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Classroom and
Time:
Mondays 5:30-8:20pm
Amador
Hall Rm 250
Course
Description:
This
survey course looks at the earth as an ecosystem composed of
biological, chemical, and physical systems. The focus is on the
interaction of these systems with each other and with human
population, technology, and production. The student should acquire
the fundamentals of a scientific understanding of the ecological
implications of human activities. Specific topics treated within the context of ecosystem
analysis include energy flows, nutrient cycles, pollution, resource
use, climate changes, species diversity, and population dynamics.
View the
course schedule.
Objectives :: Assignments
:: Grading :: Technology :: Text and Materials
Course
Objectives
Students will be:
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provided with a broad background in the general theories and
foundations of environmental science.
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exposed to the major environmental issues that confront our
society and the world in general.
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encouraged to think critically about the nature and causes of
human activities that impact the environment.
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encouraged to think critically about the role and limitations of
environmental science in understanding and solving
environmental problems.
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provided and opportunity to improve scientific writing, reading, and general
communication skills.
Assignments
The following assignments
are due on the dates indicated.
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Assignment
|
Points
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Due Date
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1. Journal Review Paper
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10%
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02-19-07
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2. Research Paper Outline
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10%
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04-02-07
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3. Research Paper
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20%
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04-30-07
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Extra Credit
Grades and Grading Policy
Assignments
are due at the beginning of class. I do not accept
assignments by email. Late
assignments are down-graded half a letter grade for each day late- up to 3 days. Assignments
fail after
this time (ie a paper turned in 4 days late or more receives 0%).
| A |
Outstanding
achievement |
>90% |
| B |
Excellent performance;
clearly exceeds course requirements |
>80% |
| C |
Average |
>70% |
| D |
Passed, but not
at average achievement standards |
>60% |
| F |
Failure to meet class requirement |
59%
or less |
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Grading:
Midterm
20%; Final exam 30%; Journal Review paper 10%; Final paper outline
10%; Final paper 20%; Quizzes & Homework 5%; and Participation 5%.
Final course grades are based on total points. The percentage cutoffs
may be adjusted or "curved" downward based on the difficulty
of assignments, but they will not be moved upwards. I also award “+” and “-“ grades. |
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Attendance
Policy: I
will take attendance. Students
who miss 4 or more classes may receive a grade of “U”.
If you wish to drop the class, it is your responsibility to
fill out the proper paper work. An
examination that is missed for a legitimate reason (ie illness,
emergency) can be made up. I
reserve the right to verify illness by requesting a certificate from a
doctor or the Health Center. An
exam missed without a legitimate excuse cannot be made up. |
Technology
Requirements
Students will need to access a scientific
journal database to complete assignments. The CSUS
library has an adequate database to meet your needs but others are
available. All CSUS students enrolled in
one or more units can create a SacLink
account for electronic mail and Internet services. Although a home computer
with a high speed modem running Netscape or Internet Explorer would be beneficial,
students can use the Web from one of the campus student labs
or the many database stations within the library.
Computing Recommendations
You should be comfortable using
a computer and willing to browse the Web. This class requires literature
search assignments and students will greatly benefit from keeping
updated on current environmental science issues. As a college
student, you will benefit greatly from mastering word processing skills.
Text
and Materials
Readings: There
is one textbook for the course and some reading material I will
assign in class from time to time (you must download from this web
site- see "handouts").
There will be an average of 60 pages of reading per week. It is very important that you do the reading before we meet.
That way you can participate fully in group and class discussions,
which are a key part of the course.
You will also be required to read and understand at least 4 primary source
journal articles to complete your 3 assignments. The best place
to find these articles is the CSUS Library or other major
institutional library.
The text
for the course this semester is: Wright, R.T. 2004. Environmental Science. Toward A Sustainable
Future. Ninth Edition. Pearson
Education. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, USA. pp. 736.
Text
book web site: http://www.prenhall.com/nebel/
You can purchase books through
the
Hornet Bookstore. Check their
Online Textbook Sales page
for ordering information. Another option is:
http://www.campusbooks.com/
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california
state university, sacramento
