Syllabus, Spring/Fall
Introduction to Environmental Science
11:375:101, 3 credits
Time:
Place:
TBA
TBA
Course Website: All lecture notes and homework assignments will be posted on an eCompanion
website. Go to http://onlinelearning.rutgers.edu/ecollege and follow the instructions to login.
Textbook: available for purchase at the University Bookstore
Environment: The Science behind the Stories 4th edition, by Jay Withgott and Scott Brennan,
2011, Pearson/Benjamin Cummings, New York. (ISBN: 978-0-321-71534-0). An electronic
version of the book is available for purchase at http://www.mypearsonstore.com/ .
Instructors: Dr. Craig Phelps, 848-932-5713
Environmental & Natural Resource Sciences Bldg., Room 236
e-mail: phelps@envsci.rutgers.edu
Office Hours: most afternoons; appointment recommended
Dr. Peter F. Strom, 848-932-5709
Environmental & Natural Resource Sciences Bldg., Room 228
e-mail: strom@aesop.rutgers.edu
Office Hours: most afternoons; appointment recommended
Note: For all e-mails, please include “ES101” in the subject line, and give your full name.
Requirements:
1. Three exams: Exam 1, 80 pts.; Exam 2, 90 pts.; Exam 3, 80 pts.
2. Homework Assignments (5): 10 pts. each. Late assignments will receive only ½ credit.
#1 - GraphIt! Quiz: An Introduction to Graphing
Due Feb. 8th
#2 - GraphIt! Quiz: Age Pyramids and Population Growth
Due Feb. 22nd
#3 - GraphIt! Quiz: Dose – Response Curves
Due Mar. 15th
#4 - GraphIt! Quiz: Fossil Fuels and Alternative Energy
Due Apr. 12th
#5 - GraphIt! Quiz: Municipal Solid Waste Trends in the U.S.
Due May 3rd
3. Extra Credit: approved 10 hour environmental volunteer experience, 10 points
4. Total class points = 300
Attendance: Expected (though not recorded). If you miss a class, you are responsible for all materials,
including announcements. Arrange (now!) with a classmate to pick up any handouts and take notes for
you. There will be no make-up exams without an acceptable excuse.
Special Needs: Students with a disability: please see us immediately so that we may make any
necessary arrangements to support a successful learning experience.
Objectives of the Course
1. Introduce a variety of environmental problems, and solutions in a scientific context.
2. Teach students how to understand environmental issues using a scientific approach.
3. Improve basic scientific literacy.
SAS Core Curriculum Learning Goals
I: 21st Century Challenges
c. Analyze the relationship that science and technology have to contemporary social
issues.
II: Areas of Inquiry
A: Natural Sciences
e. Understand and apply basic principles and concepts in the physical and biological
sciences.
f. Explain and be able to assess the relationship among assumptions, method, evidence,
arguments, and theory in scientific analysis.
Tentative Class Schedule
(subject to change; check website)
Date
Day Topic
No. Instructor
Introduction
1
CP + PS
Science and Sustainability
2
CP
Earth’s Physical Systems
3
CP
Systems and Ecosystems I
4
CP
Systems and Ecosystems II
5
CP
Ethics
6
PS
Economics
7
PS
NJ Policy / Brownfields
8
Guest
Opt. Review (CDL 110, 2:15 - 3:35 p.m.)
-Exam 1 – covering classes 1-8
-Human Population
9
CP
Biotechnology and the Future of Food
10
CP
Forest and Wilderness
11
CP
Toxicology I
12
CP
Toxicology II
13
CP
Freshwater Resources I
14
PS
Freshwater Resources II
15
PS
Spring Break
Environmental Health
16
Guest
Marine Resources
17
CP
Opt. Review (CDL 110, 2:15 - 3:35 p.m.)
-Exam 2 – covering classes 9-17
-Potable Water
18
PS
Wastewater Treatment
19
PS
Atmospheric Science and Air Pollution I
20
PS
Atmospheric Science and Air Pollution II 21
PS
Fossil Fuels
22
CP
Energy Alternatives
23
CP
Global Climate Change
24
Guest
Solid Waste Management
25
PS
Opt. Review (HCK 101, 12:35 - 1:55 p.m.) -Exam 3 – covering classes 18-25
-
Reading*
-1
2
5
5
6
6
see website
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* You are welcome to read the entire book; the indicated chapters (pages) usually relate to the topic that
will be covered in class that day, and should be read beforehand, if possible.