ENVS 1126 Introduction to Environmental Science
Spring 2016
M, W, F 9:30-10:20; 10 Lockett Hall
Dr. Linda M. Hooper-Bui, 225-578-6805; lindabui@lsu.edu
I answer to “Dr. Bui”
Office Hours Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10:20-11:00 or by appointment in 1249 Energy, Coast, and
Environment
Textbook Environmental Science: Toward a sustainable future By Wright and Boorse 2014 12th Edition.
Pearson.
General Education Credit This course is available for General Education credit in the
Natural Sciences, Life Sciences. Thus, this course focuses on the fourth General Education
University Learning Competency:
• LSU graduates will employ scientific and mathematical methods and technology in the
resolution of laboratory and real-world problems.
In order to achieve this University Learning Competency, students will need to develop a broad
knowledge of the discipline, the ability to design and test a hypothesis, the ability to use inductive and
deductive reasoning, and the ability to relate this field of environmental sciences to other fields in the
Natural Sciences. Thus, ENVS 1127 has four Learning Objectives.
Course Learning Objectives
1) Demonstrate knowledge of a broad survey in the discipline, including underlying principles that
govern the natural world.
2) Demonstrate the ability to design and test a hypothesis by experimentation or other appropriate
techniques.
3) Demonstrate the ability to use inductive and deductive reasoning to understand scientific
phenomena.
4) Demonstrate an ability to relate the field of study to other fields in the Natural Sciences.
Catalog Statement Essential principles of environmental sciences; comprehensive and fundamental
understanding of sound science, stewardship, and sustainability in environmental sciences; interactions
and relations between humans and earth; an up-to-date look at today’s global, national, and regional
environmental issues.
How this course works Teaching techniques may be very different from what you are accustomed to: I
will guide you in constructing your own knowledge. I will tell stories that will help you build knowledge
and may not always present I formal lecture with Power Point, but it will be available via Moodle. I will
spend the first few weeks teaching both environmental science and also teaching you how to learn
environmental science. I expect you to read the material before class and after class. Come to class
prepared and I may randomly select someone (or two or three) to answer questions about portions of
the reading. There will be a quiz question every day. You will be graded. You are responsible material in
the book and what is presented in the lecture.
Grading There will be two exams and a final – all multiple choice; there will be weekly quizzes and a
daily question. Each week there will be homework associated with the chapters you have read. The
quizzes require a TurningPoint clicker. Each exam requires YOU to bring one Scantron 8.5x11 and two
number 2 pencils.
Points earned
Exam I: 100 points
Exam II: 100 points
Quizzes, homework, and daily question: 190 points (74 daily questions, 46 points for homework; 65
points for quizzes (13 5-point quizzes))
Final (comprehensive): 115 points
Total 500
Grades. The grading system in the course is based on many different components of the class. The core
grade is based on a total of 500 possible points derived from exams, assignments, and class
participation. Each of these is defined below. In addition, there are a total of 4 possible “lagniappe”
points. There is NO curve, and no grades are “rounded”. The grades are defined based on points:
A+>485
A > 465.0 – 484.9
A- > 450 – 464.9
B+ >435 – 449.9
B >415 – 434.9
B- >400 – 414.9
C+ >385 – 399.9
C >365 – 384.9
C- >350 – 364.9
D+ >335 – 349.9
D >315 – 334.9
D- >300 – 314.9
F+ > 285 – 299.9
F < 284.9
Cheating: Don’t. I’ll report you to the Dean of Students and press for an investigation.
A word about professionalism: My goal is to teach you how to further conduct yourself as a scientific
professional. In this class, I require professionalism at all times. You must respect me, your TA, and your
colleagues when they speak, no matter what they say. Please silence your phones (including vibrations).
If you are not respectful, I will ask you to leave for the day. Also, when you send me an email, address it
correctly (I don’t respond to ‘hey!’) and spell things correctly. Address me as Dr. Bui – I am not your high
school teacher. Do not write it like you are writing a text message; i.e. it is not appropriate to put “lol” in
an email to me.
I expect you to treat this class like it is a job. I expect you to attend and construct your own learning (you
are paying for it; you wouldn’t buy a movie ticket and not attend). In this class, deadlines are deadlines.
Periodically, I may revise a deadline. If I do so, I will do so in writing on Moodle. But consider any
deadline posted as drop-dead deadlines. Don’t miss them. If you miss them, there will be severe
penalties. Don’t miss exams.
Important Dates:
Martin Luther King Holiday: 18 January 2016
Classes begin: 14 January 2016
Last day to drop without a “w”: 22 January 2016 4:30pm
Last day to add a course: 25 January 2016 4:30pm
Mardi Gras Holiday: 8-10 (12:29pm) February 2016
Exam I: 17 February 2016
Exam 2: 14 March 2016
Deliverables: Homework every Sunday at 5pm. This is a drop-dead deadline. I will not accept it
afterward.
Mid-Semester Grades due: March 15 2016
Spring break: 21-25 March 2016
Final day for dropping a course: 4 April 2016 4:30pm
Final date for requesting rescheduling of this final exam when 3 exams are scheduled within 24 hours.
You must bring evidence. 4 April 2016 4:30pm
Last day of class: 29 April 2016
Final Exam: Weds 4 May 2016 3-5pm
Homework I will assign homework for each chapter. Unless otherwise instructed, find an article or video
that was created in the last 6mo that is directly related to the material covered in the chapter. Post this
in the Class Chapter Blog on Moodle. It is due the following Sunday (after we cover the chapter) at 5pm.
Teaching Assistant Grace Cagle (gcagle1@lsu.edu). Office hours to be announced.
Additional Information
If you have been assigned Special Services, please use them. I find that students are more successful if
they use their note taker, extra exam time or whatever services they have been provided to overcome
their obstacles. I am (and every professor should be) very supportive for students to use the services
they have been assigned.
A word on essential oil use in the classroom: Don’t. I support the use of these personal use items. If you
find you want to use them, use them in the restroom or at home before you come. Please do not open
them or apply them in the classroom.
Cell phone use Silence your phones- it’s a courtesy. If it rings, instruction/discussion stops until it is
silenced and the student removes the distraction. I reserve the right to answer any phone that rings.
If you intend to ask me for a letter of recommendation in the future, attend class and do well. I don’t
write letters in which I can’t be very positive. I also write better letters if I know you; come to my office
hours. Ask well in advance of when you need them; provide me with your personal statement and
resume’ after I’ve agreed.
About your clicker
First, register your clicker as soon as possible.
Yes, you have to re-register it every semester.
Then, when we first post grades, make sure your clicker is registered to you.
After three weeks, we won’t be updating the roster and your clicker is a huge part of your grade. Be
responsible.
Don't do anything weird with your clicker. Put it in the same place i.e. in your backpack every day.
Don’t put it in your pocket and wash it.
Make sure the batteries are fresh at the beginning of the semester.
We do not accept pieces of paper for DQs for dead clickers.
Your clicker issues are not our problem.
Rough Topic Outline:
Timeline
Subject
Week 1
Introduction to the course; Learn the Language of Science
J 14, 16
Week 2
Science and the Environment; The Practice of Science; (Grace)
J 20, 22
Economics, Politics and Public Policy
Week 3
Economics, Politics and Public Policy;
J 25, 27, 29
Basic Needs of Living Things
Week 4
Populations and Communities; ()
F 1, 3, 5
Ecosystems: Energy, Patterns and Disturbance ()
Week 5
Mardi Gras Holiday
F 12
Wild Species and Biodiversity;
Week 6
F 15, 17, 19
Materials
Chap 1:2-22
Chap 1:2-22
Chap 2:23-48
Chap 2:23-48
Chap 3:49-74
Chap 4:75-100
Chap 5:101-128
Chap 6:129-157
Chap 7:158-185
Chap 8:186-215
Chap 9:216-238
Week 7
F 22, 24, 26
Week 8
F 29, M 2, 4
Week 9
M 7, 9, 11
Week 10
M 14, 16, 18
M 21, 23, 25
The Value, Use and Restoration of Ecosystems Mon: Catch up &
Exam Review Chaps 1-7; Weds: Exam 1 (17 Feb) – 8x11 Scantron
& 2 #2 Pencils; Fri: The Human Population
Population and Development;
Water: Hydrologic Cycle and Human Use (Grace)
Soil: Foundation for Land Ecosystems;
The Production and Distribution of Food
Pests and Pest Control
Energy From Fossil Fuels; Fri: Exam review
Mon: Exam 2 (Chaps 8-14)- 8x11 Scantron and 2 #2 pencils.
Nuclear Power; Renewable Energy
Spring break – no class
Week 11
M 28, 30, A 1
Environmental Hazards and Human Health;
Global Climate Change
Chap 17:415-440
Chap 18:441-471
Week 12
A 4, 6, 8
Global Climate Change;
Atmospheric Pollution
Week 13
A 11, 13, 15
Week 14
A 18, 20, 22
Week 15
A 25, 27, 29
Finals Week
Water Pollution and It’s Prevention
Municipal Solid Waste: Disposal and Recovery
Hazardous Chemicals: Pollution and Prevention
Sustainable Communities and Lifestyles
Environmental Science in Louisiana Fri: Course Review
Final is comprehensive
Weds 4 May 2016 3-5pm Final Exam - 8x11 Scantron
Chap 18:441-471
Chap 19:472-505
Chap 20:506-531
Chap 21:532-550
Chap 9:216-238
Chap 10:239-265
Chap 11:266-288
Chap 12:289-316
Chap 13:317-341
Chap 14:342-368
Chap 15:369-391
Chap 16:392-413
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Chap 22:551-572
Chap 23:574-594
TBD
10 Lockett
ENVS 3102: Mathematical Methods for Science
Spring 2016
Tureaud, TTh 9:00 to 10:15 AM
Instructor:
Office:
Office hours:
Email:
Phone:
Dr. Edward Laws
ECE 3141
by appointment
edlaws@lsu.edu
578-8800
TA:
Office:
Email:
Alex McClellan
ECE 2285
smccl14@campus.lsu.edu
Text:
Chapter handouts
Course syllabus
Date
Subject
Jan 14 Model I linear regression
Text chapters
2
19 Model I linear regression
21 Model I linear regression
2
2
26 Expectation values, bias, and degrees of freedom
28 Normal and t distributions, Confidence limits
2
2
Feb 2 Errors and propagation of errors, Monte Carlo methods
4 Parametric correlation
9 Mardi Gras holiday
11 Analysis of variance
2
3
3
16 Rank correlation
18 First exam
3
23 Model II regression: bias
25 Major axis and reduced major axis methods
4
4
Mar 1 Mardi Gras holiday
3 Arithmetic mean methods; consistency; error bounds
4
8 Polynomial curve fitting: matrix algebra
10 Least squares equations and analysis of variance
5
5
15 Replicated data
17 Linear multiple regression analysis
5
5
22 Spring break
24 Spring break
29 Linear multiple regression analysis
31 Second exam
5
Apr 5 Nonlinear least squares
7 Nonlinear least squares
5
5
12 Nonlinear least squares
14 Gauss-Newton iteration
6
6
19 Numerical integration: Taylor series
21 Simpson’s rule
6
6
26 Euler integration: simple, modified, improved
28 Runge-Kutta methods
6
6
May 3 Final exam (10:00–noon)
Grading: Your grade in ENVS 3102 is based on daily quizzes (20%), two 75-minute
exams, (25% each), and a final exam (30%). The exams are comprehensive. Final letter
grades are as follows:
A+ = 98-100; A = 94-97; A- = 90-93; B+ = 87-89; B = 83-86; B- = 80-82; C+ = 77-79; C = 7376; C- = 70-72; D+ = 67-69; D = 63-66; D- = 60-62; F = 59 and under.
ENVS 4007
CANCER: A FAMILY OF ENVIRONMENTAL DISEASES
Spring 2016
TTh 4:30 -- 5:20pm
Rm 1280 Energy, Coast & Environment Bldg.
Instructor: Vince Wilson, Ph.D.
Office:
Dept Environmental Sciences
Rm 1253 Energy, Coast & Environment Bldg.
email: Monster77@aol.com
Tel. 578-1753
Office hours: Anytime at Rm 1253 Energy, Coast & Environment Bldg.-- or make an appointment
____________
OUTLINE OF COURSE TOPICS a,b_______________
_____
Jan
14 & 19
Introduction: Basics: What is Cancer?
Cancer Incidence, Prevalence, & Lifetime Risks
Jan
21, 26 & 28
Causation, Environmental Etiological Factors
Inheritance (predisposition) vs. Environmental Exposures
Percival Pott & Scrotal Cancer in Chimney Sweeps in the 1700’s
Feb
2
Chemical Carcinogens: Asbestos, Benzene, PAHs, etc.
Feb
4, 11, 16 &
Oncogenesis, Tumorigenesis, Carcinogenesis, Proliferogenesis!
18
Cellular Origin, Development of Cancer, & Clonality
Cancer Stem Cell Theory
Accumulation of Mutations
Feb
9
Mardi Gras
Feb
11
Choice of Independent Project Topic Due to Instructor
Graduate Students only: Choice of Journal Article Due
Feb
23, 25 &
Loss of Checks & Balances: Dismantling Protection Mechanisms
Mar
1
Apoptosis, Necrosis, Senescence
Growth Factors & Receptors (Cell Cycle Checkpoints,
Cell Signaling Cascades, Mitotic Checkpoints, etc.)
Mar
3
Proto-Oncogenes: Ras & profuse company (Functions / Activations)
Mar
8 & 15
Genetics has a Cruel Sense of Humor!
Tumor Suppressor Genes (RB, TP53, BRCA1&2, MEN, etc)
Mar
10
Exam I
Mar
17 & 29
Genomic Stability: Maintenance vs. Instability
Stem Cells & Background Mutation Rates, CIN, MSI, & SBI
Mar
22 & 24
Spring Break
Mar
31 &
Epigenetic Instability:
Apr
5
DNA 5mdC Hypo- & Hypermethylation
Chromatin Modifications (methylation, acetylation, etc.)
Apr
7
Exam II
Apr
12 & 14
Mechanisms of Action of Environmental Etiological Agents
Viruses (HPV, Hepatitis B, EBV, etc)
Physical Carcinogens (Ionizing Radiation, UV light)
Apr
19 & 21
Student Presentations (10 min PowerPoint)
Apr
26
Article Review due [Graduate Students Only]
Apr
28 & 28
Metabolic Activation of Carcinogens
Microsomal / Cyto P450s, Nonmicrosomal / GSH
Testing for Carcinogenic Activity: In Vivo & In Vitro
Two-Yr BioAssay; Genotoxicity Assays, Ames Test,
Forward Mutation, Micronuclei, Comet, etc.
May
7
Final Exam (Saturday, 5:30 – 7:30 PM) – Will schedule with students!
a The exact dates and coverage of topics may vary.
b All exams are comprehensive, covering all the material that has been discussed or assigned in the
text, journal articles, etc., from the first day of class forward!
ENVS 4007 Cancer
Instructor: Vince Wilson, Ph.D.
Required Text: Weinberg
Robert A. Weinberg, The Biology of Cancer (2nd edition)
Garland Science, Taylor & Francis Group (Publishers) (2014)
ISBN: 978-0-8153-4220-5 (softcover)
Additional Course materials will be made available on Moodle (and/or handed out in class).
Although the majority of images used in lectures utilizing PowerPoint will be taken from the
required text, all PowerPoint slides used in lectures will be made available on Moodle as well.
___________________________________________________________________________
Grading Scheme:
Grade
Exam I
100 pts
A+
483 – 500 (97 – 100%)
Exam II
100 pts
A
463 – 482 (93 – 96.9%)
Presentation
50 pts
A448 – 462 (90 – 92.9%)
Handout
50 pts
B+
433 – 447 (87 – 89.9%)
Final Exam 200 pts
B
413 – 432 (83 – 86.9%)
Total
500 pts
B398 – 412 (80 – 82.9%)
C+
383 – 397 (77 – 79.9%)
C
363 – 382 (73 – 76.9%)
C348 – 362 (70 – 72.9%)
D+
333 – 347 (67 – 69.9%)
D
313 – 332 (63 – 66.9%)
D298 – 312 (60 – 62.9%)
F
0 – 298 (< 60%)
Note: The instructor reserves the right to lower the grading scale, but never to raise the scale.
NOTE: Credit for this course is available for both Undergraduates and Graduate students.
Undergraduate students will be graded as described above. Graduate students will be evaluated
and graded based on the above description AND the additional assignment of writing a
Scientific Journal Article Review. The description of the Scientific Journal Article Review will
be provided with this syllabus to all graduate students enrolled in this course.
ENVS 4007 Cancer
Instructor: Vince Wilson, Ph.D.
Cheating and Plagiarism
Cheating or plagiarism will not be tolerated. It is recommended that students review
Understanding and Avoiding Plagiarism. The document can be found on the Dean of Students
webpage @ http://appl003.lsu.edu/slas/dos.nsf/index.
Also available, Plagiarism: What is it and How to Avoid it, at
appl003.lsu.edu/acadaff/cxcweb.nsf/$Content/Summer+Institute+2008/$file/5LBBPlagiarism.pdf
Additional supporting from the Grad School can be found at
appl003.lsu.edu/grad/gradschool.nsf/$Content/Quick+Facts/$file/plagiarismQT.pdf
Students suspected of cheating or plagiarism will be referred to the Dean of Students as
per requirements in the LSU Student Handbook.
ENVS 4007 Cancer
Instructor: Vince Wilson, Ph.D.
LECTURE & HANDOUT
Each student must choose an issue in cancer and prepare a 10-15 min (10 slides max)
PowerPoint lecture and a well-developed, clear and concise handout for the class. The issue may
be a selective cancer, environmental carcinogen, mechanism of action, tumorigenic pathway,
cancer gene, cancer epidemiological problem, nutrition/diet & cancer, etc. and prepare a paper
on the chosen subject. You may choose from a wide variety of topics with the stipulation of first
come, first serve -- only one student per topic. Instructor must approve the topic or subject of
your report by February 11, 2016. Student lectures will be given on April 19 & 21, 2016.
For each student lecture, the student is to prepare a clear and concise one- to three-page
‘handout’ for everyone in the class, including references/sources [think of this as a “quick-guide”
or “cheat sheet”]. Clarity and conciseness will be major factors in grading the handout.
Each presentation will be graded: Total: 100 points
[Handout 50 points;
Lecture (10-15 min) 50 points]
Each presentation must clearly convey:
1) Clear identification and explanation of the cancer problem/issue;
2) How does this issue impact (or what does it mean to) the etiology, development, biology,
and/or treatment;
3) Where do we go from here? (Future directions)
4) Pertinent scientific journal article references (minimum of 3 required).
ENVS 4007
Instructor: Vince Wilson, Ph.D.
ADDITIONAL REQUIRED ASSIGNMENT FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS
JOURNAL ARTICLE REVIEW
Value: 100 pts
Students will be expected to choose a recent (2010 to 2015) cancer related journal article for review. A
copy of the chosen article is to be provided to the instructor for approval by February 11, 2016. No
journal ‘summation’ or ‘review’ articles will be accepted.
The student is expected to turn in a written review by April 26, 2016. [Note: five points will be taken off
for every day a student’s review is late, including weekends & holidays.] This review is expected to be no
more than one to two double-spaced typed pages. NOTE: Any review over 2 pages in length will
automatically be marked down at the rate of 20 points per extra page! Write clearly and concisely! If you
feel there is substantial reason for extending the length of your journal article review, request in advance
special permission from the instructor.
The review should be the same as that which would be expected for an article being submitted for
publication in a scientific journal. Thus, the format is not fixed, but should include: 1) Authors and Title;
2) Based on the field of literature, a very brief summary (1 to 3 sentences) of the focus of the paper,
and/or the problem being addressed in the paper; and 3) What if anything is wrong with the manuscript
scientifically, and/or the weaknesses and strengths of the work; What can the authors do to strengthen the
article for publication. Constructive criticism is the best approach in writing this review. Do not be afraid
to praise the work where appropriate. (Remember, you will be on the receiving end of just such a review
upon submission of a manuscript of your own for publication some day soon!)
Note: Spelling and grammatical errors are unacceptable and points will be taken off accordingly.
Examples of the kinds of information that the reviewer (student) should look for and address:
What is the scientific problem addressed by the article?
How does this paper add to the literature base in this field of science?
Were the experimental methods and approach appropriate or adequate?
Was the experimental design(s) appropriate?
Were the data significant?
Was the proper statistical analysis performed on the data?
Were the authors’ interpretations and conclusions appropriate from the data?
Did the manuscript address the scientific/medical problem appropriately?
What can the authors do to strengthen the article for publication?
ENVS4035 Aquatic Pollution
Spring semester 2016 (3 credits)
Instructor:
Office:
Telephone:
Email:
Text Book:
Course Meeting:
Office Hours:
Dr. Aixin Hou
1255 Energy, Coast and Environment Bldg.
578-4294
ahou@lsu.edu
Aquatic Pollution, 3rd Edition, Edward A. Laws
Hours: TTh 9:00 - 10:20
Place: 1215 ECE Bldg.
TTh 10:30 - 12:00
Syllabus
DATE
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
TOPIC a
14
19
21
26
28
Food chain theory
Primary production
Physical factors affecting production
Cultural eutrophication - Lake Washington
Cultural eutrophication – Lake Erie
2
4
9
11
16
18
23
25
Nonpoint source pollution
Sewage treatment – primary, secondary, tertiary
and alternatives
Mardi Gras Holiday
Pathogens in natural waters
Field trip to LA sewage treatment plant
Hurricane Katrina: impact on water quality
Toxicology
Review for mid-term exam
1
3
8
10
15
17
22
24
29
31
Mid-term exam
Industrial pollution
Pesticides and persistent organic pollutants
Thermal pollution
Metals – general, lead, cadmium
Metals - mercury
Spring break
Spring break
Oil pollution
Macondo 252 Oil Spill
5
7
12
Acid deposition and ocean acidification
Groundwater pollution
Final exam
REFERENCE b
1
2
3
4
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
12
13
15
16
14
19
May
a
Project starts (experimental design, lab overview,
media and other lab supplies preparation)
Field trip (sampling); lab (fecal indicator microbes)
21
26
28
Lab (total suspended solid, pH, salinity, BOD, etc.)
Lab (BOD)
Project presentation
Lab Book due
3
Research Proposal (for graduate students only)
due 5pm
The exact dates and coverage of topics may vary.
b
Supplementary readings: Journal papers that pertain to this course will be provided
periodically.
PLAGIARISM:
READ AND FOLLOW LSU’S PLAGIARISM GUIDES AT:
www.lsu.edu/judicialaffairs/Plagiarism.htm
www.lib.lsu.edu/instruction/plagiarism.html
Grading (Graduate Students):
Midterm
Final
Homework/in-class quizzes
Research Assignment – write a grant proposal
Lab Book
Project Presentation
25
35
15
10
5
10
Grading (Undergraduate Students):
Midterm
25
Final
40
Homework/in-class quizzes
15
Lab Book
5
Project Presentation
15
Grading scale:
Grading scale: A+ = 96.50 - 100+, A = 92.50 - 96.49, A- = 89.50 – 92.49, B+ = 86.50 –
89.49, B = 82.50 – 86.49, B- = 79.50 – 82.49, C+ = 76.50 – 79.49, C = 72.50 – 76.49, C= 69.50 – 72.49, D+ = 66.50 – 69.49, D = 62.50 – 66.49, D- = 59.50 – 62.49, F = 0 –
59.49
ENVS 4101 Environmental Chemistry
Portier
ENVS 4101
Environmental Chemistry
Dr. Ralph J. Portier, Distinguished Professor of
Environmental Sciences
Room 1165 Energy Coast & Environment Bldg,
School of the Coast & Environment
Department of Environmental Sciences, LSU
Baton Rouge, La. 70803
4101 Environmental Chemistry (Prereq: One course each in quantitative analysis
and/or organic chemistry and/or permission of instructor. Also offered as CHEM 4150.)
Course is designed to put an "environmental perspective" into chemistry covered in
earlier courses in chemistry. Subject matter will include first an overview of key concepts in
environmental chemistry. Three general theme areas, namely aquatic chemistry, atmospheric
chemistry and terrestrial environments will follow. Chemical principles and knowledge from the
perspective of environmental transport, change and toxicological impacts, and appropriate
current events pertinent to environmental chemistry will be covered. The semester will conclude
with an overview on hazardous waste and waste remediation strategies, environmental
biochemistry and bioterrorism, and risk assessment strategies from a sustainable environment
perspective.
o
o
o
o
o
o
Important Numbers:
Phone: (225)-578-8521 Department
My Office: (225)-578-4287 Cell: 225-921-1518
Laboratory: (225)-578-4288
Office Hours: MWF: 1:30-3:00PM or by appointment T&Th
E-mail: rportier@lsu.edu
Email: rportie@lsu.edu
Text: Environmental Chemistry, 9th Edition
(Stanley E. Manahan, CRC Press)
All lecture materials, power points, notes, study guides, reading materials are
on MOODLE.
ENVS 4101 Environmental Chemistry
Portier
The Course:
Lecture: 3 x1 hour periods weekly (All lecture materials are on Moodle)
Exams: 4 one hour exams (100 pt. each) Class participation (20 pts) will also be
calculated into your grade. Total Points : 420
Grade Scale: Grading scale using the +/- system (Default Moodle System):
Grading scale applies to graduates and undergraduates.
A+ grade must be ≥407.4 points
B+ grade must be ≥ 365.4 points
C- grade must be ≥ 294 points
Exam dates will be posted in Moodle and via e mail after the semester begins and
a final class list is issued.
ENVS 4101 Environmental Chemistry
Course Outline: Tentative
Part One: Introductory
Environmental Science Review
Cycles, Chemical Fate & Transport (Chapter 1)
Fundamentals of Aquatic Chemistry (Chapter 3)
Green Chemistry (Chapter 2)
The Nernst Equation and LA. Wetlands (Chapter 4)
Phase Interactions (Chapter 5)
Exam #1 (Blue Book needed)
Part Two: Aquatic Environment
Aquatic Microbial Biochemistry (Chapter 6)
Water Pollution (Chapter 7)
Chemical Analysis of Water and Wastewater (Chapter 24)
Water Treatment (Chapter 8)
Aquatic and Marine Toxicology (Chapter 23)
Exam #2 (Blue Book needed)
Part Three: Terrestrial Environments
Environmental Chemistry of Hazardous Waste (Chapter 18 & 19)
Soil and Agricultural Chemistry (Chapter16)
Petroleum & Ecosystem Restoration
Exam #3 (Blue Book needed)
Part Four: Atmospheric Chemistry
The Atmosphere (Chapter 9)
Analysis of Atmosphere and Air Pollutants (Chapter 27)
Particulates and Atmospheric Pollution (Chapter 10)
Organic and Inorganic Air Pollutants (Chapters 11 & 12)
Photochemical Smog (Chapter 13)
Climate Change (Chapter 14)
Exam #4 Final Exam (Blue Book needed)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Other Source Materials:
Journal Articles from the following journals:
Environmental Toxicology and Water Quality
Water Environment Research, Ambio, Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
Portier
ENVS4101section2:
EnvironmentalChemistry
Spring2016
SlawoLomnicki,PhD
AssistantProfessor,
DepartmentofEnvironmentalSciences
3credithours
TuesdaysandThursdays12:00-1:20
Classisofferedforundergraduatejuniors/seniorsandgraduatestudents.
Courseprovidesthemostimportantinformationyouneedtounderstandthe
chemicalreactionsandinteractionsintheenvironmentthatshapeournatural
surroundings.CourseincludesmanyofchemistrytermsandCHEM1201/2is
stronglyadvisableasprerequisite.
Textbook:
Chemistry of the Environment, 3rd Revised Edition
by Thomas G. Spiro, Kathleen L. Purvis-Roberts, William M. Stigliani
NotesoftheclasswillbeprovidedonMoodle.Lectureswillcontainadditional
materialnotcoveredinthetext,sotheclassattendanceishighlyadvisable.
GradingScale:
FollowingthegeneralUniversitypolicy,+/-gradeisusedinthisclass,
correspondingtothepercentageofearnpoints:
A+=96.50-100+
A=92.50-96.49
A-=89.50–92.49
B+=86.50–89.49
B=82.50–86.49
B-=79.50–82.49
C+=76.50–79.49
C=72.50–76.49
C-=69.50–72.49
D+=66.50–69.49
D=62.50–66.49
D-=59.50–62.49
F=0–59.49
Gradingbase:
8homeworks,eachworth10points(80pointstotal)
2WrittenExams,eachworth60points(120total)
Maximumpointtoearn:200
ClassCalendar:
Class#
spring2016
January
1
14
2
19
3
21
4
26 Homework1due
5
28
February
6
2
7
4 Homework2due
8
11
9
16
10
18 Homework3due
11
23
12
25
March
13
1
14
3 Homework4due
15
8 EXAM1
16
10
17
15
18
17
19
29 Homework5due
20
31
April
21
5
22
7 Homework6due
23
12
24
14
25
19 Homework7due
26
21
27
26
28
28 Homework8due
29
4-May EXAM2
12:30-1pm
Contact:
SlawoLomnicki
AssistantProfessor
DepartmentofEnvironmentalSciences
slomni1@lsu.edu
Officehours:
TuesdayandThursday1:40-2:40(afterclass)
SYLLABUS
ENVS 4261: Energy and the Environment – Spring 2016
Energy, Coast, and Environment Building (ECE) Room 3178
I.
INSTRUCTORS, CONTACT INFORMATION & OFFICE HOURS
Christopher F. D’Elia, Ph.D.
Professor & Dean
School of the Coast and Environment
Office: 1002-R ECE Bldg. (Rotunda)
Tel.: (225) 578-8574 (Assistant, Ms.
Jones)
E-mail: cdelia@lsu.edu
Website: http://www.sce.lsu.edu/
David E. Dismukes, Ph.D.
Professor
Department of Environmental
Sciences
School of the Coast and Environment
OFFICE HOURS:
4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Tues. & Thurs. or by
appointment. (Call or email Ms. Jones at
225 578-8574, kjone57@lsu.edu).
Professor & Executive Director
Center for Energy Studies
1085 ECE Building
Phone: 225-578-4343
Email: dismukes@lsu.edu
OFFICE HOURS:
Monday through Thursday
9:00 to 10:00 am
Course faculty have administrative roles, travel frequently and are often called
into unexpected meetings. Therefore, students are strongly encouraged to
confirm instructor availability via email prior to meeting.
II.
COURSE PURPOSE
Energy constitutes the lifeblood of the modern economy, and its production and
consumption have effects without exception, on the environment. Energy production,
conversion, and consumption affect virtually every aspect of our lives. Recognizing the
increasing importance of energy and its putative role in global climate change, this
course is intended introduce students to the scientific, legal, regulatory, and policy
concepts relevant to the changing energy landscape in the United States, and indeed
the world, including consideration of existing energy sources, renewable and alternative
sources, and the mitigation of the environmental effects of its production and use.
III.
COURSE PHILOSOPHY
While the facts are important, there is much information, misinformation and
disinformation to sort through about the topic of energy and how it affects the
environment. Thus, establishing what is factual and what is not can be difficult. In
addition, rapid technological advancement in certain areas, as well as geopolitical
conflict, always lead to a fluid global energy picture. Society seems to go from worries
about energy scarcity, to complacency about what, at the time, appears to be an
oversupply.
1
Your instructors want to see how you marshal, interpret, organize, and present the facts
about energy. They are not concerned with your politics or that you agree with their
own strong opinions.
The course also includes opportunities to hear from distinguished guest instructors and
other lecturers during specially schedule events. These speakers often have their own
strong perspectives and biases, including energy industry representatives. Students
really seem to enjoy this class because they not only learn a lot about energy and
environment, but also because they get the chance (and are encouraged) to think
critically about the important subject areas at hand.
The material is often interdisciplinary, and it focuses heavily on pertinent scientific and
economic principles. It should be easy to get a good grade in this class if you attend
class, pay attention and think critically, and work hard at the class requirements,
particularly the end of the year project. Remember that the instructors are available for
you if you have questions or need extra help.
IV.
COURSE TEXTBOOK
Energy and the Wealth of Nations: Understanding the Biophysical Economy, by Charles
A.S. Hall and Kent A. Klitgaard (2012), Springer, 407 pp., ISBN 978-1-4419-9397-7.
The assigned book is a general reference on energy and its economics with an
interesting and nontraditional perspective. Additional assigned readings will be posted
to Moodle over the course of the semester.
Students are also encouraged to keep up with current energy events and debates for
class discussion purposes.
V.
C X C CERTIFICATION
This is a certified Communication-Intensive (C-I) course which meets all of the
requirements set forth by LSU’s Communication across the Curriculum program,
including:

instruction and assignments emphasizing informal and formal [mode 1] and
[mode 2];

teaching of discipline-specific communication techniques;

use of draft-feedback-revision process for learning;

practice of ethical and professional work standards;

40% of the course grade rooted in communication-based work; and

a student/faculty ratio no greater than 35:1.
Students interested in pursuing the LSU Distinguished Communicators certification may
use this C-I course for credit. For more information about this student recognition
program, visit: www.cxc.lsu.edu.
2
VI.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS & GRADING WEIGHTS
1) Exams (40%):
a. Midterm (20%). Covers material through most recent lecture.
b. Final (20%). Covers all material, but focuses mainly on second half of
course. Some questions will be based upon student presentation
information.
2) Homework Assignments (15%):

Three separate assignments will be handed out during lecture hours,
across the course of the term on an evenly-staggered basis.

Each student will be required to complete each of the three assignments
alone and not in groups.

Assignments will require each student to research and answer a series of
questions, roughly 10, regarding either a new type of energy infrastructure
development project, a new and emerging energy technology, or an
emerging energy policy issue.

Assignments will be typed, double-spaced, 12-point Times Roman,
roughly five to seven pages in total length with tables and figures plus
literature cited page(s).1 Please note that the quality of the answers,
and their documentation, are more important than quantity/length.

Assignments will be due two weeks after they have been assigned.

Each assignment will be graded on the course grading scale. Students
will be graded on a combination of accuracy, scholarship, writing quality,
analytic quality, and originality. Failure to provide appropriate citations,
or to over-reliance on weak internet-based source information will
result in a poor grade on these assignments. If you have any question
about the quality of your citations be sure to ask an instructor well in
advance of when you submit your completed assignment.
3) Class Project/Oral Presentation, with PowerPoint (40%):
a. Additional Information. Detailed information on the class projects,
potential topics, and the peer review questionnaire is provided separately
on Moodle. You are encouraged to consult with Dr. Dismukes
immediately if you have any questions about this important component of
Assignments should be supported with an adequate number of “research-grade” citations, from
the literature, using the Chicago Manual of Style, 15th edition author-date style for bibliographical entries
(see: http://tinyurl.com/d3pyh2j) and up to 10 website citations, NOT Wikipedia.
1
3
the class. Dr. Dismukes is in charge of the class project/oral presentation
component of the course.
The default requirement for this course is the development of a
PowerPoint presentation. However, the instructors are open to discussing
other creative forms of communication that include the preparation of
videos or short-movies. Groups are encouraged to contact the instructors
about these opportunities very early in the course in order to secure
approval for alternative creative content.
b. Undergraduate group presentation/project. Students will be required to
pair up into “project teams” that usually consistent of four students. These
teams will provide a class presentation on their selected topic that will run
somewhere 15 minutes depending upon team size. There will be an
additional 15 to 20 minute interactive class question/answer discussion for
each presentation. Generally, two teams will give presentations for a
regularly scheduled class time (see schedule for presentation dates).
The class project/presentation is a VERY important component of your
grade. Students will be graded on not only their presentation, but how
they respond to questions and the degree to which they participate in the
Q&A portion of the presentation (see peer review scoring matrix as
indicator of how the project presentation will be graded).
c. Graduate presentation and paper/project. Each graduate student will
prepare and present a 15-minute presentation (with additional 15 minutes
Q&A) and a 10- to 15-page paper on the presentation topic. Thus,
graduate students have two deliverables: (1) a presentation and (2) a
paper.
Paper will be typed, double-spaced, 12-point Times Roman, 5 pages with
tables and figures plus literature cited page(s). Papers should meet the
standard formatting requirements outlined in the footnote 1 reference.
There will be an additional 15 to 20 minute interactive class
question/answer discussion for each presentation. This is an equally
important component of your grade.
d. Project/presentation deliverables schedule. Undergraduate and Graduate
students have a number of interim presentation requirements. The
schedule for meeting these requirements are provided Table 3 below
(Deliverables Schedule). Note that undergraduate requirements differ
from Graduate requirements. Note that students are responsible for
meeting these interim requirements and that they are component of
your overall class project grade.
e. Presentation preparation. Before your final presentation to the whole
class, each student and/or team is encouraged to practice your
presentation in the BASC CxC Studio and receive feedback from their
staff. Your practice can also be video-taped by the CxC studio for
instructor review (but this is not required). Remember to plan ahead
4
and do not wait until the last minute to conduct this practice presentation.
You will be graded on presentation style in addition to presentation
content. Overly-busy slides, illegible slides, presentations that are “busy”
and overly burdened with animation will be graded accordingly. The CxC
studio can provide advice to students on how to avoid these common
mistakes.
f. Project Grading and Evaluation. All presentations will be completed and
videotaped in class. Grades will be assessed on:
i. Meeting the interim and final project deliverables (discussed
below).
ii. The overall quality of the presentation that includes delivery and
content.
iii. Each team member’s participation in the presentation that includes
any sections they deliver as well as their ability to respond to
questions in the discussion part of the presentation.
iv. A class peer review component. Your grade for this component will
be on how your peers review you, as well as your review and input
of other class projects that will be done via a standardized form for
each presentation (see additional information provided on Moodle).
v. Instructor review component.
4) Class participation (5%). Come to class. This class is small and missed
attendance, and failure to participate, will be noticed by the instructors.
Occasional spot quizzes may be given as well. Also, in this day of smart phones
and “entertainment on demand,” students are strongly encouraged to put their
phones down and focus on the course lectures and materials while they are in
class. Students that are repeatedly texting, writing emails, and watching
streaming sports events will be asked to leave the classroom, which in turn, will
be reflected in their attendance grade.
VII.
COURSE GRADING SCALE
Assignments and examinations in this course will be based upon the grading scale
provided below in accordance with new University grading scale guidelines.
5
Table 1: Grading Scale
Grade
VIII.
Range
Grade
Range
66.5 - 69.49
66.5 - 69.49
59.5 - 62.49
A+
A
A-
96.5 - 100 +
92.5 - 96.49
89.5 - 92.49
D+
D
D-
B+
B
B-
86.5 - 89.49
82.5 - 86.49
79.5 - 82.49
F
C+
C
C-
76.5 - 79.49
72.5 - 76.49
69.5 - 72.49
59.49 and below
EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES
Extra credit questions may be included in exams. They may be drawn from the
assigned textbook or instructor presentations.
Further, other extra credit opportunities will likely arise during the semester. These
opportunities will likely consist of attending seminars and presentations from guest
lecturers visiting campus or potentially conferences and/or presentations off campus.
You are encouraged to participate in these opportunities as they arise. No additional
extra credit opportunities will be available outside of these opportunities, especially
during the last several weeks of the course. If you are concerned about your grade,
please see one of the course faculty immediately to discuss these concerns. Do not
assume that there will be a large number of extra credit opportunities available to offset
poor course performance and participation.
IX.
STUDENT CONDUCT
Academic dishonesty cannot and will not be tolerated in this course. Students should
read and follow LSU’s plagiarism guide at: www.lsu.edu/judicialaffairs/Plagiarism.htm.
Students are expected to do their own work, particularly on the homework assignments
and examinations. Students are also expected to be “team players” in the preparation
and completion of their class projects. Students are encouraged to work with team
participants that are not upholding a fair share of their project responsibilities. If
differences between team members cannot be resolved, someone from that
respective team needs to contact the course instructors immediately.
Lastly, students are expected to be respectful to the course faculty, guest lecturers, and
other students during lecture times. Students should not be texting on their phones,
surfing the internet, or watching streaming videos during class periods. Keep in
mind that the course faculty notice these transgressions, and do not view them as being
minor or inconsequential.
6
X.
DISCLAIMERS
Information included in this syllabus can change particularly relative to the timing of
individual lectures and topics. Students will be notified immediately, either in class, or
via Moodle of any course changes. Both instructors have administrative responsibilities
and heavy travel schedules that may require some changes. In addition, guest speakers
also may need some flexibility in scheduling. Updates to the syllabus will be placed on
Moodle.
XI.
COURSE LECTURE SCHEDULE
The table listed below presents the lecture schedule for this course as it stands now.
This lecture schedule, and the potential lecturer, is likely to change as the course
progresses. In addition, as the semester unfolds, there could be instances where a
unique or influential guest speaker is visiting campus and agrees to come and speak in
this course. Students will be notified of these changes via Moodle. In some instances,
lectures may be re-ordered, in other instances; lectures will be made available on-line.
Our guest speakers invariably provide some of the highlights of the semester.
Table 2: Tentative Lecture Schedule and Instructor
ENVS 4261, Energy & Environment, Spring 2016, Professors Christopher D'Elia & David Dismukes
Class
No.
Section
Topic
Speaker
Reading Assignment
1
Jan. 14th (Thurs.)
Date
Introduction
Course overview & introduction to energy
D'Elia/Dismukes
Hall and Klitgaard, pp. 1-39.
2
Jan. 19th (Tues.)
Principles
The science of energy
D'Elia
Day et al. 2016, Chapter 7 available on Moodle.
3
Jan. 21st (Thurs.)
Principles
The economics of energy: ecological perspectives
D'Elia
4
Jan. 26th (Tues.)
Principles
Energy sustainability
Guest: Dr. John Day
5
Jan. 28th (Thurs.)
Principles
Energy Overview
D'Elia
6
Feb. 2nd (Tues.)
Principles
The economics of energy: neoclassical perspectives
Dismukes
7
Feb. 4th (Thurs.)
Principles
Neoclassical/ecological synthesis/reconciliation
Dismukes
Feb. 9th (Tues.)
NO CLASS
Mardi Gras Holiday - No Class - Laissez bon temps roule!
8
Feb. 11th (Thurs.)
Primary Energy
Conventional oil & gas industry
Dismukes
9
Feb. 16th (Tues.)
Primary Energy
Unconventional oil & gas industry
Dismukes
10
Feb. 18th (Thurs.)
Primary Energy
Offshore oil & gas industry
Dismukes
11
Feb. 23rd (Tues.)
Primary Energy
Offshore oil & gas industry: Macondo oil spill
Guest: Dr. Ed Overton
12
Feb. 25th (Thurs.)
Secondary Energy
Energy regulation
Dismukes
13
Mar. 1st (Tues.)
Secondary Energy
Power generation: Resource planning principles
Dismukes
14
Mar. 3rd (Thurs.)
Primary Energy
Coal power
Guest: Dr. Greg Upton
Mar. 8th (Tues.)
MID TERM EXAM
15
Mar. 10th (Thurs.)
Primary Energy
Nuclear power
Guest: Mr. Eric Olson (Entergy)
16
Mar. 15th (Tues.)
End-Uses of Energy
Natural Gas Commodity and End Use
Dismukes
17
Mar. 17th (Thurs.)
Secondary Energy
Renewables
Dismukes
Mar. 22nd (Tues.)
NO CLASS - Spring Break
Mar. 24th (Thurs.)
18
Mar. 29th (Tues.)
Secondary Energy /EndUses of Energy
Resource Integration and Coordination
Guest: Ms. Jennifer Vosburg (NRG Energy)
19
Mar. 31st (Thurs.)
Energy & Environment
The science of climate change
D'Elia
20
Apr. 5th (Tues.)
Energy & Environment
The economics of climage change
Dismukes
21
Apr. 7th (Thurs.)
Presentations
Undergraduate - Team Presentations
22
Apr. 12th (Tues.)
End-Uses of Energy
Smart grid technologies
23
Apr. 14th (Thurs.)
Presentations
Undergraduate - Team Presentations
24
Apr. 19th (Tues.)
Presentations
Undergraduate - Team Presentations
25
Apr. 21st (Thurs.)
Presentations
GRAD Student Presentatons
26
Apr. 26th (Tues.)
Discussion/Debate
Instructor-Directed Class Discussion on COP21 & Course Evaluation
Apr. 28th (Thurs.)
Course Review
Concentrated Study Period
May 3 (Tues., 3:00pm5:00pm)
FINAL EXAM
All Lecture Material
Guest: Mr. Guenter Conzelman (Argonne Labs)
7
XII.
PRESENTATION DELIVERABLES
Students will be graded on their ability to meet EACH of these requirements and
deliverables during the course of the semester. All deliverables must be provided in
electronic format via email to Dr. Dismukes (dismukes@lsu.edu). If you have any
questions about expectations on any of these deliverables please contact Dr. Dismukes.
While attempts will be made to periodically remind students about these presentation
requirements, it is the responsibility of the student to meet these course
obligations. Undergraduates are encouraged to remain in touch with their team
members on a regular basis to ensure project progress and to adjust should certain
team members drop the course. Do not wait until the end of the course to notify your
professors that you have project team issues due to team members withdrawing from
the class.
Table 3: Presentation Deliverables Schedule (Spring 2016)
Requirement Number
Date
1
Jan. 28th (Thur.)
2
Feb. 11th (Thurs.)
Undergraduate Requirement
Identify all members of working group for
presentation.
(1)
Identify preliminary research topic
(2) Identify preliminary topic/area/scope for research
project.
(2)
Prepare preliminary abstract
(1)
(2)
(1)
(2)
Revised/detailed abstract
Project outline
(3)
First draft, bibliography.
(1)
Revised/refined abstract/outline
(2)
Second draft, bibliography
(1)
First draft, annotated outline for
each major research section in
outline.
(1)
(3)
3
Feb. 18th (Thu.)
(1)
(2)
Final research topic identifed.
Detailed preliminary outline of research.
Team member assignments for each section of
outline.
First draft of working bibliography and likely data
sources.
Final project outline and team
assignments/responsibilities.
(1)
4
Graduate Requirement
Mar. 3rd (Thurs.)
Abstract for each section in outline.
(2)
Discussion of likely sub-topics and areas to be
covered within each section.
(2)
(3)
Mar. 8th (Tues.)
5
6
Third draft, bibliography
First draft, presentation (ppt)
MIDTERM EXAM
(1)
Preliminary/rough draft of presentation (ppt
version)
(1)
(2)
Updates, revisions to
abstracts/assignments/scope
(2)
Mar. 17th (Thurs.)
April 7th (Thurs.)
April 21st (Thurs.)
April 26th (Tues.)
May 3rd (Tues.) 3:00pm - 5:00pm
First Date of Presentations
Last Date of Presentations
Class Discussion
FINAL EXAM
8
Second draft, annotated outline.
Second draft, presentation (ppt)
LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY
Environmental Hazards Analysis
(ENVS 4262)
COURSE SYLLABUS
Instructor:
Jackie M. Marve, J.D.
Email:
jmarve1@lsu.edu
Office Hours: With appointment (please contact me by email to schedule an appointment)
Course Description:
The purpose of the class is to develop an understanding of the variety and complexity of hazards
that impact our environment and communities. The class examines how the structures of human
settlement (physical, cultural, social, economic, and environment) are affected by natural and
man-made hazards. To understand these hazards and their impacts, students will learn
fundamentals of hazard mitigation analysis and planning, which consists of hazard identification,
vulnerability assessment, and the development of impact scenarios and mitigation strategies.
Students are expected to:
 Learn the terms and concepts necessary for identifying and analyzing the hazards
confronting our environment and communities;
 Successfully complete a FEMA Independent Study certification course; and
 Think critically about the hazard mitigation issues facing our communities.
Grading:
100 points
100 points
25 points
25 points
50 points
Mid – Semester Exam
Final Exam
FEMA Certificate
Class Participation/Attendance
Final Project
300
Total points
Final grades will be determined using a student’s total points earned using the following scale:
A=90-100%
B=80-89%
C=70-79%
D=60-69%
1
F=below 60%
COURSE SCHEDULE
Date
January 18
January 25
February 1
February 8
February 15
February 22
February 29
March 7
March 14
March 21
March 28
April 4
April 11
April 18
April 25
May 2
Lecture Topics
NO CLASS – MARTIN LUTHER KING HOLIDAY
Hazards v. Disasters /Man-Made Hazards
Meteorological/Hydrological/Geological Hazards
NO CLASS – MARDI GRAS HOLIDAY
Hazard Management Framework
FEMA Training – Independent Work
Role of the Federal Government
MID – SEMESTER EXAM
Mitigation Hazards State Level/Local Government Powers
NO CLASS – SPRING BREAK
Community Resilience and the Private Sector
Risk Assessment/Preparedness Activities
Hazard Mitigation Tools and Techniques/Planning
Project Presentation – Group 1
Project Presentation – Group 2
FINAL EXAM
FEMA Certificate of Achievement:
Students will complete an online Independent Study Course developed by the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This Independent Study Course includes readings
and exercises that augment course material. Upon the successful conclusion of the course,
students will receive a certificate of achievement. Students are required to present the certificate
April 18, 2016. The Independent Study Course is entitled: “IS-22 Are you Ready? An In-depth
Guide to Citizen Preparedness,” and accessed at the following website:
http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/is/is22.asp
The course (IS-22) is comprised of five units that focus on the identification of hazards and
techniques for protecting yourself and your family. A final exam tests knowledge gained from
the materials included with the course. A certificate will be emailed after the grade is calculated.
To ensure receipt of your certificate before the deadline, students should complete the course and
exam at least one (1) week before the due date.
Research Project & Presentation:
All students are required to complete a research project due at the end of the semester. Students
will research a hazard that has occurred sometime in the last 100 years (anywhere in the world).
The student will discuss the hazard as if he/she were the emergency planner at the location where
the hazard occurred. The student will:
2





Provide an overview of the event (identify the hazard; discuss if any secondary effects
resulted from the hazard; the effect of the hazard on the population, ecology, economy,
etc.);
Discuss the preparedness and mitigation plans that were in place at the time of the event;
Identify the challenges the people or emergency managers faced during the mitigation or
preparedness phases of the event;
Determine whether any hazard has resulted in any change in legislation or laws; and
Suggest ways the local mitigation plan could be improved for future events.
Students will present the result of this research in the form of a 10 to 15-minute power point
presentation. Presentations are scheduled during the last two weeks of the semester. Student
presentations will be evaluated according to knowledge of the material and professionalism.
Note that graduate students are expected to demonstrate a broader understanding of the context
of their research project and are thus held to a higher standard of performance expectations on
this assignment.
If you have any questions or concerns about how to do this project, please feel free to contact
me. Final project ideas must be turned in to me by February 29, 2016 (ideas can be turned in
earlier if desired). Each student’s presentation must be on a different hazard. First come, first
serve.
Attendance:
Attendance will be assessed at least once every class session. Students are expected to arrive at
class on time and to stay the entire class. This class meets only once a week and students should
be aware that a significant number of absences will make it difficult to pass the course. Students
will be allowed 1 absence before their attendance grade will be lowered 5% for each additional
absence. Therefore, there are no excused absences unless the student provides documentation
evidencing a valid reason for the absence (illness, death in the family, injury, etc.).
Class Participation
Students are expected to participate in class discussions. Students will be regularly asked
questions for which an answer (right or wrong) is expected. Failure to actively participate in a
class discussion will result in a deduction in participation points.
3
ENVS 4950 (SPECIAL TOPIC)
Multi-media Chemical Behavior
For Risk Assessment
Spring 2016
Lecture:
Tuesday 4:30 – 7:20 pm
Energy Coast & Env. 1070
Office Hours: Mon &Thu 2:00 -3:30 pm
Rm. 1??? ECE Bldg. -- or by appointment
Dr. Louis J. Thibodeaux, Professor
Dept of Environmental Sciences Rm 1???.
Energy Coast and Environmental (ECE) Bldg.
Emeritus Prof. Cain Dept. ChE., Rm 158.
e-mail: thibod@lsu.edu
phone: (225)578-3055
The subject is behavior and fate of anthropogenic chemicals and particles in coastal and marine
ecosystems with primary emphasis on the northern Gulf of Mexico. The focus is on
understanding and assessing human and biota exposure to these hazardous substances as they
move about, react and partition in a variety of complex, multi-phase sub-systems. Skills
developed will be: model conceptualizing, understanding the biological, chemical and physical
processes, mathematical formulation concept and procedures, deterministic model equation
produced, numerical application and critical analysis of results, both evaluative and against field
data. A hazardous risk exist for such substances provided there is an identified chemical source,
pathway(s) and the presence of biological receptors.
Student Objectives:.
Natural Pathways of Toxic Chemicals: Know examples of the major types of environmental
toxicants routes from their sources to sinks or biota targets. Develop an understanding of the
primary and secondary environmental media compartments their relative locales, sizes,
constituents and unique physical/chemical properties as related to the hazardous materials within.
Write brief narratives describing mechanisms on chemical mobility pathways and routes from
sources, within and between media compartments, etc.
Environmental Chemical Mobility. Work realistic but simplistic example problems on estimating
chemical equilibrium between adjoining media phases and the transport rates so to understand
basic mechanisms and nomenclature. Become familiar with data sources of required numerical
parameters necessary for estimating chemical, physical and biological initiated transport
phenomena.
Environmental Chemodynamic Modeling. Use intra-compartment mass balance models to gain
basic understanding of chemical behavior in increasingly complex, steady state and transient,
natural multi-media chemical systems. Work numerical examples, both manual and software,
that project biota exposure in terms of concentration level and contact time-period. Understand
and begin developing derivation skills of simple deterministic mathematical models using the
known process mechanisms and the law of conservation of mass. Become familiar with the types
of software presently available for making chemical exposure assessment.
Preparation:
Prerequisites: Courses in two or more subjects in biology, chemistry, geology, mathematics and
physics typically required of STEM undergraduates is best background. However, other
interested and motivated students are welcome and will likely do just fine. These and interested
some graduate student should consult the instructor about individual preparedness concerns.
Organization:
 Single weekly lecture (Class participation and/or pop quizzes – 10 %)
 Weekly [~10 total], numerical, short-exercise, homework problems (30 %)
 Two [50min] mid-term exams [on 5th and 10th week] (30%)
Page 1 of 2


Comprehensive final examination [15th week] on date & time TBA.(30%).
Required course text: Environmental Chemodynamics 2nd Ed. 1996.by L.J. Thibodeaux.
[2 copies at Middleton Library Reserve Desk, 2hr checkout building use only.]
Environmental Organic Chemistry, 2nd ed. by Rene P. Schwarzenbach; et al.,
Environmental Chemistry, 9th ed by Stanley E. Manahan. Estuarine Ecology by John W.
Day et al., also excellent references, but are not required.
 You are responsible for all material in handouts, slide presentations and supplementary
posted reading materials, whose content may be included in exams as if it were lecture
material. These articles and the course text will supplement, not substitute for, lecture
material. You are also responsible for any material presented by guest lecturers. No cell
phones or pagers are allowed in lecture.
Class Attendance: This is course with small enrollment and absences from lecture are very
obvious. I will not be taking attendance on a routine basis however given the course structure it
will be very difficult to obtain a passing grade if you do not attend lecture. I avoid using caned,
power point lectures. Each lecture presented [in my history of teaching] is new, planned, current
version of the subject because times have changed. The subject matter has changed. I have
changed and the student attendees are different. I will send you my notes that outline, re-cast,
summarize and cover most key aspect of the subject but it’s not a substitute for your note taking
done either by hand or electronically. But in the event of a missed lecture, you should make
arrangements to get notes and handout copies from a fellow student also as I may present
information in class not covered by material posted on Moodle. I also reserve the right to give a
short “pop quiz” (written or oral) at the beginning of a lecture. Pop Quizzes may occur at any
time, without prior notice and will be a part of your attendance grade. There will be no make-ups
for missed pop-quizzes under any circumstances.
Office Hours:
Office hours will be on Monday and Thursday from 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm or by appointment in my
office in room 1??? Energy Coast and Environment Building [or 158 Chemical Engineering until
one is assigned]. Appointments can be scheduled by sending me an email at thibod@lsu.edu. I
am normally very responsive to email and will get back to you quickly. Email is typically the
best way to reach me. I also communicate with the class through mass emails via Moodle, thus
you should regularly check your email as well as the class site on Moodle.
Homework and Exams:
Homework assignments will generally be due 2:00 pm very next week after assigned. You may
work together on homework assignments discussing procedures, assumptions, data sources, etc.
but the documents turned-in must be your own work effort. It need not be typed but nevertheless
done with a clear handwriting. Exams may be open or closed book; one week notice will be
given. There will be no make-ups for missed exams. Late assignments or missed exams will
receive a grade of zero, except under extraordinary circumstances approved by me.
Grading:
Graduate and Undergraduate Students will be graded on the same scale. All grades are based
upon the total percentage: A 90-100 %; B 80 – 89%; C 70 – 79 %; D 60 – 69 %, however this
scale may be “curved” somewhat, downward adjusted only. The total grade will be based upon
at least whatever the number homework assignments (30%); two midterm exams (30%), the final
exam (30%) and class attendance/participation (10 %).
Teaching Assistant: The teaching assistant for this course will be someone TBA.
THIB/SPRING 2016.
Page 2 of 2
ENVS/OCS 4999 Syllabus:
ENVS/OCS 4999
CAPSTONE IN COASTAL ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Catalog Statement:
4999 Capstone in Coastal Environmental Science (1) Prereq: Senior standing as a declared
Coastal Environmental Science Major or consent of the instructor. Required of all students in the
Coastal Environmental Science B.S. degree program. May be taken for a maximum of 2 hours of
credit, but only one hour will count towards the Coastal Environmental Science B.S. degree.
Oral presentation, poster and written term paper on a component of a contemporary and topical,
multi-disciplinary environmental issue selected by the instructor.
The course’s specific theme (which changes each year) will be chosen from multi-dimensional/-disciplinary
contemporary environmental science themes which deal with the dynamic tension between man-made and
natural systems such as: The Deepwater Horizon (Macondo or Mississippi Canyon Block 252) Oil Spill;
Global Climatic Change; Ocean Acidification; Coastal Vulnerabilities and Sustainability; the proposed
Nicaraguan Transoceanic Canal; etc. Students will then choose specific topics (e.g., in the style of
Environmental Impact Statement Chapters) within that theme to work on individually or in small groups.
Instructor: Richard F. Shaw, Ph.D.
Dept. of Oceanography & Coastal Sciences, College of the Coast & Environment (CC&E)
Office: Room 1002T Energy, Coast & Environment Bldg.
Tel. 578-3334
Office hours: By Appointment Only
email: rshaw@lsu.edu
Course Meeting:
Spring Wed. 4:40 -- 5:30pm
Room: 3178 Energy, Coast & Environment Bldg.
This is a certified Communication-Intensive (C-I) course which meets all of the requirements set forth by
LSU’s Communication across the Curriculum program, including:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
instruction and assignments emphasizing informal and formal [mode 1] and [mode 2];
teaching of discipline-specific communication techniques;
use of draft-feedback-revision process for learning;
practice of ethical and professional work standards;
40% of the course grade rooted in communication-based work; and
a student/faculty ratio no greater than 35:1.
Students interested in pursuing the LSU Distinguished Communicators certification may use this C-I course for
credit. For more information about this student recognition program, visit www.cxc.lsu.edu.
Course Learning Objectives:
Critical Thinking Skills
Students will: 1) learn and develop inductive and deductive reasoning to draw conclusions from analytical
methods and statistical analyses of experimental observations and data to problem solve in environmental
sciences; and 2) demonstrate objective consideration of the complexities involved in interactions between
complex human and natural systems.
Communication Skills
Students will demonstrate effective communication skills, including spoken (oral PowerPoint presentation),
visual (poster presentation), and written term paper on topics in environmental sciences.
Course Expectations:
Students are required to choose a relevant component of the multi-disciplinary environmental issue selected for
that class with the guidance of the instructor, and are required to complete: (1) a 10-15 minute oral presentation
on this environmental topic; 2) a poster presentation; and 3) a 10-page written term paper. Students will be
required to present the poster orally at the Environmental Stakeholders Luncheon and strongly encouraged to
present at the Annual CC&E CES Student Symposium. The written paper must be submitted before the last
class of the semester.
Graduate students who take this course will also be expected to: 1) perform at least one K-12 outreach event by
presenting to classes at a local school or through CC&E’s EnvionMentors Program; 2) provide feedback to the
private sector business, industry or governmental agency in the form of a presentation; 3) mentor undergraduate
students in the development of their project; and 4) prepare a 15-page report (as compared to the 10-page
requirement for undergraduate students).
This course is intended to be a pedagogical capstone as the culmination of the undergraduate training in fields
of Coastal Environmental Science. In this regard, the course will promote the application of knowledge and
skills learned from previous coursework, laboratory research, and other learning experiences for the analyses of
important environmental problems plaguing modern society. The students will be expected to use, integrate and
effectively communicate (i.e., oral and poster presentations and in a written term paper) basic principles of
environmental science, theory, and issue-specific circumstances to address these complex and confounding
issues, and search for possible solutions.
This course will help guide each student in the effective communication and application of his/her knowledge
and skills in a situation that approximates some aspect of professional practice in the many disciplines covered
within the fields of Coastal Environmental Science.
Students at the Environmental Stakeholders Luncheon will have the opportunity to interact with professionals in
the fields of environmental science, both within and outside of academia (e.g., Louisiana Departments of
Natural Resources, Environmental Quality, Wildlife and Fisheries; National Marine Fisheries Service; local
environmental lawyers; environmental consultants; NGOs; etc.), and to demonstrate their capabilities in any
future professional workplace.
ENVS/OCS 4999
CAPSTONE IN COASTAL ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
COURSE OUTLINE
Lecture
Subject
1 (13 Jan.)
Introductions, Opening Remarks, Course Outline, Topic Suggestions for Alternate Energy, (Drs.
Rick Shaw & Kevin Armbrust)
2 (20 Jan.)
“The Science of Energy: Some physics, chemistry, geology, & biology” (Dean Chris D’Elia)
3 (27 Jan.)
“Alternative Energy Policy and Incentives/Subsidies” (Dr. David Dismukes)
4 (3 Feb.)
“Techniques in Effective Scientific Presentations” & Abstract Writing (Rick Shaw) & Energy
Assignments/Discusions
5 (10 Feb.)
“Effective Scientific Poster Making” & LSU’s CxC Resources (Dr. Becky Carmichael) & Final
Energy Assignments (Rick Shaw & Kevin Armbrust)
6 (17 Feb.)
Topic Discussions Lit. Selection, Outline Approvals & Guidance for PowerPoint Presentations
(Rick Shaw & Kevin Armbrust)
7 (24 Feb.)
Student PowerPoint Presentations (R.S. & K.A. w/ CES Exec. Committee)
8 (2 Mar.)
Student PowerPoint Presentations (R.S. & K.A. w/ CES Exec. Committee)
9 (9 Mar.)
Student PowerPoint Presentations (R.S. & K.A. w/ CES Exec. Committee)
10 (16 Mar.) Student PowerPoint Presentations (R.S. & K.A. w/ CES Exec. Committee)
11 (30 Mar.) Student PowerPoint Presentations (R.S. & K.A. w/ CES Exec. Committee)
12 (6 Apr.)
Student PowerPoint Presentations (R.S. & K.A. w/ CES Exec. Committee)
13 (13 Apr.)
Final Preparations for Posters & Subject Layout Approvals
14 (20 Apr.)
Stakeholders Luncheon, Interaction with Stakeholders & Afternoon Poster Presentations/Judging
15 (27 Apr.)
Submittal of Term Papers Before or at Beginning of Class & Final Exam Review/Discussion
(Rick Shaw)
16 (4 May)
FINAL
POSTER SESSION STAKEHOLDER PANELISTS (in addition to the CES Executive Committee):
Ms. Jean Cowan or Mr. Mel Landrey – NMFS Restoration Center Representative
Mr. Andy Fischer – LDWF Representative
Attn.s Trey McGowan, Jim Wilkins, &/or Blake Hudson – Environmental Lawyers
Mr. Rick Raynie &/or Jim Pahl – Gov.’s Office of Coastal Protection and Restoration (DNR)
Dr. Paul Kemp – Environmental Consultant Representative (formally with Louisiana Audubon Society)
Dr. Steven A Stage (IEM, Baton Rouge) & Sidney Marlborough (Environmental Assoc., Baton Rouge) –
Consulting Firm Representatives
Dr. V. Alex Appeaning - Deputy Sec., LA Dept. of Environmental Quality
Ms. Yvonne Allen - U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Representative
Dr. Shaye Sable – Dynamic Solutions – Consulting Firm Representative
Dr. Becky Carmichael – LSU’s “Communication Across the Curriculum” Representative
Mr. Kean Miller - LLP



Teams of 1 to 4 students will work on a chosen project. Individual or team posters will be presented at the
Stakeholders Luncheon and the SC&E CES Student Symposium.
Assignments will be made in advance for the initiation, debate and discussion points, based on student
projects.
Every student will be strongly encouraged to present a 10-15 minute PowerPoint presentation on their part
of the team project at the SC&E CES Student Symposium, as well as display and defend the individual or
team poster.
GRADE
PROPORTIONING
Oral Presentation
Poster Presentation
Term Paper
Final Exam
GRADING SCALE
(25%)
(25%)
(25%)
(25%)
A+
A
AB+
B
B-
98.00 to 100 %
94.50 to 97.99 %
91.00 to 94.49 %
87.50 to 90.99 %
84.00 to 87.49 %
80.50 to 83.99 %
C+
C
CD+
D
DF
77.00 to 80.49 %
73.50 to 76.99 %
70.00 to 73.49 %
66.50 to 69.99 %
63.00 to 66.49 %
59.50 to 62.99 %
Below 59.49 %
CHEATING AND PLAGIARISM:
Cheating or plagiarism will not be tolerated. It is recommended that students review Understanding and
Avoiding Plagiarism. The document can be found on the Dean of Students webpage @
http://appl003.lsu.edu/slas/dos.nsf/index.
Also available, Plagiarism: What is it and How to Avoid it, at
http://appl003.lsu.edu/acadaff/cxcweb.nsf/$Content/Summer+Institute+2008/$file/5LBBPlagiarism.pdf
Additional supporting from the Grad School can be found at
http://003.lsu.edu/grad/gradschool.nsf/$Content/Quick+Facts/$file/plagiarismQT.pdf
Students suspected of cheating or plagiarism will be referred to the Dean of Students as per requirements in the
LSU Student Handbook.
ORAL PRESENTATION (10-15 minutes): Student will be required to present a 10-15 minute oral,
PowerPoint presentation on his or her portion of the (team) project. This presentation should coincide with the
subject and format of the required paper (see below).
POSTER: Each student or team of students will prepare a 3 x 4-foot poster for presentation at the
Environmental Stakeholders Luncheon and the SC&E CES Student Symposium. The poster should be of the
caliber of that which would be presented at a National or International Scientific meeting. As such, it should
contain a Title and Author(s), an Abstract, Introduction, Background and Motivation, Results, and
Discussion/Conclusion sections, as well as Literature Cited materials. Text, figures, tables must be large
enough to be read from 6 feet away.
SUGGESTED READINGS:
Day, R.A. (1988). How to prepare a poster. Chapter 25, pp. 143-146. How to write & publish a scientific
paper. Oryx press, New York, 211 pp.
The Oceanography Society. 2005. Scientifically Speaking: Tips for preparing and delivering scientific
talks and using visual aids (http://www.tos.org/resources/publications/sci_speaking.html).
Mandoli, D.F. 2000. How to make a great poster. Education Resources, American Society of Plant
Physiologists. (http://www.aspp.org/education/poster.htm).
TERM PAPER
Based on team project components, each student must prepare a paper on the assigned subject. Instructor
must approve the topic of your report by the 5th or 6th lecture.
The paper must be 10 double-spaced (15 for graduate students) typed pages in length (not counting the title
page, abstract or references), and grammatically correct without spelling errors. Provide an abstract (less than
150 words on a single page, first page after title page) and a summary or conclusion (single paragraph). Title
page, Abstract and References are NOT counted in the 10-page (15-page for graduate students) requirement.
Within reason, Figures and Tables can be used in the text, but they cannot be ‘borrowed’ (plagiarism) and the
student must create a substantially modified version (plus credit the source). Pictures are generally not
appropriate unless taken by the student. If in doubt, ask.
References must be made in the text using either a numerical or author reference format (e.g.“ the teratogenic
effects of thalidomide have been demonstrated” (Forman and Valsamakis, 2003; or 12). At least 10 scientific
journal articles, in addition to other sources (books, etc.), must be cited. All references should be recent, i.e.,
2000 or later. However, sometimes there is a substantial reason to use earlier scientific publications as
references, i.e., originally discovered/reported. Magazines (e.g., Newsweek) are NOT acceptable references.
Many posted online materials are also not acceptable. However, established databases, online-only scientific
journals, and other professional websites must be referenced as noted below. References may be arranged
either alphabetically or by numerical order. The complete reference must be included as follows:
Journal:
Bakare, A.A., Pandey, A.K., Bajpayee, M., Bhargav, D., Chowdhuri, D.K., Singh, K.P., Murthy, R.C., and
Dhawan, A. (2007). DNA Damage induced in human peripheral blood lymphocytes by industrial solid waste
and municipal sludge leachates. Environ. Mol. Mutagen 48: 30-37.
Book:
Forman, M.S. and Valsamakis, A. 2003. Specimen collection, transport, and processing: virology, p. 12271241. In P.R. Murray, E.J. Baron, M.A. Pfaller, J.H. Jorgensen, and R.H. Yolken (eds), Manual of clinical
microbiology, 8th ed. ASM Press, Washington, D.C.
Online Reference:
Zhang, E., Schrom, J., and Dodge, T., June 29, 2006 posting date. Benzo(a)pyrene Pathway Map. Biocatalysis
/ Biodegradation Database, University of Minnesota. http://umbbd.msi.umn.edu/bap/bap_map.html. Accessed
May 21, 2007.
THE PAPER IS DUE NO LATE THAN THE LAST CLASS DATE (BEFORE FINAL).
ENVIRONMENTAL LAW & POLICY
SPRING 2016
PROFESSOR BLAKE HUDSON
Monday and Wednesday – Law Building 214
1:50 p.m. to 3:20 p.m.
Office:
Email:
Phone:
Best way to contact me:
Office Hours:
436 Law Center (or 2111, Coast and Environment Building)
blake.hudson@law.lsu.edu
225-578-4064
email
available by appointment
OVERVIEW AND GOALS OF THE COURSE
Environmental Law is a relatively young body of law when compared with other legal
regimes. As a result, today’s environmental lawyers and policy-makers have an opportunity to
practice in a dynamic field and to contribute to the development of environmental law on local,
state, national, and—increasingly—global scales. Indeed, environmental issues are consistently
moving to the forefront of modern legal and political controversies. Environmental law has also
become incredibly specialized, with a wide range of issues falling under the broad heading of
“environment.” Though we will discuss the common law origins of environmental law and
related state and local laws, this course will be concerned primarily with select federal
environmental statutes—ranging from those protecting the nation’s air, water, and biodiversity,
to those protecting the environment from hazardous waste, to those curbing environmentally
destructive federal government actions. While we will focus on federal statutes, the course will
provide a framework for understanding the administration of environmental regulations at the
state level, since state environmental statutes and agencies operate in a similar manner.
We will study environmental law and policy by reading scholarly articles, reviewing case
law, and analyzing statutes and their implementing administrative regulations. While
environmental law courses traditionally focus on the most significant laws and cases, this course
will also emphasize the scientific, political and economic issues driving environmental conflicts.
Furthermore, we will discuss the cross section of environmental law and policy with many other
areas of law, including natural resources, administrative, property and land use, constitutional,
and international law.
REQUIRED TEXT
RUHL, NAGLE, SALZMAN AND KLASS, The Practice and Policy of Environmental Law
(3rd ed. Foundation Press, 2014) Make sure you purchase the THIRD edition
OPTIONAL STUDY GUIDE
SALZMAN AND THOMPSON, JR., Environmental Law and Policy (Concepts and Insights)
(4th ed. 2013)
1
I may assign PDFs or other supplemental readings from time to time. These may be
found under “supplemental reading materials” on Moodle. If you have trouble accessing Moodle
for any reason, please let me know.
LAPTOP AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY – *PLEASE NOTE*
I do not allow laptop, smartphone, or other technology use in the classroom. While I
appreciate that this is an inconvenience to those who prefer typing their notes during class, after
having taught both ways I have found that a classroom without the distractions created by
personal computing devices results in a much better learning environment.
ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION
This is a vigorous course and attendance is mandatory. Students missing 6 or more
classes may be penalized up to one full grade point. Sick days, etc. must be utilized out of this
allotment. In accord with ABA and LSU rules, students missing 7 or more classes may not be
permitted to complete the course. Moreover, quality of attendance―including class
participation―will be evaluated and students should be prepared to meet this requirement. To
adequately meet these requirements, students should miss as few classes as possible, if any at all.
Class participation and preparation are required. All students are encouraged to volunteer
comments and questions. I expect you to complete the assigned readings and that you are
prepared to participate. I will be calling on students to summarize cases and others aspects of
the reading. Participation and preparation are not based upon quantity of comments, but rather
quality. General level of interest demonstrated outside the classroom can count toward your
participation score.
GRADING AND ASSESSMENT
The grade in the course will be based on participation and a final exam. As noted,
participation includes attendance at out of class presentations, workshops, or field trips that may
be assigned later in the semester (with exceptions granted for approved schedule conflicts, such
as class or work conflicts). I reserve the option to award up to .3 additional points to the final
grade based on class participation and preparation, or to deduct up to .3 points from the final
grade based on lack of participation and preparation. More details regarding the final exam will
be forthcoming later in the semester.
CLASS RESCHEDULING
In an effort to better synchronize main campus and law school schedules (since students
from both are in this class), we will not meet for class on Monday, January 11. We will also not
meet on Wednesday March 23. If any further classes require make-up classes to cover the
affected dates, we will schedule those accordingly. I will do my best to ensure that make-up
classes do not conflict with any of your other classes. For anyone unable to attend a make-up
class and with an unusual situation preventing attendance, please let me know and we will
address it.
2
REQUIRED READINGS
Rather than attempt to plan the day-to-day discussions months in advance, I will post
assignment sheets on Moodle in two week intervals in order to maintain flexibility in our
approach (under “assignment sheets” on Moodle). You should receive each new assignment
sheet on the Thursday prior to that assignment. This will allow you plenty of time to read and
process the Monday assignment before class on that day.
Over the course of this semester, we will endeavor to read RUHL, NAGLE, SALZMAN AND
KLASS chapters 1 and 9 (as foundational background material) and 2-6, although potentially
skipping portions of certain chapters or jumping outside of those chapters for some material. We
will try to cover between 15 and 25 pages of text in each class. The chart below represents what
we plan to cover, but this is only meant as a general guideline for what we will attempt to
accomplish this semester. We may not cover every topic listed below, and I may change the
assignments or even dispense with entire topics if necessary. Also, I may add reading materials,
although you will be given plenty of time to read these in advance.
CHAPTER 1: AN INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL LAW IN PRACTICE
The Drivers of Environmental Conflicts
What do Environmental Lawyers Do?
CHAPTER 9: ADMINISTRATIVE RULEMAKING AND PERMITTING
An Introduction to the Administrative State
Rulemaking Proceedings
Permitting Proceedings
CHAPTER 2: PROTECTING ENDANGERED SPECIES
The Endangered Species Act
CHAPTER 3: THE CLEAN AIR ACT
NAAQS, SIPs, NSPS, PSD, NSR, and Title V
Alternative Regulatory Approaches
CHAPTER 4: PROTECTING WATER RESOURCES
Point and Nonpoint Source Water Pollution
Wetlands
The Public Trust Doctrine
3
CHAPTER 5: REGULATING AND REMEDIATING HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES AND
WASTE
The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
(CERCLA)
CHAPTER 6: INFORMATION DISCLOSURE
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
Private Information Disclosure Statutes
4
Integrated Environmental Issues, ENVS 7700
Spring 2016 (3 credits, Section 1)
Catalog Statement: Multi- disciplinary analysis of a current environmental issue. Discussion of topics from the
perspectives of natural science, economics, social science and political science. Integration and synthesis of information
to develop a science-based approach to environmental decision-making.
Instructors:
Dr. Nina Lam, 2275 Energy, Coast, and Environment (ECE) Bdg, 225-578-6197, nlam@lsu.edu.
Dr. Crystal N. Johnson, 2283 Energy, Coast, and Environment (ECE) Bdg, 225-578-9422, cnjohnson@lsu.edu.
Office hours are any time by appointment.
Course Meeting: Hours: M/W, 4:30-5:50; Location: 1070 Energy, Coast, and Environment (ECE) Bdg
Course Objectives: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. Understand state of knowledge in their own priority area; write research proposal for M.S. or Ph.D. level
2. Exposure to other priority areas related to environmental sciences
3. Understand integrated issues of environmental sustainability and climate change
Three broad priority areas will be covered, and students will be expected to master all three areas. Those three priority
areas are A: Biophysical Systems (coupled biological and physical systems), B: Environmental Planning and
Management (coupled human and natural systems), and C: Environmental Assessment and Analysis (coupled people
and technology). Students will write a research proposal that includes their area of interest.
Text: Guest speakers will cover specific topics based on their areas of expertise. Supplemental readings from guest
lectures will be provided. The latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report will be reviewed.
Grading and Exams:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Exam I (100 points)
Exam II (100 points)
IPCC presentation (20 points)
Research proposal and presentation (100 points)
Page 1 of 2
Course Outline:
Date
1/13/2016
1/18/2016
1/20/2016
1/25/2016
1/27/2016
2/1/2016
2/3/2016
2/8/2016
2/10/2016
2/15/2016
2/17/2016
2/22/2016
2/24/2016
2/29/2016
3/2/2016
3/7/2016
3/9/2016
3/14/2016
3/16/2016
3/21/2016
3/23/2016
3/28/2016
3/30/2016
4/4/2016
4/6/2016
4/11/2016
4/13/2016
4/18/2016
4/20/2016
4/25/2016
4/27/2016
Specific Topic
Speaker,
Materials
Introductions, expectations,
format, begin reading IPCC
MLK Holiday
Portier
Wilson
CJ may
be late
Armbrust
Hooper-Bui
Hou
Mardi Gras
Lomnicki
CJ may
be late
DeLorme
Snyder
Hudson
Lam out
Reams
Lam out
Dismukes
Exam I
How to write a research grant
proposal (Lam)
How to write a research grant
proposal (Johnson)
Lam
D'Elia
Spring Break
Spring Break
Laws
Johnson
IPCC presentations
IPCC presentations
IPCC presentations
Exam II
Proposal presentations
Proposal presentations
Proposal presentations
Proposal presentations
CJ may
be late
Page 2 of 2