BIOL 225
Environmental Science I
Fall 2009
PROFESSOR
Dr. Dan Stephens
Wenatchee Valley College
Wenatchi Hall 2328
682-6752 (office, voice mail)
Email: dstephens@wvc.edu Website: http://commons.wvc.edu/dstephens
Office hours: Monday – Friday 9:00-10:00
COURSE DESCRIPTION
A comprehensive study of environmental science with an emphasis on Pacific Northwest Ecosystems. It is a rigorous, field-based examination of the scientific method, data collection and analysis, ecosystem analysis, biogeography, biodiversity, succession, restoration, and human populations.
CREDIT AND HOURS
5 credit hours: 4 hours of lecture and a 3 hour lab a week. Some labs will be conducted in the field; transportation will be provided.
PREREQUISITE
A general biology or environmental biology course within the last five years.
TEXTBOOK
Environmental Science: Earth as a Living Planet, Botkin and Keller, 7th edition, Wiley.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate a working knowledge of the scientific method through designing and
carrying-out a scientific experiment
2. Distinguish what is science and what is not science
3. Critically evaluate articles written on environmental topics
4. Properly use selected measurement devises and take field measurements
5. Describe the structure and function of an ecosystem and apply this understanding to
ecosystem management
6. Develop a working knowledge of specific ecosystem features, such as biodiversity,
succession, and species interactions
7. Gain lifelong learning and communication skills by working in small groups on
environmental issues
8. Develop a global view through analysis of societal aspects of environmental issues
EVALUATION
Lecture exams (3 X 100 pts.)...................................................................300 pts.
Quizzes and miscellaneous assignments ....................................................100 pts.
Field Notebook.......................................................................................100 pts.
Attendance, effort, improvement, attidude...................................................50 pts.
Labs........................................................................................................300 pts.
850 pts.
Grades are then given according to the following scale (%):
93-100=A 88-89=B+ 78-79=C+ 68-69=D+ <60=F
90-92=A- 83-87=B 73-77=C 63-67=D
80-82=B- 70-72=C- 60-62=D-
ATTENDANCE AND CLASS POLICIES
Regular attendance in lecture and lab is necessary to accomplish the objectives of the course. Assignments or quizzes can be given at any time. In-class assignments can not be made-up. Students exhibiting exemplary effort, improvement, positive attitudes, and good attendance will be given the benefit of the doubt in assignment of final grades. Safety glasses must be worn during lab activities when indicated by the instructor.
Cheating or plagiarism will result in a grade of 0 for that assignment. Refer to the WVC Student Code of Conduct for your rights and responsibilities as a student. A 10% penalty will be assessed for every day an assignment is late. The professor has the right to change anything in this syllabus at any time (with notice given in class). Contact the special services office at 682-6854 if you feel you need special assistance or have a documented disability.
Missed exams (100 point exams) can not be made-up unless the instructor is notified before the exam and a valid reason is given (e.g. death in the immediate family). In the case of medical emergencies, auto breakdowns, or other such circumstances leave a message explaining the situation as soon as possible; then five days will be allowed for make-up.
We are all here to learn and that is difficult if anyone in the class is carrying on some other activity (e.g. talking) while the class is in session. Please make sure you cell phones are off before class. I will deduct points if your cell phone goes off in class as it is very disruptive. The same applies to text messaging and any other similar technology. It is expected that you will be listening (or at least allowing others to listen) during the lectures. Failure to comply will result in loss of points.