Math/Science Department Course Syllabus ENV Environmental Science (4 Credits) Spring 2017

Transcription

1 Math/Science Department Course Syllabus ENV Environmental Science (4 Credits) Spring 2017 INSTRUCTOR: Mrs. Susan Davis, Instructor of Biology and Physical Science OFFICE: HH 103J PHONE: sdavis@worwic.edu OFFICE HOURS: Monday 2:40 4:40 PM Tuesday 5:00 5:50 PM Lab evenings Wednesday 2:40 4:40 PM Thursday 5:00 5:50 PM Lab evenings Class Hours: Mon and Wed 10:45 am 12:15 pm Lab Hours: Mon or Wed 12:30 pm 2:30 pm I. COURSE DESCRIPTION: This is a general education natural science course that integrates the physical and biological sciences so that students may gain an understanding of how humans influence their environment. This course emphasizes critical thinking and an evaluation of current topics in environmental science in a local, national and global context, and prepares the student to be able to discuss ecological concerns and rational solutions for today s environmental problems. Hours: 39 lecture and 26 laboratory. Prerequisite: MTH 092 with a grade of C or better or acceptable mathematics diagnostic assessment score. Laboratory fee: $30. Usually offered in the fall spring and summer. II. GOALS: Environmental science will help the student develop a basic understanding of the interrelationships between scientific principles, economic influences, and political action. It is an interdisciplinary area of study that includes both applied and theoretical aspects of human impact on the natural environment. III. COURSE OBJECTIVES: Upon the successful completion of this course, the student will demonstrate the ability to: Course Goals Assessment Objectives. Assessment Strategies 1 Analyze how communities, Explain why environmental problems are complex and, ecosystems and the components of the nonliving environment interact. GEOs 1,3,4,7,8,9. interrelated and discuss the fact that environmental problems involve social, ethical, political and economic issues in addition to scientific issues. Discuss the fact that all organisms have an impact on their surroundings., Lab,. Interpret what is meant by an ecosystem approach to, Lab. 1 of 9

2 2 Describe the components of population dynamics and how some populations differ from others. GEOs 1,3,4,6,8 3 Describe the major sources of energy, including the benefits and problems related to their use. GEOs 1,3,4,6 environmental problem solving and describe why acceptable solutions are not often easy to achieve. Discuss the major environmental problems found in different geographic regions. Differentiate between ethics and morals. Explain the connection between material wealth and resource exploitation and how industry exploits resources and consumes energy to produce goods. Describe how environmental leaders in industry are promoting more sustainable practices. Describe the factors associated with the concept of environmental justice. List three conflicting attitudes toward nature. List the steps in the scientific method and how they are applied to scientific research and describe the limitations of science. Explain how matter is made up of atoms that have a specific subatomic structure and describe how atoms are held together by chemical bonds to produce molecules Explain how rearranging chemical bonds results in chemical reactions and describe how these reactions are associated with energy changes. Discuss the fact that matter exists in three states and that these states are defined by the kinetic energy contained by molecules. Explain the first and second laws of thermodynamics. Describe the environmental implications of energy flow. Describe the interrelationships that exist between species within an ecosystem and the abiotic in the environment. Define habitat and niche and explain the concept of limiting factors. Explain the concept of the gene, populations and species. Describe how energy is utilized within ecosystems and how atoms are cycled from one organism to another. Distinguish between primary and secondary succession List the major types of biomes and their characteristics. Describe the major aquatic ecosystems. Explain how populations change with changes in natality and mortality. Summarize how sex ratio and age distribution affect population growth rates. Distinguish between K-strategists and r- strategists reproduction. Explain how biological, social and political factors influence human populations Summarize the demographic transition concept. Define resources and reserves and distinguish between renewable and nonrenewable energy sources. Calculate units of heat energy in both Calories and BTU s List the major types of fossil-fuel resources and describe how,, Lab,,,, Lab,, Lab,, Lab, Lab Lab, Lab,, Lab,, Lab,, lab, Lab 2 of 9

3 4 Discuss the concepts and components of biodiversity and describe what is being done to preserve biodiversity. GEOs 1,3,4,7. 5 Describe the central issues surrounding land use and the problems associated with unplanned urban growth. GEOs 1,3,4,7 6 Discuss the issues associated with resource exploitation and environmental quality, as they apply to agriculture, water and the atmosphere. GEOs 1,3,4,7,9 they were formed. List the major types of renewable energy resources and describe both the benefits and problems with each. Explain how energy conservation is an effective energy resource and how nuclear fission has the potential to provide large amounts of energy. Describe how a nuclear reactor produces electricity. Explain the steps in the nuclear fuel cycle. List the concerns regarding the use of nuclear power. Explain how human activity may lead to premature extinction of some species and summarize the importance of the maintenance of biodiversity. Describe the major threats to biodiversity, to include the accumulation of solid waste and other pollutants. Describe the relationships between genetic, species and ecosystem diversity and biodiversity. Discuss the various governmental laws and regulations that are designed to preserve biodiversity. Explain why most major cities are located on rivers, lakes or oceans and list the problems associated with unplanned urban growth. Describe the special considerations for urban planning, including the disposal of solid waste. Explain why floodplains and wetlands are often mismanaged. List eight land-use planning principles and describe the laws and regulations associated with the implementation of land-use plans. Describe the forces that result in farmland adjacent to cities being converted to urban uses. Distinguish between the conflicting land-use issues on public lands. Explain how mechanization encouraged monoculture farming and list the advantages and disadvantages of monoculture farming. Explain why chemical fertilizers and pesticides are used and define bio-magnification. Differentiate between persistent and non-persistent pesticides and list four problems associated with pesticide use. Explain why integrated pest management depends on a complete knowledge of the pest s life history. Discuss how using biotechnological techniques to move genes from one species into another creates biogenetically modified crops. Explain how water is cycled through the hydrologic cycle and the significance of groundwater, aquifers and runoff. Explain how land use affects infiltration and surface runoff., Lab..,, Lab,, Lab, Lab.,, Lab,., 3 of 9

4 IV. COURSE MATERIALS: List the various kinds of water use and the problems associated with each. List the problems associated with water impoundment. Describe the major sources of water pollution. Define biological oxygen demand. Differentiate between primary, secondary & tertiary sewage treatments. List the problems associated with groundwater mining. Describe the structure of the atmosphere. List the major sources and effects of the six criteria air pollutants and list actions that have improved air quality. Explain how acid rain is formed. Explain the link between the use of chlorofluorocarbons and the ozone layer and describe the evidence for and against human contributions to global warming. List the sources of solid waste and describe the various methods of waste disposal, including the benefits and drawbacks of recycling. Discuss the various governmental laws and regulations that are designed to preserve soil, waste and air resources., Lab, Lab, Lab,, Lab, Lab, Lab A. TEXTBOOK: Enger, E.D. and Smith, B.F. (2016) Environmental Science: A Study of Interrelationships. (14 th ed.) Boston: McGraw Hill. ISBN: B. LABORATORY MANUAL: Environmental Science Lab. (2013) Boston: McGraw Hill Create. (Custom laboratory manual available at the Wor-Wic Community College book store.) Blackboard: Blackboard is being used as a supplementary site in this course. To access course content in Blackboard you need to have access to a computer with an Internet connection, (other requirements may apply). Please refer to this link for computers available on campus that meet these requirements: Please follow these directions to access course syllabi and any other materials posted for this course: Login Information: 1. From Wor Wic home page, point to "Quick Links" (top right) and click the Blackboard Login" link. 2. Enter your Wor-Wic user ID and password (same as your Wor-Wic user ID and Password). Don't know your user ID or password? Contact student services. V. COURSE CONTENT: Topics covered during the semester will include basic ecology, populations, energy, land use planning, air and water pollution, and environmental policy and decision-making. Classroom and laboratory activities 4 of 9

5 include lecture, classroom problem-solving sessions, out of class assignments, a weekly laboratory, unit exams, and a written assignment and presentation. COURSE EVALUATION AND GRADING: VI. Students will complete units of study outlined by the instructor. The course grade will be based upon four lecture exams, twelve laboratory reports/quizzes, class quizzes or classwork assignments, written assignment and presentation, and a final examination. The instructor will provide detailed instructions for the written assignment. Students are expected to be able to calculate their own grade with the information provided below and their returned and graded tests and assignments. Core Requirements: Lecture exams Quizzes/Class Work Laboratory Final exam Written assignment and presentations Total points: 300 pts. 100 pts. ea.) 120 pts. 40 pts. ea. one is dropped) 300 pts. 30 pts. ea. - two are dropped) 150 pts. 130 pts pts. The grading scale to be used to determine the course grade is as follows: A = B = C = D = F = < 600 Lecture exams and the final exam will generally consist of multiple choice, true/false, matching and/or short answer questions. Make-up exams (if allowed) may consist entirely of essay questions. Each exam is designed to address the goals and objectives of the course. Missed quizzes cannot be made-up without a documented legal excuse and must be made up before the next class meeting. Writing Assignment: The Writing Across the Curriculum requirements for this course will be met through the submission of formal written laboratory reports, and through the submission of a paper. As with all of the learning tasks included in this course this task addresses the core course goals and objectives. (GEO 1,5,7,8). The written assignments included in this course are designed to stimulate critical thinking, teach students to use appropriate technology for their preparation and to have the option to use the electronic library database collections available to them in Wor-Wic s electronic library. Writing assignments will help students obtain and communicate information effectively and to stimulate proper techniques for reading and analyzing written material. As with all learning tasks associated with this course, the writing assignments will address the core course goals and learning objectives. (GEO 1,4,5,6,7). If you wish to have additional help on a writing assignment, you may seek writing assistance from a qualified instructor in the Reading/Writing Center (MTC 204). These drop in conferences are available on a first-come, first-served basis during the regular hours of the Reading and writing Center, so do not wait until the last minute to seek writing assistance. Come prepared with your original assignment and a printed copy of your written work. Center hours are: M&Th. 8:30-6:30; T&W: 8:30-8:00; F: 10:00-1:30; Sat 10:00-1:00. Do not wait until the day before an assignment is due to seek assistance. 5 of 9

6 Electronic Assignment: The written project will include proper APA citation of sources used and proper paraphrasing to avoid plagiarism. Specific details, including description of assignment, grading rubric, and dates due, will be provided by each instructor. As with all of the learning tasks included in this course this task addresses the core course goals and objectives. (GEO 1,3,5,9) Class Participation: Class work and laboratory participation evaluations (as part of the grade for those course components, for professional recommendations or reference letters, and/or for reports to college officials) will address the importance of the student s active participation in the learning process while in class or the in the laboratory (SEE ALSO: Attendance and Make-Up policies listed below). Assignment Submission Policies: All assignments must be submitted to the instructor in hard copy format on the day in which it is due. Any late assignment(s), including labs, will lose 10% each calendar day late (not including weekends). Assignments more than two weeks late or submitted after the end-ofsemester final due date will not be graded. No exceptions will be made. Emergency Information Statement and College Closing Policy: In the event of severe inclement weather or other emergency, information about the closing of the college will be communicated via e2campus and the College's website. Faculty will communicate with students about their courses and course requirements, such as assignments, quiz and exam dates, and class and grading policies, via Blackboard. Students will be responsible for completing all assignments in accordance with class policies. Services for Students with Disabilities: Wor Wic provides reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of If you are in need of accommodations, please contact the counseling office at (410) For more information, see Wor Wic's Services for Students with Disabilities web page. VII. Sexual Violence Disclosures Wor-Wic Community College seeks a campus free of sexual violence which includes sexual harassment, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and/or any form of sex or gender discrimination. Please be aware that if a student discloses a personal experience verbally or in writing as a Wor-Wic student to a faculty or staff member, the employee cannot maintain confidentiality and has the mandatory responsibility to notify one of the college s Title IX coordinators. However, if you d like to make a confidential disclosure of any such violence, you can contact Wor-Wic s director of counseling (X-2900) or you can contact the Life Crisis Center at HELP or Information on rights of victims of sexual violence and related resources is available in the college catalog and at the public safety page of Wor-Wic s website: VIII. LABORATORY REQUIREMENTS: This course includes a two-hour laboratory each week. The laboratory portion of this course will consist of various experimental procedures that require hands-on participation and student-to-student interactions. The laboratory evaluations will generally consist of one or more of the following; formal written laboratory reports, short essay, short answer, true/false and/or mathematical and statistical analysis of real 6 of 9

7 world situations. The lab evaluations are designed to address the core goals and objectives of the course. (GEOs 1,5,6,7) Students will perform a variety of laboratory experiments which may include both field and laboratory work. Due to conflicts with the scheduled lab meeting times, weather conditions, and/or other factors, some field work or field trips to off-campus sites may need to be completed outside the scheduled lab meeting time. If that is the case, students will be excused for part of the normal lab meeting time at the direction of the instructor. Alternative assignments will be offered if students have schedule conflicts with activities arranged by the instructor that are outside the normal lab meeting times. IX. ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY: Academic integrity is expected of all students. Cheating and plagiarism are violations of academic integrity. Any student found violating the academic policy will receive an automatic zero (0 pts.) for the assignment and then the matter will be turned over to the Student Disciplinary Committee. Documented evidence of the plagiarism or cheating will be kept in the Math and Science Office and with the College. Plagiarism: In both oral and written communication, the following guidelines for avoiding plagiarism must be followed: 1. Any words quoted directly from a source must be in quotation marks and cited. 2. Any paraphrasing or rephrasing of the words and/or ideas of a source must be quoted. 3. Any ideas or examples derived from a source that are not in the public domain or of general knowledge must be quoted. 4. ALL PAPERS, QUIZZES, TESTS, AND ASSIGNMENTS MUST BE THE STUDENTS OWN WORK. There are ambiguities in concepts of plagiarism. Each instructor will be available for consultation regarding any confusion a student may have. Cheating: Cheating is defined as the act of obtaining information or data improperly or by dishonest or deceitful means. Examples of cheating are copying from another students test paper, obtaining information illegally on tests, and using crib notes or other deceitful practices. Blackboard & Computer Usage Policy: All students logging onto Blackboard affirm that they understand and agree to follow Wor-Wic Community College policies regarding academic integrity and the use of College resources as described in the college catalog. Wor-Wic Community College considers the following as violations of the computer usage policy: 1. Using the campus computing network and facilities to violate the privacy of other individuals. 2. Sharing of account passwords with friends, family members or any unauthorized individuals. Violators are subject to college disciplinary procedures. The college guidelines concerning academic misconduct will be strictly enforced in this course. Please refer to Appendix of the current catalog for the full description of policies pertaining to student conduct. (GEO 9) X. ATTENDANCE POLICY: Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class and laboratory session. Each student is expected to attend each scheduled activity. Students must be present in lab to receive a grade for that lab material. Students arriving late to class are not entitled to extra time or attention during class for 7 of 9

8 explanation of materials or for completion of quizzes, tests, labs or other assignments. In the event of an excused absence (See: Make-Up Policy below) student will meet with instructor during office hours (not in class or lab) to obtain missing handouts and to learn what was covered in the missed lecture/lab. The student will contact fellow students to obtain any missed notes or announcements from lecture/lab. XI. MAKE-UP POLICY: If a student is/will be absent for an exam/quiz/assignment, it is his/her responsibility to contact the instructor the day of the exam/quiz/assignment and provide a legitimate and documented (written proof) excuse in order to schedule a make-up exam/quiz/assignment. If the excuse is not considered legitimate or is not documented the student will receive a zero on that exam/quiz/assignment. The student will be required to take any make-ups at least one day before the following class period (since quizzes and tests with answers are generally reviewed the week after they are given). Any make-up work may be in a different format than what was given at the regularly scheduled time (e.g., the make-up exam for a multiple choice exam that was given in class may be all essay but covering the same course objectives). Any exceptions to the instructor s attendance, tardiness, or make-up policies will only be made for extenuating circumstances as determined by the instructor or Wor-Wic administrators. XII. Lecture Date TENTATIVE LECTURE AND LAB SCHEDULE ENV 101 Spring 2017 Lecture Topic 1/18 Intro. & Interrelationships 1/23 Interrelationships cont. 1/25 Environmental Ethics Ch.2 1/30 2/1 2/6 2/8 2/13 2/15 2/20 2/22 2/27 Matter, Energy, and Environment Interactions Interactions cont. Ecosystems & Communities Due Ecosystems & Communities cont. Quiz 1 Populations Populations cont. Exam 1 Nonrenewable Energy Textbook wk Labs Chapter Lab Topic Ch.1 1 Intro. & Lab Format Ex.1 Ch.4 Ch.5 2 Campus Environment Ex.7 3 Habitat & Niche Ex.5 Ch.6 4 Estimate Pop. Size Ex.3 Ch.7 Ch.9 5 Human Population Ex. 9 6 Renewable Energy Ex of 9

9 3/1 Renewable Energy Ch.10 7 Personal Energy Use Ex. 18 3/13 3/15 3/20 3/22 3/27 3/29 4/3 4/5 4/10 4/12 4/17 4/19 4/24 SPRING BREAK Energy summary Biodiversity Biodiversity Quiz 2 Land-Use Planning Land-Use Planning cont Exam 2 Agricultural Methods Water Management Air Quality Issues Quiz 3 Climate Change Ch.11 8 Species Diversity Ex.4 Ch.12 9 Presentations Ch.14 Ch.15 Ch.16 Ch.17 Solid Waste Management Ch. 18 Exam 3 Quiz 4 Final Exam Review 4/26 10:00 am -12:00 pm 10 Land-Use Planning Ex Soil Management Ex Wastewater Treatment Ex Air Pollution Ex.15 * Outdoor Labs Dress according to the weather that day! ** Note: some labs may require field work/trips outside our regular lab meeting time in which case the lab meeting time that week will be shortened by the professor as appropriate. Details will be discussed in class.please Note: Changes may be made to this tentative schedule due to school closure or other unforeseen problems as determined by the instructor. Unless announced by the instructor in class or on Blackboard, assume that all test, assignment, etc. due dates will occur as written here of 9