me. I can help you with the material; give study tips, encouragement, or whatever else it takes to lead you on the right track to success in environmental science.

Prerequisites: MTH20 and BT113 or WR115.

Course Description: Introduction to Environmental Science

Introduces the use of chemical, physical, and biological principles to explain the complexity and diversity found in environmental systems. Designed for both environmental science majors and non-majors, the course will explore a wide range of environmental topics including the conservation of matter and energy, the atmosphere, nutrient cycles, the hydrologic cycle, population dynamics, biodiversity, human impact on the environment, resource and waste management, and the role of economics and politics in sustainability.

Required Materials:

Text: Environmental Science Miller. 14th edition, 2013

Publisher: CENGAGEISBN #: 9780495560166

Items to Leave at Home: Cell phones, game devices, beeping watches, pets, kids, etc.

Course Grading Scale and Points:

Lecture exams300 points90.0 % - 100.0 % = A

Reading quizzes100 points80.0% - 89.9 % = B

Discussion questions 50 points70.0% - 79.9 % = C

Field Trip summary 50 points60.0% - 69.9 % = D

Chapter research & presentation 50 points00.0% - 59.9 % = F

Total points possible550 points

Objectives: Having successfully completed Env Sci 111 the student will be able to:

1. Describe the concept of “sustainability” and outline the basic causes of environmental problems.
2. Outline the scientific method, compare & contrast matter and energy, explain how the laws of thermodynamics affect environmental problems and solutions.
3. Define and give examples of biomes and ecosystems, and describe and explain the importance of biogeochemical cycles.
4. Explain the importance of biodiversity, speciation, and ecological niche.
5. Compare and contrast the terms native, invasive, indicator, keystone, and foundation species.
6. Describe the factors, problems and possible solutions of human overpopulation and urbanization and their effect on sustainability and biodiversity.
7. Compare and contrast species vs ecosystem management in sustaining biodiversity.
8. Give a balanced discussion and description of various political, economic, and social policies and their effects on sustainability and environmental issues.
9. Compare and contrast the pollution problems and possible solutions for water, air, mineral, soil, and energy resources.
10. Demonstrate future employment skills by being on time, handing in assignments when due, and coming to class prepared to work with the appropriate tools.
11. Demonstrate the ability to work cooperatively with other students and staff.
12. Develop a problem solving approach to problems in environmental science

Objectives will be met through the following methods of evaluation:

Lecture exams that require the synthesis of material, analysis of data, and conclusions to be drawn, weekly quizzes, and class participation. Exams and quizzes can only be made up with prior consent of the instructor. Make-up exams will be allowed only if they are arranged prior to the in-class exam, and are entirely composed of essay questions.

1. Lecture: There will be three exams each worth 100 points. The material on these exams is not cumulative, but previously learned material may be needed to answer current exam questions.

1. Quizzes: There will be a take-home reading quiz given each week during the first day of lecture. Quizzes cover reading material for the next week. No make-ups or late quizzes.

1. Discussion Topics: Approximately each week there will be a discussion topic question to be researched and answers outlined prior to the class discussion / debate. They will be graded on evidence of research to support your viewpoint.

1. Field trip write-up: A written analysis of the data obtained during the field trip. This will include the student’s field observations and data.

1. Research project & presentation: Students will research and write a 5 page report on a material and issues pertaining to the chapter (12, 14, 16 or 17) section that they have been assigned. The oral presentation will be a 5-10 minute discussion of your findings using a teacher-approved format (e.g. lecture, debate, Powerpoint, demonstration, etc).

Attendance and Drop Policy:

Introductory Environmental Science, while a fascinating subject, is a difficult course. Students who attend classes only periodically will have a very difficult time succeeding in this class. Students must sign the attendance sheet each day of class to document their presence. It is the student's responsibility to make sure that the attendance sheet is signed. Students who have perfect attendance will be given 10 extra credit points on the final grade. Excused absences that do not affect the extra credit but must be verified and include: jury duty, citizenship, funeral or medical emergencies (not normal illness, such as a cold or flu unless verified by a doctor’s note).

Student Responsibilities:

It is each student's responsibility to be aware of all college procedures, such as how to add, drop, or withdraw from a class, and the available student services. For more information, refer to your Student Handbook, Schedule of Classes, and the Student Rights, Freedoms, and Responsibility Statement.

CHEATING AND PLAGIARISM ARE VIOLATIONS OF THE COLLEGE POLICY AND ARE CONSIDERED SERIOUS OFFENSES. THE DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES TAKES ALL INCIDENTS OF ACADEMIC DISHONESTY SERIOUSLY AND ACTS ACCORDINGLY: THIS INCLUDES A FAILING GRADE FOR THE COURSE OR EXPULSION FROM THE COLLEGE.

Students With Disabilities:

Students who believe they may need academic accommodations for a disability such as those related to vision, hearing, orthopedics, learning, psychological functioning, and/or other medical conditions should make an appointment with the Rogue Community College Disability Services office. Campus locations and telephone numbers are:

Redwood Campus Riverside & Table Rock Campuses
Wiseman Tutoring Center G Building, Room 207
541-956-7337 541-245-7537

Studying Skills:

Environmental Science is a challenging and involved field of study that requires a considerable effort on the part of the student. Students should commit a portion of each day for reviewing lecture and reading notes. Nothing can take the place of good study habits; the following is a list of helpful hints:

1. Read the text before the material is covered in class.
2. Carefully study diagrams and illustrations before you read the chapter.
3. Turn sub-headings into questions, read the section, and try to answer the question. Review if you’re not able to adequately answer and try again.
4. When reading new material, note a question mark alongside sections that you do not understand. If the lecture does not clear it up, ASK QUESTIONS!
5. Write down new or difficult words on 3x5 cards. Put definitions or concepts on the back. Carry and use these to quiz yourself.
6. While reading, use markers to highlight key ideas.
7. Summarize what you have read. After finishing a paragraph restate the main ideas in your own words.
8. Form study groups with your classmates and friends.
9. Take good notes! Compare notes during study sessions.
10. Review material on a daily basis: flash cards, reading, notes, and review questions. DO NOT CRAM FOR EXAMS!
11. Answer the review questions at the end of the chapter.
12. Build a mental image or model of what is discussed or read.
13. Employ mnemonic devices to remember material.

I reserve the right to alter the grade total + 10%, to change the assignments to deal with situations or emergencies as needed, or to alter the suggested test or lecture schedule to create a more productive learning program for student success.

Tentative Schedule of Lecture Topics & Readings for Env Sci 111:

WeekDateChapterTopic/Exam

13/311Intro / Envrmntl Problems, Causes & Sustainability

4/22Science, Matter, & Energy

24/73Ecosystems: What are they & How do they work?

4/94Biodiversity & Evolution

34/145Biodiversity, Species Interactions, & Pop. Control

4/166Human Population & Urbanization

44/21Exam #1: Chapters 1 – 6

4/237Climate & Biodiversity

54/288Sustaining Biodiversity: the Species Approach

4/309Sustaining Biodiversity: the Ecosystem Approach

65/510Food, Soil, & Pest Management

5/711Water Resources & Water Pollution

75/1212Geology & Non-renewable Materials

5/14Exam #2: Chapters 7 - 12

5/17 Mandatory Saturday Field Trip: 10 am to noon

85/1913Energy (Part 1)

5/2113Energy (Part 2)

95/26HOLIDAY (Read: Environmental Hazards & Human Health)

5/28Guest speaker

106/215Air Pollution, Climate Change, & Ozone Depletion

6/4Students present their research on chapters 14, 16, & 17

116/9Students present their research on chapters 14, 16, & 17

6/11Exam #3: Chapters 13 – 17

Students are responsible for announced changes in the syllabus schedule

EXAMINATION POLICY

If a student finds that it will be unavoidable to miss an exam, they should contact the instructor prior to the scheduled exam if at all possible. Make up exams will be composed entirely of essay questions and answers.

STATEMENT ON CHEATING AND PLAGIARISM

CHEATING AND PLAGIARISM ARE VIOLATIONS OF THE COLLEGE POLICY AND ARE CONSIDERED SERIOUS OFFENSES. THE DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES TAKES ALL INCIDENTS OF ACADEMIC DISHONESTY SERIOUSLY AND ACTS ACCORDINGLY: THIS INCLUDES A FAILING GRADE FOR THE COURSE OR EXPULSION FROM THE COLLEGE.

TUTORING CENTER HOURS TESTING CENTER HOURS

RIVERSIDE (RVC) Spring term 2013: Check that hours have not been changed:

Mon 8:30am - 5:30pm Mon 8:30am - 4:30pm

Tues 8:30am - 5:30pm Tues 8:30am - 7:30pm

Wed 8:30am - 7:30pm Wed 8:30am - 7:30pm

Thurs 8:30am - 5:30pm Thurs 8:30am - 7:30pm

Fri 8:30am - 1:00pm Fri 8:30am - 3:00pm

All centers will be closed on the following days:

Monday, May 26 – Memorial day,

and Friday, June 13 – LAST Friday of the term

 NOTE: At RVC, moving a car is not a valid reason to leave the testing room. Please take care of this before beginning a test.

Chapter 14: Environmental Hazards & Human Health

Section 1

Section 2:

Section 3:

Chapter 16: Solid & Hazardous Waste

Section 1

Section 2:

Section 3:

Chapter 17: Environmental Economics, Politics, & Worldviews

Section 1

Section 2:

Section 3: