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Great Basin College, Pahrump Valley Campus, 551 East Calvada Blvd, Pahrump,
Nevada – 89048- Phone:(775) 727-2000 -Fax:(775) 727-2014
Course Syllabus for ENV 100 –Humans & the Environment - Fall 2014
Instructor: Dr. Rita Bagwe
Office: 101B
Email: rita.bagwe@gbcnv.edu
Phone: 775-727-2005
Course title: ENV 100 – Humans & the Environment
Course number/ section numbers: ENV 100 / 1001 Lecture
Course scheduled: Online course (Internet via WebCampus)
Number of credits: 3 Credits hours
Prerequisite: Math 096 & higher (or concurrent registration in 096 with permission)
Course description: Humans and the environment is an introduction to the study of our environment:
non-living (abiotic) and living (biotic) and their interrelationships. The imprint and focus of humans in
the environment is one focus of this course.
Course Catalog Description: Introduction to the relationship of man and his environment. Current
thinking and research concerning the impact of industrialization and urbanization on environmental
quality, including the population explosion; the potential decline of the affluent society by the depletion
of natural resources; the pollution of air, land surface, and water; and the public agencies and policies
designed to solve environmental problems.
Text: Environmental Science; Edition: 13th
Author: William & Mary Cunningham
ISBN: 9780073532547
Copyright Year: 2015
Publisher: McGraw-Hill
Course Requirements & Learning Objectives: Students will be able to:
 Gain an understanding of a more heightened sense of awareness of abiotic and biotic natural
resources
 Comprehend the deeper complexities of these interactions
 Explore scientific data and the application of these data to society through analysis, synthesis and
evaluation of human impact in the environment
 Understand, discuss and critique how environmental decisions are made relative to concepts of
ecosystems, population principles, energy utilization and pollution
 Synthesize and evaluate information to make informed decisions about how humans interact with
the environment now and in the future
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Use of Computers in This Course Web-Campus :
This course will make use of WebCampus. To log in to WebCampus, go to webcampus.gbcnv.edu. Your
WebCampus ID is your Great Basin College email address ID. If you don't have a GBC email address or
don't remember your address go to swami.scsr.nevada.edu or the Technology Help Desk
helpdesk@gwmail.gbcnv.edu, or 753-2167. Passwords will be sent by mail to students who register for
their course(s) 5 days before the semester begins. If you register after this time or did not receive a letter
by mail, contact the Help Desk as soon as possible. The Instructor does not have the capacity to help
individual students with computer-technical issues. Students will receive much faster and more
knowledgeable assistance from the GBC Help Desk for use of WebCampus. Please go to them for
technical assistance.
Methods of Instruction: The student starts his or her study in this course from WebCampus, which is the
platform used for online courses at Great Basin College.
Attendance Policy: It is important to log into the class frequently to stay up-to-date with reading,
assignments and quizzes. There are deadlines to meet that will not be extended for any of the exams,
quizzes and writing assignments.
Assignments and Grading:
Quizzes: Students are required to complete quizzes associated with each chapter. Generally, quizzes will
be available on Tuesdays through Sundays. Quiz availability will not be extended under any
circumstances. Take quizzes from a computer with a speedy and reliable internet connection. Immediately
contact the GBC Helpdesk if technical problems arise. Each quiz will have a specified time frame..
Writing Assignments: Four one-page writing assignments are required throughout the semester. The goal
of these writing assignments is to 1) strengthen student writing and communication skills, 2) hone skills
in analyzing data, synthesize a concept and arrive at an informed conclusion. Additional information about
each writing assignment will be posted for you two weeks or so prior to the due date. You must submit
your Writing Assignment via the Assignment Drop Box. All writing assignments are to be in Microsoft
Word format and submitted into the Drop Box as an attachment. No other format can be accepted. Any
assignment not meeting the calendar due date will be late and will be graded with penalty. Assignments
receive a score of 0 after the second day past due date. There will be no exceptions made to deadlines for
these assignments.
Discussion Board: Each week, students are expected to be active in the Discussion Board. It is highly
recommended that students make their initial posts early in each topic, and then return several times during
the thread to respond to what others have said on the discussion board.
Students should be aware of two specific aspects of this part of the course. First, the Instructor will be
active in the Discussion Boards. He will read posts, and will make comments as the Class Syllabus Page
5 as discussions progress during each module. All student posts should therefore be of high quality, using
good grammar, spelling, and reasoning. This means that posts should be made in complete sentences, with
capital letters at the beginning of sentences. Opinions should be held to a minimum, and science reasoning
the rule. The instructor will provide a few topics or directions at times. These topics or questions may be
the starting point for some discussions. Students can, however, post additional topics or questions that
pertain to the material being learned for the module. Again, students are encouraged to use science
reasoning in these discussions rather than idle opinion.
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Periodic Examinations: There will be three major exams in the course—two exams and a final exam.
Students will have three hours to complete each exam once it has been started, which means that they will
have some time during the exam to review any textbook material that they would like. Students are,
however, cautioned against leaving their studying until they have started the exam. The three-hour time
limit for taking each exam will not be sufficient time to look up the answers if the student is not already
familiar with the material. Furthermore, the nature of some of the questions on the exams will be such that
the answer cannot be simply looked up in the textbook materials.
Evaluation & Grading: Grading will be based on the following criteria for learning the material in this
course (see net two tables below). All scores (points) from each of the categories will be added together
at the end of the semester, and the percentage of the total possible points will determine the grade.
Criteria
Assignments 15 @ 5 points each
Discussion Board Participation 15 @ 5 points each
Quizzes 15 @ 10 points each
Exams 3 @ 100 points each
Writing Assignments 3 @ 25 points each
Total Points
Points Available
75
75
150
300
75
675
Grade Scale
97 – 100
94- 96.99
90-93.99
87-89.99
84-86.99
80-83.99
77-79.99
74-76.99
70-73.99
67-69.99
64-67.99
60-63.99
00-59.99
A
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
DF
Plagiarism is an honor code violation and a federal crime. If you use ideas of others and do not give them
credit by providing proper references to their work, you are committing plagiarism. Plagiarism is stealing
someone else's ideas and presenting them as your own. This offense can follow a student into their
professional life. Academic dishonesty will be reported to the appropriate Administrator(s) at GBC.
Violators confirmed to have plagiarized material will be given a ―0 for the assignment and may be
dropped from the class with an ―F or some lesser warning, such as this infringement placed in the students
file. So, bottom line is, be very careful in writing your reports. Cutting and pasting of ideas from published
material can get you into a lot of hot water. And believe me, it is easy to spot!
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Student Conduct Policy: Students are expected to follow the Student Conduct Policy for students in the
Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) outlined in the GBC Catalog. Because this is an online class,
students will specifically be held accountable for behaving in a civil and respectful manner toward other
students and the professor in their online communications such as e-mail messages, discussion postings,
and written assignments.
The college catalog states, “Messages, attitudes, or any other form of communication deemed to be
outside the bounds of common decency/civility as judged by common standards of classroom
behavior (determined, as they would be in a regular classroom, by the instructor) will not be
tolerated”.
During the first week of class, students will be required to respond to an email from the instructor
acknowledging that they have read the Student Conduct Policy and understand that they will be dropped
from the class for violating it.
Tips for Success:
 Review the chapter outlines provided in WebCampus and read each chapter carefully prior to
taking quizzes.
 In order to pass this course you MUST actively participate in your education and study!
 Log in to the class website frequently to check for updates.
 Participation in Discussion Board is highly recommended and is rewarded.
 Ask questions if you are confused about content related material.
 Take quizzes from a computer with a speedy and reliable internet connection.
Additional Course Information:
 WebCampus email is the BEST way to contact your professor.
 In case your book hasn’t arrived by the start of semester, the first few chapters on the
schedule are available under each respective chapter module.



Please make every attempt to secure a book by the end of the second week of class.
Technical problems with WebCampus need to be addressed to the GBC Helpdesk.
Extra credit opportunities are not available
ENV 100 Course Schedule Fall 2014
Module Week Topic
and Comments
1 –Aug 25
Understanding our environment
Reading
Assignments
Ch 1
2 – Sept 1
Principles of Science and Systems
Ch 2
3 – Sept 8
Matter, Energy, and Life
Ch 3
4 – Sept 15
Evolution, Biological communities Ch 4
and Specific Interactions
Chapter Quiz
Available Tuesday-Sunday
Chapter Quiz
Available Tuesday-Sunday
Writing Assignment #1 due
Chapter Quiz Available TuesdaySunday
Chapter Quiz
Available Tuesday-Sunday
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5 – Sept 22
Biomes: Global Patterns of Life
Ch 5
Sept 22
6 – Sept 29
Exam - 1 (100 points)
Population Biology
Ch 1 - 5
Ch 6
7 – Oct 6
Human Population
Ch 7
8 – Oct 13
Environmental
Toxicology
9 – Oct 20
Food and Hunger
10 – Oct 27
Farming:
Conventional
sustainable practices
Exam - 2 (100 points)
Oct 27
11 - Nov 3
12 - Nov 10
13 – Nov 17
14 – Nov 24
15-Dec 1
16-Dec 8
Health
and Ch 8
Ch 9
and Ch 10
Ch 6- 10
Chapter Quiz
Available Tuesday-Sunday
Available Thursday through Sunday
Chapters Quiz
Available Tuesday-Sunday
Chapter Quiz Available TuesdaySunday
Writing Assignment #2 due
Chapter Quiz
Available Tuesday-Sunday
Chapter Quiz
Available Tuesday-Sunday
Chapter Quiz
Available Tuesday-Sunday
Available Thursday through Sunday
Biodiversity : Preserving species Ch 11 & Chapter Quiz
and Landscapes
12
Available Tuesday-Sunday
Restoration Ecology
Ch 13
Chapter Quiz
Available Tuesday-Sunday
Air, Weather, and Climate
Ch 15
Chapter Quiz
Available Tuesday-Sunday
Air Pollution
Ch 16
Writing Assignment #3 due
Chapter Quiz
Available Tuesday-Sunday
Water Pollution
Ch 18
Chapter Quiz
Available Tuesday-Sunday
Finals Week: Exam - 3 (11-13, 15,16 ,18 )(100 points) available
from December 8 through December 9
Student Learning Assessment Outcomes
Course Outcomes
Outcome #1: Understand differences between the terms theory,
hypothesis, fact, evidence, data and observation as used in science to
describe processes in the natural world
Assessment Measures
Quizzes,
exams
and
correct
application of the use of the
methodology in various writing
assignments
Outcome #2: Understand principles and terminology used in ecology Quizzes, exams
and environmental systems
Outcome #3: Evaluate the broad and specific impact of human Quizzes, exams
populations within the environment we inhabit
Outcome #4: Understand and assess human impacts from agriculture, Quizzes, exams
resource management and urbanization on biodiversity as overlying
themes of the environment
Outcome #5: Define the importance of natural resources
Quizzes, exams
Outcome #6: Evaluate and synthesize the impacts of energy Quizzes, exams
utilization (fossil fuels for example) in the environment
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Outcome #7. Evaluate the climate change controversy
Quizzes and exams
Outcome #8 : Understand the and reflect upon the concept of Quizzes and exams
sustainability and solutions to environmental challenges
General Education Objectives
Communication Skills (significant):
Several components of this class focus on communication skills. Four writing assignments are required
throughout the semester. Class discussion through discussion boards is encouraged. Communication
through WebCampus email is required to be appropriate.
Critical Thinking (strong component):
Quantitative Ability (some degree):
Students will analyze graphs, figures, and spreadsheets with data. Examples of such data include
observations of greenhouse gases, human population growth, deforestation, and rates of extinction. Nearly
every reading assignment is highly data based. Quantitative ability will be measured through analysis of
graphs and figures presented in quizzes, and use of data in writing assignments.
Reasoning and Independent Thought (significant):
Students are encouraged to express their ideas on discussion boards and in writing assignments. Quiz
questions require reasoning taken from the understanding and application of the processes of
environmental science, not just the memorization of terms. Reasoning and Independent thought will be
measured through the writing assignments and quizzes.
Scientific Understanding (significant):
All principles taught in this course are based on scientific reasoning. Interpretations are based on facts.
Scientific Understanding will be measured through quizzes and writing assignments.
Personal and Cultural Awareness (moderate component):
Sense of the Individual in Society (strong component):
We discuss how an individual can reduce their environmental impact with the reduction of greenhouse
gas emissions, by recycling and by reusing. Sense of the Individual in Society will be measured with quiz
questions and writing assignments.
Sense of the Past (considerable):
The impact of pre-agricultural, early agricultural and pre-industrial societies on environmental condition
is discussed. Sense of the Past will be measured through quizzes and writing assignments.
Sense of Accountability (significant):
A common theme throughout much of this course is the interaction between humans and nature and the
personal and social consequences of these interactions. These interactions include resource utilization
(particularly fossil fuels) through the effects of pollution on natural systems (pollution of the atmosphere,
ground water, global temperature change, etc.). The question of what rights society has to regulate
activities in these kinds of areas is posed. Environmental science is discussed as an ethical and human
issue. Sense of Accountability will be measured with quizzes and writing assignments.
Personal Wellness (some degree):
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The health of the environment plays an important role in human health. Spread of disease, sources of
pollution, fresh and sea water quality are discussed and understanding these concepts will be measured
with quizzes and writing assignments.
Technological Understanding (moderate component):
Due to the online nature of this course, students are exposed to technology through WebCampus. Students
must have technical understanding of how to use WebCampus software to access course materials. New
alternative energy sources are discussed in Humans and the Environment along with a basic discussion of
the technology behind those sources. Technological understanding will be measured with completion of
quizzes and submitting assignments properly via WebCampus.
Use of computers in this course:WebCampus: This course will make use of WebCampus. To log in, go
to webcampus.gbcnv.edu. Your WebCampus ID is your Great Basin College email address ID. If you
don't have a GBC email address or don't remember your address go to swami.scsr.nevada.edu or the
Technology Help Desk helpdesk@gwmail.gbcnv.edu, or 753-2167. Passwords will be sent by mail to
students who register for their course(s) 5 days before the semester begins. If you register after this time
or did not receive a letter by mail, contact the Help Desk as soon as possible.
Your “up to the minute” grade for the lecture portion of the course will be posted on WebCampus in an
anonymous spreadsheet. Log on to the WebCampus course and follow the instructions (filed permanently
in the announcement area) to view your grade.
Instructions for dropping the course:If you do not complete the course and do not formally withdraw
by the drop deadline, your instructor will automatically assign you a grade of "F". And, of course, it would
be lovely for you to include the drop deadline for each of your courses. For the spring 2014 semester the
drop deadline is Monday, October 27, 2014. Support staff and Admissions & Records staff can give you
the specific drop date for any of your courses; just ask.
Congruent with this policy, "Incompletes" assigned for Fall 2013 courses and beyond, will no longer
automatically become W's when the March 15, deadline hits. Instead, if you have not submitted an
alternate grade before March 15 (or Oct 15 for spring courses), the "I" will become and "F".
Student support information:The Student Support and Retention office provides individualized
coaching to students who are struggling in college, either academically or personally. The office houses
both professional staff and peer mentors to help students navigate obstacles in their college experience
and reach their academic goals. For more information visit http://www.gbcnv.edu/retention/ or call the
Retention Coordinator at 775-753-2255.
Schedule: This is a preliminary schedule. I reserve the right to change any part of it. Exam dates will
likely not change. But if they do, I will attempt to announce the change one week ahead of time in class.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement:Great Basin College is committed to providing equal
educational opportunities to qualified students with disabilities in accordance with state and federal laws
and regulations, including the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973. A qualified student must furnish current verification of disability. The
Director of Services for Students with Disabilities (Julie G. Byrnes) will assist qualified students with
disabilities in securing the appropriate and reasonable accommodations, auxiliary aids and services. For
more information or further assistance, please call 775-753-2271.
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Student Conduct Statement:Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated and may result in a failing grade
and/or reporting to GBC Administration. The students conduct policy in the current GBC catalog will be
enforced. This syllabus is not a contract and is subject to change, without warning or notification, at any
time.
This syllabus does not in any way represent a contract. It is a reflection of the intent of the
instructor, but do recognize that it is an organic construct that may change as the semester
progresses. Any changes will be announced in class.