Garrett College

Natural Resources and Wildlife Technology Program

Environmental Science -- NRW 106

Spring 2003

 

The Endangered Northern Timber Wolf

(Canis lupus irremotus)

 

Professor:  Peter Skylstad

Office:  NRWT Office (Advanced Technology Center)

Office Phone:  301-387-3332

Office hours:  anytime by appointment

Home Phone:  301-387-9260 (no calls after 10:00 p.m.)

e-mail:  pskylstad@garrettcollege.edu

                  

Course Text      

 

Environmental Science  "Earth as a Living Planet"

          Botkin and Keller  (3rd Edition)

 

Course Description 

 

This course is an overview of the environment and many of the external conditions that influence the life, development, and future of humankind.  Discussion of various environmental factors, in a scientific context, will be a regular part of this course.  Outside of the scientific context, discussions will also deal with ethical, socioeconomic, and political factors that affect environmental protection and management, including environmental law and regulation.

 

Course Goals

 

1.  The student will acquire the ability to critically examine environmental issues and separate "good science" from special interest propaganda.

2.  The student will develop the mental tools and discipline that are a prerequisite for making reasonable judgements about contentious environmental issues.

3.  The student will learn that environmental problems are multidisciplinary and that the nonscientific portion of most environmental problems is often the most difficult to solve.

4.  The student will gain sufficient background in biology and chemistry to grasp the concepts and understand the details of any particular environmental issue.

5.  The student will develop an understanding of his or her "niche" in the environment and will come to appreciate the impact of modern humans on the natural world.

 

Attendance Policy

 

The student can significantly increase the probability of doing well in this class by attending lectures and other activities.  There will be no makeup quizzes or exams for unexcused absences.  Excused absences are as follows:  1) serious illness verified by a valid physician's excuse on office or hospital letterhead, 2) a death in the immediate family.  The instructor reserves the right to determine whether a missed quiz or exam can be taken at a later date.  Any assignment due date or quiz/exam missed because of an excused absence must be made up by the first class period following the return of the student.

 

Classroom Etiquette

 

The goal of any college classroom activity is to provide the greatest educational benefit to all students.  In order to achieve this goal, it is necessary to maintain a pleasant, stimulating, and respectful atmosphere in the classroom.  Respect must be shown to others.  The instructor has the authority to dismiss a student from class for behavior deemed inappropriate, especially if said behavior is disruptive to the teaching and learning process.

 

Academic Dishonesty Policy

 

All students at GCC are expected to adhere to a code of academic honesty and integrity.  Violations of the "Code of Academic Honesty" include all forms of cheating, e.g., giving and/or receiving answers improperly, plagiarism, misuse of college documents and/or instruments, etc.  Students found to be in violation of the "Code of Academic Honesty" will receive an F for the course in which the violation occurred.  The student will also be withdrawn from all other courses.  Withdrawal will be followed by academic suspension for a minimum of one semester.  Additional penalties may be incurred as each violation, on an individual basis, is investigated and reviewed.

 

Grade Assessment

 

Pop Quiz (4 x 25 points each) =                                                  100

10 minute Oral Presentation (2 x 50 points each) =                      100

Oral Presentation Written Summary (2 x 50 points each) =          100

Research Paper =                                                                       100

20 minute Oral Presentation of Research Paper =                         100

Exam I =                                                                                   100

Exam II =                                                                                 100

_____________________________________________________

Total Points                                                                               700

* Note:  All assignments must be completed to pass this course.  There is a 10 point per day penalty for late work.

 

 

Grade Standard Equivalents

 

A       (93 - 100%   4.0)

A-      (90 - 92%   3.7)

B+      (87 - 89%   3.3)

B        (83 - 86%   3.0)

B-      (80 - 82%   2.7)

C+      (77 - 79%   2.3)

C        (73 - 76%   2.0)

C-      (70 - 72%   1.7)

D+      (67 - 69%   1.3)

D       (63 - 66%   1.0)

D-      (60 - 62%   0.7)

F        (0 - 59%   0.0)

 

Assignment Descriptions

 

10 minute oral presentation - Each student will investigate two current environmental issues/problems and present two 10 minute reports to the class.  Presentations should include the following sections:  1) introduction, 2) problem/solution(s), and 3) conclusion.  The introduction should lay the foundation for the issue/problem to be presented.  The problem/solution(s) section should address all relevant factors and concerns, including possible solutions.  The conclusion should tie everything together and address possible future trends.  Each student should adhere strictly to the 10 minute time limit and expect a two minute question/answer session to follow the presentation (total of 12 minutes).  Visual aids (slides, transparencies, handouts, PowerPoint, etc.) are required.

 

10 minute oral presentation "Written Summary" - Each student will summarize, in written form, the substance of both 10 minute oral presentations.  Each summary will consist of at least three sections (introduction, problem/solution(s), conclusion) separated by titled subheadings.  The written summaries will be at least two pages, utilize an easy to read font no larger than 12 point, and be double spaced. 

 

Research Paper - Each student will choose a topic of interest based on a contentious environmental issue for an environmental investigation which includes an extensive and in-depth literature review.  Literature reviews can include sources such as periodicals, newspapers, books, internet, scientific journals, etc.  If relevant, students may include interviews with local environmental professionals and other concerned individuals.  You should have at least 10 sources of information (at least five must be science based, i.e., science journals/magazines) and citations must be included in the paper. No more than three internet sources may be used.  Use GCC's library facilities....they are very good!  Topics must be approved beforehand by the instructor and should be selected early in the semester. The research paper will consist of at least three sections (introduction, problem/solution(s), conclusion) separated by titled subheadings, be at least six pages, utilize an easy to read font no larger than 12 point, and be double spaced.  It should also include a reference/citation page and all sources of information must be cited within the paper itself as follows: .......biogeochemical cycling mechanisms within an old growth forest ecosystem of the Pacific Northwest convert N2 to NH3 at a rate of 27,100 kg/ha/yr (Smith, 1989). 

 

20 minute oral presentation - Each student will prepare an oral report based on their research paper.  At a minimum, presentations should include the following sections:  1) introduction, 2) problem/solution(s), and 3) conclusion.  The introduction should lay the foundation for the issue/problem to be presented.  The problem/solution(s) section should address all relevant factors and concerns, including possible solutions.  The conclusion should tie everything together and address possible future trends.  Each student should adhere strictly to the 20 minute time limit and expect a two minute question/answer session to follow the presentation (total of 22 minutes).  Visual aids (slides, transparencies, handouts, PowerPoint, etc.) are required.

 

 

Course Schedule (subject to change)

 

1-22            Introduction / Orientation / Video -- "The Home Planet"

 

1-28            Chapters 1 and 2

 

2-4              Chapters 3 and 4

 

2-11             Chapters 5 and 6             Video - "Web of Life"

 

2-18            Chapters 7 and 9             * Oral Presentation I

 

2-25            Chapters 10 and 11           * Exam I   (Choose research paper topic)

 

3-4              Chapters 12 and 14           Video - "Can Tropical Rainforest be Saved?"

 

3-11             Chapters 16 and 17

 

3-18            Chapters 19 and 20 * Oral Presentation II

 

3-25            ** Spring Break **

 

4-1              Chapters 21 and 24 Video - "Atmosphere - Earth"

 

4-8              Chapters 25 and 28

 

4-15            Chapters 29 and 30

 

4-22            Environmental Issue Research Paper Oral Presentation

 

4-29            Environmental Issue Research Paper Oral Presentation / Review

 

5-6              * Exam II    (TBA)    Submit final draft of research paper

 

* Remember --- There will be four pop quizzes over the course of the semester.  Each will be based on the assigned reading for that day and could include material from previous lectures.  It will pay to keep current on all reading assignments!