GEOL 1407 Introduction to Environmental Science
M, W, F 11:00-11:50, SCI 110
M labs 1-2:50, 3-4:50 SCI 127
Instructor: Dr. Carol Thompson
Office: 139D Science--ext. 9739
Office Hours: M, W 10-11 AM; other times email to set up an appt
cthompson@tarleton.edu
Lab Instructors: Kim Hogan Kimberly.hogan@go.tarleton.edu; Crockett Savage
crockett.savage@go.tarleton.edu
Required Text: Botkin and Keller Environmental Science: Earth As a Living Planet 9th Edition
I am using the Wiley Plus system for quizzes, assignments and other information. You must have access
to this system. It contains a full e-book so you do not need a printed book unless you want one. You can
buy a print book and the Wily Plus code from the bookstore or the just the WileyPlus access code on line.
Look at Blackboard for how to do this.
Lab Manual: None, labs are on Blackboard and should be printed before coming to class
Academic Honesty:
Tarleton State University’s Academic Honesty Policy, outlined in the student handbook, states that each
professor is responsible for determining academic honesty policy in his or her classroom. In this class,
each student will be expected to do his or her own work on all exams, labs, and other assignments. If a
student is observed cheating on any assignment, or in any other way represents someone else’s work as
his own, he or she will receive a grade of 0 on the work and will be referred to the Dean of Students for
disciplinary action.
Class Information, Notes, Announcements:
Information for this class will be posted in Blackboard. The schedule for each day as well as class
assignments will be there. Announcements of any changes in class, grades and other pertinent
information will be posted as appropriate.
Claim your Tarleton Go email account. All official information will be sent using that email. Not reading
your email is no excuse.
Active Learning/Team Learning/Flipped Class
This is going to be an active learning class. We will spend time in class on discussion, comprehension
questions, interactive lectures and debates. That puts more of the responsibility for learning on you.
Additional material will be on Wiley Plus via Blackboard which will include some additional lectures. You
will need to spend more time out of class working than you will in class.
Grading
Exams: 48%
There will be four exams during the semester. Exams will be multiple choice and short answer. Exams
cover material from lecture, the readings, discussions and lab concepts. Make-ups for authorized school
functions (athletics, class outings) should be scheduled and taken in advance of the test in class.
Quizzes (12%)
There may be in-class quizzes, especially if it becomes apparent that you are un-prepared for class, but
most will be taken in BB.
In-Class Discussion/Homework/On-line exercises: 12%
In addition, much of the class will consist of me asking questions about the class material which you will
have read before class.
Debate 3%
Each of you will participate in an in-class debate.
Make-ups for quizzes and activities are not allowed. However, since it is reasonable that an individual
will not make every class, the totals will be based on 85% of the maximum. Debates cannot be made
up.
Laboratory: 25%
This is a lab class. Therefore you must attend lab in order to pass the class. It is imperative that you
attend your scheduled lab every week. Make-ups are problematic. Labs will count for 20%, the
presentation and test on the presentations are worth 5% of the lab total.
Extra Credit: Extra credit is not available for this class.
Class Manners:
Turn off your cell phones, pagers etc. when you come to class. If it is absolutely necessary that you be
available, make sure that your device is not audible. Please try to be on time for class and I would
appreciate your staying throughout class. Unless absolutely necessary, please don’t leave and return
during class. It is distracting to me and others. Don’t start packing up 10 min before the end of class.
Expected order, but as always subject to change
8/25
Introduction
8/27, 29
Overview
Chapter 1
9/3
Science
Chapter 2
9/5, 8
Economics
Chapter 3
9/10
9/12, 15
Population
Chapter 5
9/17
9/19
TEST 1
9/22
Ecosystems
Chapter 6
9/24
Diversity
Chapter 9
9/26
Diversity-Invasives
Chapter 9
9/29
10/1
10/3
Diversity-Endangered
Wilderness/Wetlands
Chapter 12
Chapter 13,
18
Debate 1
Debate 2
Debate 3Food web
10/6
Debate 4Invasives
10/8
10/10
Ecological Restoration
10/13
10/15
10/17
10/20
10/22
TEST 2
Biogeochemical Cycles
Agriculture
Environmental Health
10/24
10/27
10/29
NO CLASS
Environmental Health
10/31, 11/3
11/5, 7
11/10
Water Pollution
Air Pollution
11/12
11/14
11/17
11/19
TEST 3
Energy Basics
Fossil Fuels
Nuclear and
Alternative Energy
Chapter 10
Debate 5public lands
Chapter 7
Chapter 11
Chapter 8
Debate 6
Genetically
modified
crops
Chapter 8
Debate 7antibiotics in
animals
Chapter 19
Chapter 21
Debate 8 Air
pollution
11/21
11/24, 26
12/1, 3
Water Supply
Global Climate
12/5 11:30-2
Test 4/Final
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
and 17
Debate 9?
Chapter 18
Chapter 20
Intended Knowledge, Skill, and Value Outcomes:
Students will evaluate evidence in analysis, interpretation or arguments
Students will synthesize varied components of information to form a rational conclusion.
Students will express ideas in written, visual or oral forms to a range of diverse audiences in multiple
settings.
Students will gather, interpret or use numerical data/observable facts to arrive at an informed
conclusion.
Students will work in coordination to complete specific tasks.
Students will understand the impact humans have had on the environment
Students will understand the role resource extraction, utilization, and disposal has on the environment
Students will understand human population trends and the factors that affect them
Students will understand the control humans have over non-human species, and the impact of this
control
Students will understand the potential solutions to environmental problems
Students will be able to plan and carry out a basic environmental study
Students will be able to conduct basic soil and water tests
Students will appreciate the power humans have over the environment
Students will appreciate the need for preserving the natural environment
Students will understand potential future outcomes, based on current human trends and decisions
UNIVERSITY POLICIES
I. Services for Students with Disabilities: It is the policy of Tarleton State University to comply with the
Americans with Disabilities Act and other applicable laws. If you are a student with a disability seeking
accommodations for this course, please contact the Center for Access and Academic Testing, at
254.968.9400 or caat@tarleton.edu. The office is located in Math 201. More information can be found
at www.tarleton.edu/caat or in the University Catalog.
II. Academic Honesty: Tarleton State University expects its students to maintain high standards of
personal and scholarly conduct. Students guilty of academic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary action.
Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on an examination or other academic work,
plagiarism, collusion, and the abuse of resource materials.
III. Computer Usage Policy: Use of the computer resources at Tarleton State University is a privilege, not
a right. When using these resources, individuals agree to abide by the applicable rules, regulations, and
policies of the University, as well as federal, state and local laws. The University reserves the right to
limit, restrict or deny access to its technology resources, as well as to take disciplinary and/or legal action
against anyone in violation of these regulations or applicable law.
http://www.tarleton.edu/~policy/279999t101.htm
Tarleton State University Core Values
Tarleton State University's core values are integrity, leadership, tradition, civility, excellence, and service.
Central to these values is integrity, which is maintaining a high standard of personal and scholarly
conduct. Academic integrity represents the choice to uphold ethical responsibility for one’s learning
within the academic community, regardless of audience or situation.
Students are expected to interact with professors and peers in a respectful manner that enhances the
learning environment. Professors may require a student who deviates from this expectation to leave the
face-to-face (or virtual) classroom learning environment for that particular class session (and potentially
subsequent class sessions) for a specific amount of time. In addition, the professor might consider the
university disciplinary process (for Academic Affairs/Student Life) for egregious or continued disruptive
behavior.
Tarleton holds high expectations for students to assume responsibility for their own individual
learning. Students are also expected to achieve academic excellence by:
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honoring Tarleton’s core values.
upholding high standards of habit and behavior.
maintaining excellence through class attendance and punctuality.
preparing for active participation in all learning experiences.
putting forth their best individual effort.
continually improving as independent learners.
engaging in extracurricular opportunities that encourage personal and academic growth.
reflecting critically upon feedback and applying these lessons to meet future challenges.