COURSE DESCRIPTION: Biology 326 is an upper-level course in environmental science and the impact of humankind's activities on the planet. Class discussion and interaction will be encouraged. The problems and issues which the course will be dealing with are difficult and complex. The instructor promises no easy answers to these challenges.
COURSE OBJECTIVES: This course is designed to help you: (1) understand how human impacts on earth have changed through history and why environmental concerns have recently become so prominent; (2) recognize the major environmental challenges facing modern societies and understand the choices and trade-offs these challenges pose; (3) grasp the scientific principles underlying the basic phenomena of environmental change; (4) understand the technologies associated with major environmental problems and the technologies that may help solve these problems; (5) distinguish the environmental impacts of industrial and developing societies, and understand why different types of societies perceive different problems and pursue different solutions; (6) broaden your familiarity with world geography and international affairs;(7) understand how the issues discussed in the course are connected to the decisions and choices you make in your personal life (8) Appreciate that the complexities and intricacies of environmental problems demand a holistic approach, manifested by team work and group communication
TEXT: Environmental Science, 7th Edition. Nebel, S. J. and Wright, R.T. Prentice Hall, 2000.
GRADING:| Average of tests I, II, III, IV | = 60% |
| Average of grades on cases I,II,III,IV | = 30% |
| Class participation | = 10% |
LETTER GRADES WILL BE ASSIGNED AS FOLLOWS:
| 90 - 100 | = A | |
| 86 - 89.9 | = B+ | |
| 80 - 85.9 | = B | |
| 76 - 79.9 | = C+ | |
| 70 - 75.9 | = C | |
| 65.9 - 69.9 | = D+ | |
| 60 - 65.9 | = D | |
| BELOW 60 | = F | |
| (note: I award plus grades but not minuses). | ||
NOTE: ADA STATEMENT
ATTENDANCE: Class attendance is mandatory. I will take attendance. More than 5 unexcused absences will result in a grade of FA. An examination that is missed for a legitimate reason (ie. illness, emergency) can be made up at the end of the semester. I reserve the right to verify illness by requesting a certificate from a doctor or the Wellness Center. If you are going to have to miss an exam, it will help if you can notify me as soon as possible, preferably before the test. An exam missed without a legitimate excuse cannot be made up.
COURSE SCHEDULE
| DATE | TOPICS | TEXT CHAPTERS |
| 8/20 | Introduction to course Review syllabus case methodology | Handouts |
| 8/30 - 9/1 | Sustainability, Stewardship, and Sound Science Ecosystems: Units of Sustainability | Ch. 1,2 |
| 9/4 | Ecosystems: How They Work | Ch 3 |
| 9/6 - 9/13 | Population Distribution Case I (Population) | Chap 4,5,6 |
| 9/15 | Case presentation/dialogue | |
| 9/18 | EXAM I | |
| 9/20 - 9/22 | Soil/Soil Ecosystems Hand out case II (Water) Water: Hydrological Science and Human Use | Ch 8,9 Ch 8,9 |
| 0/25-9/27 | Food Production | Ch. 10 |
| 9/97 -10/2 | Wild Species: Biodiversity | Ch 11 |
| 10/4 | Introduction to Energy issues | |
| 10/6 | Case Presentation II | |
| 10/9 | EXAM II | |
| 10/11 - 10/13 | Energy from Fossil Fuels Nuclear Power Hand out Case III (Energy) | Ch. 13, 14 |
| 10/16 - 10/17 | FALL BREAK! | |
| 10/18 - 10/20 | Renewable Energy Environmental Hazardous and Human Health | Ch 15, 16 |
| 10/23 - 10/25 | Pests and Pest Control | Ch 17 |
| 10/27 | Case Presentation III | |
| 10/30 | EXAM III | |
| 11/1-3 | Water Pollution | Ch 18 |
| 11/6 -11/10 | Solid Waste Hand out Case III | Ch 19 |
| 11/13 - 11/17 | Hazardous Chemicals | Ch 20 |
| 11/20 | Introduction to the Atmosphere | Ch 21 |
| 11/22 - 11/24 | THANKSGIVING BREAK | |
| 11/27- 11/29 | Atmospheric pollution | |
| 12/1 | Case IV Presentation | |
| 12/4 - 12/8 | Economics and Public policy | |
| FINAL EXAMINATION |