BIOL 143/144
SYLLABUS FORM
WESTCHESTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Valhalla, NY lO595
l. Course #:
BIOL 143/144
NAME OF COURSE:
2. NAME OF ORIGINATOR /REVISOR: Michael Priano
Environmental Science and Laboratory
3. CURRENT DATE: 2010
please indicate whether this is a NEW COURSE or a REVISION:
REV
DATE OF PRIOR REVISION: 2004
4. NUMBER OF CREDITS: Lecture=3; Lab=1
5. NUMBER OF CONTACT HOURS PER WEEK:
Lecture = 3; Lab = 2
6. APPROXIMATE FREQUENCY OF OFFERING THIS COURSE: Lecture –Every Semester; Lab – Fall Only
7. PREREQUISITES OR ENTRY LEVEL SKILLS : None
8. COREQUISITES: None
9. PLACE OF THIS COURSE IN CURRICULUM:
___ Required for Curriculum (name) ___________
___ College Core _X_ Elective
___ Part of Required/Recommended Sequence with (Number of Course) __________________
10. IS THIS COURSE DESIGNED FOR TRANSFER TOWARD A SPECIFIC MAJOR? ___ Yes _X_ No
MAJOR(S) _______________
11. COURSE OUTCOMES:
List the course’s learning outcomes and describe how each outcome will be measured.
Outcome - Upon successful completion, the student will
be able to:
Illustrate the use of the scientific method of inquiry and
analysis to better understand nature, our impact on it and
how applied science, technology and public policies may
foster sustainable global development.
Summarize the cultural development and environmental
impacts of hunting-gathering, agricultural and
technological societies and how each niche influenced
environmental attitudes and actions.
Identify the biological and physical components of varied
ecosystems. Describe and illustrate a variety of
ecosystem functions including biogeochemical cycling,
trophic structure, terrestrial and aquatic succession,
biodiversity, energy flow, bioaccumulation and
bioamplification.
List and describe the means by which we understand
human population dynamics including growth curves,
growth rates, fertility rates, age composition, and
doubling time. Analyze and evaluate the application of
the demographic transition model to developing and
developed nations.
This outcome will be measured by one or more of the
following:
Exams, formative quizzes, assignments, webcast
Exams, formative quizzes, assignments
Exams, formative quizzes, assignments
Exams, formative quizzes, assignments
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Characterize the nature of the geosphere, hydrosphere and
atmosphere. Explain common human impacts on each
and how sustainability might be achieved.
Critically analyze the details of current environmental
issues from the local to international. Develop and
describe personal opinions regarding these issues.
Interact with peers of diverse cultural origins, share
opinions regarding environmental issues and attempt to
reach consensus.
Develop and improve print and electronic research,
writing, oral communication and cooperative learning.
Exams, critical thinking assignments
Critical thinking assignments
Group projects, critical thinking assignments
Internet research group
BIOL 143/144
12. COURSE GRADE
Based on the above measures, how will the final course grade be calculated?
Four exams
=350 points
Quizzes and assignments
= 50 points
Total points possible
Grade
=400 points
= Points earned/400 points
13. INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS: List the different instructional methods you might use, in the course of the
semester. List supplementary learning options, if any
 Lecture/guest lecture
 Group and class discussion and projects
 Text reading
 Field trips
 Research
 Internet Use
 Text web site
14. CROSS-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES:
A. General Education Enrichment:
Does this course provide opportunities to draw upon examples or concepts from outside the main objectives of this area
of study? If yes, please briefly describe the content, activities or assignments.
B. Information Management:
Does this course provide opportunities to teach and/or require the students to apply information management skills? If
yes, please briefly describe the content, activities or assignments.
C. Critical Thinking:
Are there components of this course which teach and/or require students to demonstrate Critical Thinking? If yes,
please briefly describe the content, activities or assignments.
D. Student Engagement:
Does this course provide opportunities for students to participate in individual or group presentations or interactions? If
yes, please briefly describe the content, activities or assignments.
Opportunities
General Education
The interdisciplinary nature of
environmental study includes
social, political and economic
implications particularly in policy
development.
Information Management
Publisher course management
website used to post lectures,
quizzes, assignments and do
research.
Critical Thinking
Assignments include application of
scientific method and evaluation of
environmental issues and opinions.
Student Engagement
Activities or Assignments
Three critical thinking assignments have individual and group components.
BIOL 143/144
15. TOPIC OUTLINE
See attached.
16. UNIQUE ASPECTS OF COURSE (such as equipment, specified software, space requirements, etc.)
Environmental Science Lab may be taken for an additional credit with Environmental Studies or
Environmental Science.
APPENDIX I: REQUIRED TEXTS AND/OR MATERIALS REQUIRED BY THE STUDENT (Include
Supplementary Readings)
Environmental Science by Brennan and Withgott.
Supplemental readings come from current events.
APPENDIX II: - CATALOG DESCRIPTION:
(Approximately 65 words or less)
BIOL 143
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
3 credits
A fundamental course exploring the structure and function of the environment. Topics include basic ecological
principles, population dynamics, and the geosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere. Optional environmental science lab
available. Class hrs. 3. Offered fall and spring semesters.
BIOL 144
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE LAB
1 credit
A laboratory experience designed for Environmental Science or Environmental Studies. Quality of the local
environment is explored in lab and in the field. Field trips investigate the ways in which local communities treat
sewage, produce electricity, dispose of garbage, and process drinking water. Making land use decisions using
knowledge of natural resources acquired through map and aerial photography interpretation is explores. Lab hrs. 2.
Offered fall semester.
BIOL 143/144
WESTCHESTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Valhalla, New York
Prof. Michael Priano
e-mail: michael.priano@sunywcc.edu
Phone: 606-6588
Office: Sci 210
Course Title:
Credits:
Contact Hrs.:
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
3
3 per week; 45 per semester
Optional Lab:
Environmental Science Laboratory (fall term only)
1 credit; 2 contact hours per week; 30 per semester
Required Text: Essential Environment: The Science Behind the Stories 3rd edition, 2009.
Pearson Benjamin Cummings Publishers. E-versions of the text are available
at the publisher’s web site.
The text has a scratch off student access code for the text associated web site at
www.myenvironmentplace.com
There is also a course management web site called Course Compass which we will use
all term. The Course Compass access code is packaged with the text. Don’t throw it
away. Registration on the web site is required. You must have an e-mail address. If your
home computer has a spam filter, you must unblock communication from this site.
When you register you need this Course Compass ID# : priano79369
Course Policies: As a student registered for this course you are expected to know and will be bound by the following policies
regarding attendance and grading. Ignorance of these policies is not an acceptable excuse.
Attendance:
Attendance will be recorded at every meeting. Arriving late or leaving early twice = one absence. If at the end
of the semester you have 3 or fewer absences, your lowest exam grade will be dropped. For each absence
beyond 6, you will lose 1% from your final grade.
Grading:
1. Four lecture exams will be given. All are required. Exam 1 is worth 50 points. The remaining three each
equal 100 points and assess your understanding of new and previously covered learning objectives.
Make-up exams will not be given unless arranged with the instructor prior to the time of the original
exam.
2. Several individual and/or group projects will be assigned. Total point value is 50.
3. Productive class participation will positively influence your final grade.
4. Optional extra-credit opportunities will be sent to you electronically via Course Compass throughout the
semester. If you decide to complete the assignment, follow all directions and write your own original answers.
Lecture Topics
I.
Introduction
A.
Knowing nature: the role of science
B.
Shaping public policy
C.
The organization of life
D.
Human niche development and environmental impacts
Text Chapters
1, 2, Epilogue
BIOL 143/144
II.
Basic Ecological Concepts
A.
Ecosystem components and relationships
B.
Biogeochemical cycles
C.
Trophic structure and feeding relationships
D.
Laws of Thermodynamics and energy flow
E.
Ecological succession
F.
Biological accumulation and amplification
3,4,5
III.
Human Population
A.
Population dynamics
1. growth patterns
2. demographic data
B.
The Demographic Transition Model
1. for less developed nations
2. for more developed nations
3. how good is this model?
C.
Global and national projections of population growth and impacts
6
IV.
The Resources of the Biosphere
A.
The Geosphere
1. soil – origins and composition
2. soil best uses and use limitation
3. soil preservation
4. soil erosion and erosion control
B.
The Hydrosphere
1. the hydrologic cycle
2. the sources and uses of water
3. common water pollutants
4. eutrophication: natural and cultural
5. wastewater treatment
C.
The Atmosphere
1. composition and structure
2. thermal inversions and air quality
3. common air pollutants
4. acid deposition
5. the greenhouse effect and human impacts
6. role of stratospheric ozone and human impacts
7. international policy regarding global atmospheric issues
p. 232 - 240
p. 221 - 222
7, 9
12
13
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE COURSE OBJECTIVES
UPON COMPLETION OF THE FOLLOWING UNITS, YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO:
I.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Introduction
describe the scientific method using an environmental example
differentiate between pure and applied science and their roles in the development of environmental policies
explain the study of nature must be interdisciplinary nature
define the organization of life terms including population, community, ecosystem, and biosphere
describe and evaluate the Gaia Hypothesis
describe with examples the essential services provided by ecosystems
BIOL 143/144
7. briefly summarize the cultural development of human societies from hunting-gathering to agricultural to
technological
8. characterize how each of these three societies relate to nature and how they impact nature
Exam 1 covers the objectives above
II.
Basic Ecological Concepts
9. I dentify the components of an ecosystem and how they are related
10. cite several examples of ecosystems in our local, national and global environments
11. use examples to characterize the typical abiotic features of an ecosystem
12. explain and illustrate the significance of abiotic availability to organisms
13. explain and cite examples of the concept of limiting factors and how these factors influence the survival and
global distribution of species
14. diagram and explain the nitrogen, carbon, and phosphorus biogeochemical
cycles and describe the human influences on each
15. define and cite examples of producers, consumers and decomposers
16. define with examples the terms habitat and niche
17. describe the similarities and differences between the autotrophic processes
of chemosynthesis and photosynthesis
18. describe an example of an ecosystem sustained by chemosynthetic food production
19. state the formula of photosynthesis
20. explain the main steps of the light-dependent and independent stages of photosynthesis
21. name the wavelengths of light required for photosynthesis
22. describe what happens to the end products of autotrophic production
23. explain the concept of primary productivity and one way by which it is measured
24. define and characterize gross and net primary productivity of plants
25. compare and contrast the primary productivity of different ecosystems and
how this information is used by society
26. define heterotrophy
27. characterize the heterotrophic strategies of herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores
28. explain the ecological significance of decomposition
29. state examples of and describe the roles of macro- and microdecomposers
30. define detritus and carrion
Exam 2 COVERS THE ALL OBJECTIVES ABOVE
31.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
use trophic structure terms to describe a simple food chain
relate the biotic ecosystem components to trophic structure
compare a food chain to a food web
define ecological diversity and stability
describe the relationship between diversity and stability
use terrestrial and aquatic examples that illustrate ecological succession
define and cite examples of potential and kinetic energy
state and explain the first and second laws of thermodynamics (energy laws)
describe energy flow in feeding relationships
define and illustrate entropy
define biomass
BIOL 143/144
41. list the specific reasons for energy losses between trophic levels
42. describe the impacts the laws of thermodynamics on the amount of energy, biomass, and
numbers of organisms found at each tropic level in a food web
43. explain with an example the concept of biological accumulation and amplification including
the types of substances involved and how the process happens
III.
The Human Population
44. graph, label, and describe the J-form and S-form growth curves
45. differentiate between human ecological and cultural carrying capacities
46. explain several reasons for the decrease in growth rates as a population approaches its
capacity including reasons related to density and those not related to density
47. define the terms birth rate, death rate, and rate of natural population change
48. describe and evaluate the demographic transition model of population growth for
developing and developed nations
49. evaluate the demographic transition model as a predictive tool
50. define and be able to calculate retrospective and prospective doubling time
51. explain how total fertility and replacement fertility rates influence
population growth and how social issues influence these fertility rates
52. describe the historical pattern of world population growth and doubling time
53. illustrate how population age composition influences future population dynamics
54. describe the current status and projections of growth for the world population
55. describe the current status and projections for US population growth
56. state several reasons for these current growth projections for the World and US
57. describe with examples the relationship between population growth,
resources use and environmental quality
carrying
Exam 3 COVERS THE ALL OBJECTIVES ABOVE
IV.
A.
B.
The Resources of the Earth
The Geosphere
58. describe how land is classified by human use
59. describe the typical pattern of human population distribution on Earth
60. name and describe the components of soil
61. characterize the texture types of soil including sand, silt, clay and loam
62. explain how soil characteristics may influence how we use land
63. describe examples of how soil types or conditions may limit soil use
64. describe successful efforts to identify and preserve the best uses of soil including important
and farmland
65. describe the results of soil erosion
66. describe the common approaches used to mitigate erosion control
67. explain the impact of agriculture on soil
The Hydrosphere
68. diagram and explain the components of the hydrologic cycle
69. describe the sources and uses of water by society
70. characterize the sources, environmental impacts and human health
effects of the following common water pollutants:
• disease-causing microorganisms
habitats
BIOL 143/144
71.
72.
73.
74.
75.
76.
• oxygen-demanding wastes
• water-soluble inorganic chemicals
• plant nutrients
• organic chemicals
• sediments
• radioactive substances
• heat
explain the process of aquatic succession
describe the impacts of cultural eutrophication on aquatic succession
describe how inland lake communities respond to the impacts of
cultural eutrophication
explain how on-site sewage treatment works
describe the operation and objectives of off-site primary, secondary,
and tertiary sewage treatment
list the advantages, disadvantages, and use limitations of on-site and off-site
sewage treatment
C. The Atmosphere
77. describe the structure and components of the atmosphere
78. describe the events that lead to thermal inversions and how they affect air quality
79. characterize the sources, environmental impacts, and human health effects
of the following air pollutants:
• carbon oxides
• sulfur oxides
• hydrocarbons
• nitrogen oxides
• particulates
• photochemical oxidants
80. describe the sources, environmental impacts, and solutions to acid deposition
81. explain the role of stratospheric ozone, the impacts of ozone depletion and current international policy in this
regard
82. explain the greenhouse effect and how it may influence global climate change
83. discuss the reasons why international public policies regarding ozone depletion have been implemented but
we nationally and internationally have been slower to act on global climate change
Exam 4 COVERS THE ALL OBJECTIVES ABOVE
NOTE: Course objectives may be edited as necessary
Priano 8/10