Course Objectives:

• Understand the function of and interactions between the five spheres of earth that comprise our environment: lithosphere, hydrosphere, cyrosphere, biosphere and atmosphere.
• Be proficient with the use and/or interpretation of basic maps including Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Google Earth, and similar resources to orient and aid in environmental science projects and summary reports.
• Make fundamental, repeatable observations of the environment using a variety of technical tools and collect detailed scientific observations with rigorous documentation in a field notebook/journal.
• Understand the basic composition of the lithosphere including major rock types and soil properties.
• Know and interpret the major components of the earth’s water cycle: oceans, groundwater, surface water, and ice.
• Be able to explain basic ecology and the biosphere’s role in global cycles.
• Learn the composition and properties of the atmosphere and its role in global cycles.
• Learn about past and present management practices of the earth’s natural resources.
• Be able to define and analyze the scientific foundations that apply to environmental management issues and identify potential and/or existing solutions; and
• Be practiced at discerning credible information about environmental sciences from varying sources.

Grading

Your grade will be based on:

1. Attendance / Participation                                                                                        10%

You are expected to attend class regularly and participate in classroom discussions.  If you miss class, always check Canvas and work with other students to share or gather information missed.  Students who miss more than four labs will be asked to withdraw or automatically receive a failing grade in the course.  Some class periods may be replaced with online hybrid assignments.

2. Labs & field note book                                                                                              40%

Each student will maintain a field note book documenting each lab’s work according to specifications provided in Canvas. Field note books will be graded each week during labs. Field trip labs off campus CANNOT BE MADE UP!

3. Exams  (2 during the quarter)                                                                                     25%

A mid term and final exam will be given with dates established by the instructor.  No makeup exams will be given (exceptions may be made with a minimum of 24 hours notice and valid reason)

4. Homework / Quizzes / In class exercises                                                                 25%

homework will generally consist of readings and in class activities. Quizzes will generally be given prior to introducing new material.

Policies

This class in subject to the grading scale and classroom policies detailed in the document “POLICIES” (available on Canvas). The instructor reserves the right to modify this syllabus at any time.