ES 2013 – Introduction to Environmental Science I
Course Syllabus – Spring 2021
Table of Contents
ES 2013 – Introduction to Environmental Science I................................................................................................................ 1
Course Syllabus – Spring 2021............................................................................................................................................... 1
ES 2013 Course Description ............................................................................................................................................... 2
Course Objectives ............................................................................................................................................................... 2
Unit Learning Outcomes ..................................................................................................................................................... 3
Course Format .................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Contact Information ............................................................................................................................................................. 4
Communication Plan ........................................................................................................................................................... 4
Course Materials ................................................................................................................................................................. 4
Technology Requirements .................................................................................................................................................. 4
Tech Support ....................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Grading Information ............................................................................................................................................................ 5
Grading Schema ................................................................................................................................................................. 6
Assignments & Assessments .............................................................................................................................................. 6
Homework ....................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Team Activities ................................................................................................................................................................ 6
Module Checkzes ................................................................................................ Ошибка! Закладка не определена.
Discussion Posts ............................................................................................................................................................. 6
Exams ............................................................................................................................................................................. 6
Course Expectations & Policies .......................................................................................................................................... 6
UTSA Information for Students ........................................................................................................................................... 7
Your work must be your own ........................................................................................................................................... 7
Interpersonal Interactions and Netiquette ........................................................................................................................... 7
UTSA Resources ................................................................................................................................................................ 7
Disability Services ............................................................................................................................................................... 8
Tips & Resources for Success ............................................................................................................................................ 8
Changes .............................................................................................................................................................................. 8
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ES 2013 Course Description
What is your place in the environment? What are the pressing environmental problems you face today? What are
solutions to those problems, and how can you contribute? You will be introduced to the scientific principles, concepts, and
methodologies you need to understand the interactions of the biotic (living) components of the natural world. You will
identify and analyze environmental problems, the risks of these environmental problems, and examine solutions. You will
examine the biotic concepts of growth, processes, and changes occurring in ecosystems and social structures.
TCCN: ENVR 1301
Credit hours: (3)
Prerequisites: none
Course Objectives
ES 2013 is a Core Curriculum course and a “Q” course and satisfies UTSA's quantitative scholarship requirement.
By the end of the course, successful students will be able to:
CO 1. Identify the foundations of environmental science.
CO 2. Explain the energy conversions underlying all ecological processes.
CO 3. Discover the interactions of the natural world.
CO 4. Analyze the impacts of the human population on the natural world.
CO 5. Recognize environmental problems from a cultural and social context.
CO 6. Summarize the need for developing sustainable practices.
• creating and
interpreting
formulas, graphs,
tables
• solving problems
using quantitative
techniques and
interpret the results
• make predictions
and inferences based
on a given set of data
or quantitative
information
Teamwork skills
• including oral,
visual, and
written
communication.
Quantitative skills
• learning how to
interpret, analyze
and evaluate data,
statements, graphics,
and questions
• recognizing the best
hypothesis to explain
a scientific
phenomenon
• constructing wellsupported, clearly
articulated, and
sustained arguments
with a justified
conclusion
Communication skills
Critical Thinking skills
As part of the core curriculum, students in this course will have the opportunity to develop skills including:
• working with
fellow students
on assignments
including in-class
discussions and
team activities.
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Unit Learning Outcomes
Learning outcomes for each unit support the course objectives and core curriculum skills. By the end of each unit,
successful students will be able to do the following:
Unit
Unit 1: Environmental
and Scientific
Literacy
Unit 2:
Ecology
Unit 3: Evolution and
Biodiversity
Unit 4: Human
Populations and
Environmental Health
Unit 5: Managing
Resources
Unit Learning Outcomes
Course Objective
supported
 Explain the importance of environmental literacy
CO 1, 5, 6
 Develop hypotheses and describe the best experimental
design for environmental case studies.
CO 1, 3
 Interpret graphical and numerical data to predict
quantitative outcomes when given data.
CO 1,3
 Summarize causes and effects of toxins in the
environment
CO 1, 3, 4, 5, 6
 Identify terrestrial biomes by plant, animal, and climatic
characteristics.
CO 1, 2, 3, 4, 6
 Explain factors influencing population growth.
CO 1, 3, 4, 6
 Summarize the flow of energy and matter through
ecosystems.
CO 1, 2, 3, 4, 6
 Explain the importance of species interactions in
ecological communities
CO 1, 2, 3, 4, 6
 Describe natural selection as a mechanism for evolution.
CO 1, 3, 4, 6
 Identify the importance of biodiversity
CO 1, 3, 4, 6
 Summarize strategies in preserving biodiversity
CO 1, 3, 4, 5, 6
 Identify issues in the environment caused from human
overpopulation.
CO 1, 4, 5, 6
 Assess the benefits and drawbacks of urbanization
CO 1, 4, 5, 6
 Explain how environmental toxicology relates to human
health.
CO 1, 3, 4, 5, 6
 Describe the need for sustainable development
CO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
 Explain why sustainability is necessary for management of
common resources.
CO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
 Identify the effects of environmental policy
CO 1, 4, 5, 6
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Course Format
This course will be taught entirely online through Blackboard Learn. There will be no class meetings on campus.
Navigation Instructions: When you log in to Blackboard you will arrive at the “Announcements” page. Use the course
menu to go to other locations in the course.
Contact Information
Instructor Name: Ms. Juarez
Office Location: Virtual
Email Address: monica.juarez@utsa.edu
Communication Plan
Email is the preferred method of communication. You have the option of using the “Email” tool in Blackboard to send an
email directly to your instructor through Blackboard, or you may send an email to the above email address. Every effort
will be made to respond within 24 hours. Emails are generally not answered after 5 pm or on the weekend. A
response will be sent during the next business day (8-5 pm central time, Monday- Friday).
Throughout the course your instructor will offer optional synchronous sessions through Blackboard Collaborate or Zoom to
review specific topics or provide additional explanations.
Office hours will be offered virtually Wednesday’s from 10-11a central time, or by appointment. Send me an email
indicating the best day and time to meet, and I will accommodate your schedule if I am able.
Virtual office hours will be held using Blackboard Collaborate. Navigate to the Contact your Instructor page from the link in
the left side menu and click on the Online Office Hours Room. I will be available at the posted times to answer questions.
Course Materials
Text book: Environmental Science for a Changing World
Author: Susan Karr, Janeen Interlandl, and Anne Houtman.
ISBN: 978-1319059620 or 1319059627
You may use the physical textbook or the electronic version of the text as found on the Sapling website (link through
Blackboard). There will also be readings posted on BB throughout the semester.
SaplingPlus: An online homework, tutorial, and assessment system that helps you understand concepts both in and
outside class. SaplingPlus incorporates activities to help you prepare for class. SaplingPlus assignments are required as
part of the homework grade for the course. There is one homework assignment in Sapling per module covered in the
course.
Technology Requirements
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Basic computer skills.
Computer with speakers or headphones. You can use your own computer or one on campus.
Internet access. Wired or reliable connection recommended for online tests/assignments.
Supported web browser: Chrome and Firefox are the recommended browsers. Issues may happen if using Internet
Explorer or Safari. In case you are having troubles in opening or accessing content, clear the cache and try with
a different browser.
 Run the Blackboard Browser Check
(https://help.blackboard.com/Learn/Student/Getting_Started/Browser_Support/Browser_Checker).
 Download and install all required plugins.
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Tech Support
 Review the Blackboard Learn help information – (https://help.blackboard.com/Learn/Student).
 Visit the UTSA Digital Learning websites for technical support:
 Roadrunner Resources (https://odl.utsa.edu/support/)
 Visit a UTSA Student Computing Services Lab.
If you have a problem with Blackboard and you have already cleared the cache and tried with a different browser, please
submit a ticket to Tech Cafe. Be ready with your course ID and section. A screenshot of the issue will accelerate the
troubleshooting process.
Contact Information:
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Email Tech Cafe at techcafe@utsa.edu
Call Tech Cafe at 210.458.5555
Visit the Tech Café Student Services webpage
A screenshot of the issue you are encountering will accelerate the troubleshooting process.
Be aware to access the content and submit the assignments in a timely manner to be able to receive support for technical
issues. Always notify your instructor about the issue you are encountering.
Grading Information
Final grades will be based on the following percentages:
A = 90% and up
B = 80 – 89%
C = 70 – 79%
D = 60 – 69%
F = 59% and less
Note: I do not round up points in the total score. Therefore, a student who earns 89.99 points receives a B.
While there are no extra credit assignments given in this course, there are opportunities for extra credit built into the course.
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Each exam will have 2 bonus questions worth up to 2 points each for a total of 4 bonus points.
In SaplingPlus, Learning Curve assignments are not required, but if completed you will receive one bonus point per
Learning Curve completed on the exam for those modules up to 3 points per exam.
There will be 9 Module Checks given, and the lowest grade will be dropped from the Module check average.
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Grading Schema
GRADE CONTRIBUTIONS
Percentage of
Grade
Quantity
Exams
40%
5
Module Check
20%
8
Homework
20%
14
Team Activities
10%
5
Discussions
10%
4
Total
100%
36
Activity
Discussions - 10%
Team
Activities
- 10%
Exams 40%
Homework 20%
Module Checks - 20%
Assignments & Assessments
Homework
Homework will be assigned and turned in through SaplingPlus or Blackboard. It may include written summaries of
scientific papers, videos, or online readings and questions.
Team Activities
Team activities consist of team case studies and activities. You must participate in the case study or activity to receive
credit for teamwork assignments. There is no make up for missed teamwork assignments. An individual team evaluation
will be completed for each team case study.
Module Check
There will be a short set of questions for some modules over the semester covering the material of the module. These
module checks will be given through Blackboard and must be completed by the assigned due date.
Discussion Posts
There will be a discussion post due for some units covered in the course. The discussion will consist of concepts covered
through the unit. You must post your individual response to the discussion post and optionally, respond to two posts from
your classmates by the due date.
Exams
There will be a total of five exams, including the final exam. Each exam will consist of multiple-choice, true/false,
matching, and/or short answer questions. Exams will be given through Blackboard and must be completed by the due
date.
Course Expectations & Policies
1. Make-up exams/ module checks will only be given if you have a University approved event, sickness with a
doctor's excuse, or death in the family with provided valid documentation. Make-up exams/ module checks must
be completed/scheduled within one (1) week of the absence.
2. Late work will NOT be accepted unless you are cannot complete the assignment within the assigned time frame
due to a University approved event, a sickness with a doctor's excuse or death in the family and present valid
documentation. Make-up assignments must be completed/scheduled within one (1) week of the absence. All
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assignments are to be turned in using the format specified in class for the assignment.
3. If assignments are not turned in on the due date, a zero will be assigned. If an assignment is not completed, a
zero will be recorded for that assignment and averaged in with your other scores to obtain a final grade.
4. All work submitted for credit in this course must be original and done independently. Non-original and/or nonindependent work will be considered scholastic dishonesty and is unacceptable in this class. Scholastic
dishonesty will result in no credit for an assignment/exam and/or a failing grade or reduced final grade for the
course. ALL cases of scholastic dishonesty will be referred to the Office of Student Judicial Affairs. NO
EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE.
UTSA Information for Students
Refer to the UTSA Policies website (http://provost.utsa.edu/syllabus.asp) for information about counselling services,
student code of conduct and scholastic dishonesty, students with disabilities, transitory/minor medical issues,
supplemental instructions, tutoring services, learning assistance, and the Roadrunner Creed.
Your work must be your own
In order to minimize the possibility of violations of this code, the following guidelines must be observed.
1. You can of course study with other students, but you may NOT receive assistance from other individuals while
completing the module checks, tests, and exam. These assessments are to be your independent work.
2. You may not record any aspect of the module check/test/exam or the module check/test/exam feedback in any
form. Printing the questions or feedback, taking screen shots or photos of the screen, writing down the questions
are all prohibited and doing so would be a violation of the honor code.
3. Further, you may not describe or otherwise convey to other students the contents or specific topics or questions
from the test.
4. Unless stated otherwise, all work in this course is to be completed on an individual basis. When you submit your
initial discussion posts, wiki entries, journal entries, or blogs, this work must be completely your own. Any
deviation from this policy or other acts, or attempted acts, of cheating, collusion or plagiarism will be considered
scholastic dishonesty.
5. The course uses digital tools described in this syllabus or in the Blackboard component. Any other tool that is not
listed here is not required for the course, neither is supported by your instructor or by the support team for the
program.
Interpersonal Interactions and Netiquette
Treat your classmates with the professionalism and courtesy you would expect in the workplace, and with which you
yourself would want to be treated. Make sure that your communications are appropriate and adhere to netiquette policy.
There is an informal code of conduct that most people follow on the Internet. Netiquette includes not sending email or
messages in ALL CAPS or with too many exclamation points or asking repetitive questions in forums that have FAQs
posted. Sending spam is also a violation of netiquette. You will have an easier time communicating with others over the
Internet if you conform to these basic standards. Note that Blackboard Learn software automatically stores course access
records, Module Check scores, email postings, discussion postings, and chat room conversations.
UTSA Resources
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Counseling Services webpage
UTSA Library webpage
The Writing Center
Student Code of Conduct and Scholastic Dishonesty info
UTSA Student Disability Services
UTSA Supplemental Instruction Services
Tutoring Services – Tomás Rivera Center
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The Roadrunner Creed
Disability Services
The University of Texas at San Antonio, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act, provides “reasonable accommodations” to students with disabilities. Any student with a disability who is
requesting an accommodation for this course must provide the instructor with official documentation in the form of a letter
from Student Disability Services. The key to obtaining appropriate accommodations at UTSA is providing the appropriate
documentation. Every student who receives accommodations at UTSA must have a documented condition, which
constitutes a disability under the guidelines of the ADA. It is the student’s responsibility to provide documentation of
disability to UTSA Disability Services Office and meet with a counselor to request special accommodation before classes
start. Only those students who have officially documented a need for an accommodation will have their request honored.
Information regarding diagnostic criteria and policies for obtaining disability-based academic accommodations can be
found through Student Disability Services (http://www.utsa.edu/disability) at the Main Campus (210) 458-4157 or the
Downtown Campus (210) 458-2945.
Note: Disability Services recommends that students deliver their letters personally to preserve confidentiality and to create
an opportunity for discussion between the student and instructor.
In order to prepare the required documentation and receive the requested accommodations in a timely manner,
please notify your instructor and the Student Disability Service office as soon as possible.
Tips & Resources for Success
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Get familiar with the technology.
Make sure that your computer is configured to work with the Blackboard Learn system.
Make sure that you know your myUTSA ID and passphrase.
Regularly check the Blackboard Learn course for announcements and updates.
Log in to your Blackboard Learn course every day.
Complete all required assignments and module checks by the due dates.
Participate in all required discussions. Online learning is not self-paced or solitary learning; you must interact with your
classmates in the various discussion boards.
Take responsibility for your own learning. Take the course and yourself seriously.
Be aware of the amount of class work you need to accomplish. No on-campus meetings does NOT mean less work.
Usually, eight hours of work outside of class are required every week in order to succeed in this course.
Be polite and respectful in all communications with the instructor and other members of the class.
Speak up if you are having problems. Ask questions and utilize office hours.
Manage your time wisely. Course participants need to have strong time management skills in hybrid and online courses.
Please review this self-paced time management skills guide (https://odl.utsa.edu/online-student-readiness/).
Changes
The syllabus is subject to change at the discretion of the instructor. Changes will be communicated via Blackboard. It is
your responsibility to check Blackboard for corrections or updates to the syllabus. Any changes/corrections to the course
materials, assignment dates, or other updates will be posted ahead of time in the course Announcements tool. It is your
responsibility to check Blackboard regularly for updates.
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ES 2013 Spring 2021 Online Schedule
Units
Unit 0 - Course
Orientation
Week:
Week 1: 1/19 - 1/24
Online Topic
Orientation & Class
Procedures, Assigning
of Teams/ Charter
Homework due in Blackboard:
Homework due in
Sapling:
Due by 11:59 pm on 1/24 in
Bb:
Due by 11:59 pm on
1/24 in Sapling:
Do…"ing" Team & Team
Charter
Practice Assignment
Unit 0 Discussion
Week 2: 1/25 - 1/31
Unit 1 Environmental,
Scientific, and
Information
Literacy
(Modules 1.1,
1.2, & 1.3)
Week 3: 2/1 - 2/7
Week 4: 2/8 - 2/14
Environmental
Literacy - Module 1.1
Science Literacy –
Module 1.2
Information Literacy
and Toxicology –
Module 1.3
Due by 11:59 pm on 1/31 in
Bb:
Module check #1 - Module 1.1
Due by 11:59 pm on
2/14 in Sapling:
Due by 11:59 pm on 2/7 in
Bb:
Module 1.1
Homework
Module check #2 - Module 1.2
Module 1.2
Homework
Due by 11:59 pm on 2/14 in
Bb:
Module 1.3 Video
Quiz
Unit 1 Discussion
Eco Footprint Calculator
Learning Curves
(extra credit on exam
1) for Modules 1.1,
1.2, 1.3
Exam #1 (Modules 1.1, 1.2, 1.3) - open at 12 am on 2/10 and due in Blackboard by 11:59 pm on 2/15
Week 5: 2/15 - 2/21
Nutrient cycles –
Module 2.1
Terrestrial Biomes –
Module 2.1
Unit 2 - Ecology
(Modules 2.1,
2.2, & 2.3)
Week 6: 2/22 - 2/28
Population Ecology Module 2.2
Due by 11:59 pm on 2/21 in
Bb:
Due by 11:59 pm on
3/7 in Sapling:
Module check #3 - Module 2.1
Module 2.1
Homework
Due by 11:59 pm on 2/28 in
Bb:
Module check #4 - Module 2.2
Week 7: 3/1 - 3/7
Community Ecology Module 2.3
Due by 11:59 pm on 3/7 in
Bb:
Module 2.2 Scientific
American Activity
Quiz
Module 2.3
Interactive Map Quiz:
Keystone Species
Learning Curves
(extra credit on exam
2) for Modules 2.1,
2.2, 2.3
9
Species Interactions Module 2.3
The Moose is Loose
Team Case
Moose Case Team Summary
Moose Case Team Evaluation
Exam #2 (Modules 2.1, 2.2, 2.3) - open at 12 am on 3/3 and due in Blackboard by 11:59 pm on 3/8
3/8 - 3/14
Week 8: 3/15 - 3/21
Week 9: 3/22 - 3/28
Unit 3 Evolution and
Biodiversity
(Modules 3.1,
3.2, & 3.3)
Spring Break - No class
Evolution and
Extinction – Module
3.1
Biodiversity - Module
3.2
Due by 11:59 pm on 3/21 in
Bb:
Due by 11:59 pm on
4/4 in Sapling:
Module check #5 - Module 3.1
Module 3.1
Homework
Due by 11:59 pm on 3/28 in
Bb:
Module 3.2 Scientific
American Quiz
Module check #6 - Module 3.2
Module 3.3
Interactive Map Quiz:
Endangered Species
Due by 11:59 pm on 4/4 in
Bb:
Week 10: 3/29 - 4/4
Preserving
Biodiversity – Module
3.3
Unit 3 Discussion
Learning Curves
(extra credit on exam
3) for Modules 3.1,
3.2, 3.3
Eco Footprint Team
Assignment Plan
Exam #3 (Modules 3.1, 3.2, 3.3) - open at 12 am on 3/31 and due in Blackboard by 11:59 pm on 4/5
Week 11: 4/5 - 4/11
Unit 4 - Human
Populations
and
Environmental
Health
(Modules 4.1,
4.2, & 4.3)
Week 12: 4/12 - 4/18
Human populations –
Module 4.1
Urbanization –
Module 4.2
Due by 11:59 pm on 4/11 in
Bb:
Due by 11:59 pm on
4/25 in Sapling:
Module check #7 - Module 4.1
Module 4.1
Homework
Due by 11:59 pm on 4/18 in
Bb:
Module check #8 - Module 4.2
Week 13: 4/19 - 4/25
Environmental Health
- Module 4.3
Due by 11:59 pm on 4/25 in
Bb:
Unit 4 Discussion
Module 4.2
Interactive Map Quiz:
Green Cities
Module 4.3 Video
Quiz
Learning Curves
(extra credit on exam
4) for Modules 4.1,
4.2, 4.3
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Exam #4 (Modules 4.1, 4.2, 4.3) - open at 12 am on 4/21 and due in Blackboard by 11:59 pm on 4/26
Week 14: 4/26 - 5/2
Unit 5 Managing
Resources:
Environmental
Economics and
Policy
(Modules 5.1 &
5.2)
Ecological Economics
and Consumption –
Module 5.1
Due by 11:59 pm on 5/2 in
Bb:
Due by 11:59 pm on
5/4 in Sapling:
Module check #9 - Module 5.1
Module 5.1
Homework
Module 5.2
Interactive Map Quiz:
Policy in Action
Week 15: 5/3 - 5/4
(Module will be open
from 4/26)
5-May
Environmental Policy
– Module 5.2
Due by 11:59 pm on 5/4 in
Bb:
Eco Footprint Team Spark
Page Assignment
Learning Curves
(extra credit on final
exam) for Modules
5.1, 5.2 due in
Sapling
Student Study Day – No Class
5/6 - 5/12 - Final Exam (75% cumulative - Modules 1.1 - 4.3, 25% new material - Modules 5.1 & 5.2)
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