EES 103, Spring 2008

EES 103
Spring 2008

INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Instructor: Leonette Cox
Hylan 310
Office hours: Monday, 9:30-10:30; Tuesday, 2:30-3:30 or by appointment
lcox@earth.rochester.edu

TA: Amanda Carey
Office hours: by appointment Carlson group study area (2nd floor)
acarey2@mail.rochester.edu

Assignment Quick links:

Assignment 1. Tip- The three alternative ideas about how the earth and/or the universe was formed can be a story or myth from any culture.

Assignmet 2. Due Wed 27th Feb.

Take Home quiz. Due Fri 4th April by 4pm. NO LATE WORK ACCEPTED

Group Assignments. Taking sides on environmental issues: April 21, 23, 25, 28
Groups and time schedule
Group Evaluation sheet
Presentation Evaluation sheet

Course Outline and Objectives

EES 103 intends to introduce the diverse field of environmental science. The course is divided into three broad sections: evolution of a habitable world; dynamic earth; and resource use, degradation and management. The second section on dynamic earth is divided into a) earth processes and hazards and b) ecosystems and biogeochemical cycles. We will begin the semester discussing the formation of the planet. Next, we will discuss the systems and cycles that keep our planet alive. At the end of the semester, we will discuss important environmental problems and the relationship between natural process and human activities such as energy and food resources, water resources, pollution, and climate change.

Textbook:

Michael L. McKinney, Robert M. Schoch and Logan Yonavjak. 2007. Environmental Science: Systems and Solutions. 4^th Edition.
Supplementary materials occasionally will be included from Daniel B. Botkin and Edward A. Keller 2007. Environmental Science: Earth as a Living Planet. 6^th Edition. Purchasing this text is optional!

Both texts have been ordered by the library for the reserve section.

Additional books put on reserve that may be helpful:

Andrews J.E. An Introduction to Environmental Chemistry. QE516.4 .I57 1996
Bush M.B. Ecology of a changing planet. QH541 .B88 1997
Graedel T.E. Atmosphere, Climate and Change. QC981 .G63 1997
Holland H.D. Living Dangerously: The Earth, Its Resources and The Environment. QE28 .H74 1995
Mackenzie F.T. Our changing planet: an introduction to earth system science and global
environmental change. GE105 .M33 1998b
Manahan S.E. Environmental Science and Technology. GE105 .M36 1997
Miller G.T. Living in the environment: principles, connections, and solutions. GF41 .M54 1996
Miller G.T. Sustaining the earth: an integrated approach. GE105 .M55 1998
Nebel B.J. Environmental Science: the way the world works. GE105 .N42 1998
Turekian K.K. Global Environmental Change: Past, Present and Future. QC861.2 .T87 1996
Schneiderman S. The earth around us: maintaining a livable planet. GE105 .E27 2000

Requirements

Lecture attendance. Mandatory except for valid reasons.

Exams. Two exams and a final exam with emphasis on the last section of the course are scheduled. Exams questions may be true or false, multiple choice, short essay answer or any combination of the three. Notice of the structure will be given prior to the exam. Unannounced quizzes may be given at the instructor’s discretion with no opportunity to make up. Therefore, ensure that you attend classes regularly and prepared to participate in the day’s lesson.

Grades. Final grades will be based on lecture exams, group assignments and any quizzes given in class.

Unless otherwise noted the grading scheme is as follows:

90-100 = A; 80-89 = B; 70-79 = C; 60-69 = D; < 59 = E

Homework. Homework assignments will not be graded but will reflect the kind of questions given in the exams. It is in your best interest to work these and see the instructor or TA for help prior to exam time.

Reading Assignments. Required readings are from McKinney (2007), Environmental Science: Systems and Solutions (available in the bookstore). A schedule of reading assignments is given in this syllabus, along with the list of lecture topics. Where the readings are given, you should skim the assigned chapters before coming to class. Please keep up with the readings, as it will help you prepare for lectures and any quizzes. Handouts and additional reading assignments will be given periodically. Read them and your notes carefully and critically after the lecture

Group Assignment. A critical thinking group assignment is schedule for the last week of classes. Instructions will be given during the course of the semester.

Academic honesty:
Any student found in violation of the policy for academic honesty will automatically receive a failing grade and will be reported to the College Board on Academic Honesty. Academic Honesty webpage: http://www.rochester.edu/College/honesty/

INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE — SPRING 2008

Jan 16 W An overview of Environmental Science Chapter 1, p2-24

Part I — Evolution of a habitable world

18 F Origin of the solar system and earth, Chapter 5, p 130-131

21 M Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday

23 W The earth early environment I

25 F The earth early environment II

28 M Present day structure of the earth, Chapter 5, p 118-120

30 W Lithosphere

Feb 1 F Atmosphere and Hydrosphere

4 M Introduction to the biosphere

6 W REVIEW