LIFE/EARTH
SCIENCE
Instructor:
Dr. Rebecca L. Dodge
Room 102A, Bolin Hall
940-397-4475
rebecca.dodge@mwsu.edu
GNSC 1104
Fall 2012
Course: GNSC-1104
Sect. Number 1
Geosciences Main Office
Room 102
Bolin Hall
940-397-4250
Lecture: 12:00 - 12:50 MWF in BO 100. You are expected to attend class regularly. The attached schedule is
subject to change – all changes will be announced in class.
Required Text: Integrated Science by Tillery, Enger, and Ross, McGraw Hill Higher Education.
Office Hours: T-Th 9:00 – 12:00 in Room 102A, Bolin Hall. Instructor can also be reached by email
(rebecca.dodge@mwsu.edu). Please use this email, not the WebCT email!
Course Objective: To learn about the foundations of Earth and Biological Sciences. Students will be
able to






Explain the current theories concerning
the origin of the Universe and of the
Solar System
Explain the place of Earth in the Solar
System and its interactions with other
bodies in the Solar System
Relate the origin and evolution of the
Earth to its resulting geologic systems
Explain the operation of Earth’s
geologic
systems
including
the
relationships among the atmosphere,
the lithosphere, and the hydrosphere
Recognize
ecosystem
dynamics
including energy and productivity
Explain the history of the Earth
including the evolution of geologic
systems and life forms





Recognize the cellular nature of life
forms and the functions and structures
of cells
Relate structures and functions of living
organisms to exchange of energy and
materials
Understand reproduction at the cellular
and organ level
Explain how genetic variability occurs
and the processes of genetic
inheritance
Observe and report on the environment
like a scientist, using established
inquiry methods and protocols to
ensure accuracy
Course Format: Textbook readings, content lectures, content videos, and laboratory activities will be the
foundation of the class. Summary course notes will be delivered during lectures. Your notes, together with the
text, will be the basis for in-class tests. Laboratory tests will be based on laboratory activities. This course is on
WebCT and the syllabus for class; summary lecture notes and test review materials will be posted.
Assessment:
 Three tests will be given; each test will cover only the new material presented since the previous test.
Tests comprise multiple choice and true/false questions. Bring a #2 pencil to the exams, and know your
student ID#. Grades will be posted on Blackboard. Make-up exams will only be given when a written
excuse is provided. In order to take a make-up, a written excuse must be provided before or within one
day of the scheduled exam. (60% of class grade)
 Five DVDs will be shown during class; a quiz will be given on each. (15% of class grade)
 The laboratory grade will be based on quizzes, exercises, a lab midterm test, and a lab final test. (25%)
GNSC 1104
Week
Dates
Daily Lecture Schedule
Topics Covered (general)
FALL 2012
Chapters
1
8/27, 29, 31
Introduction; Syllabus; Understanding
Science; the Universe;
1; 12 ; 12
2
9/3, 5, 7
Solar system; The Earth in Space;
L.D.; 13; 13
3
9/10, 12, 14
The Earth in Space; Earth Materials
14; 14; 15
4
9/17, 19, 21
Earth Materials; Review
15; 15; R
5
9/24, 26, 28
The Appalachians; TEST; Earth’s
Surface
DVD;T; 16
DVD; 16; 16
6
10/1, 3, 5
Riding the Storm; Earth’s Surface
7
10/8, 10, 12
Earth’s Surface; Message from the Mountain;
Earth’s Weather
16; DVD; 17
8
10/15, 17, 19
Earth’s Weather; Earth’s water:
Fresh Water; Fresh Water
17; 18; DVD
9
10/22, 24, 26
Earth’s Waters: salt water; Shallow Seas;
Deep Ocean;
18; DVD (2)
10
10/29, 31, 11/2
Ecology & Environ.; Review
23; 23; R
11
11/5, 7, 9
TEST;
Nature/Living Things
T; 20; 20
Nature/Living Things; Origin/Evolution
of Life; History/Life on Earth
20; 21; 22
22
12
11/ 12, 14, 16
13
11/ 19, THNX
History/Life on Earth
14
11/26, 28, 30
History/Life on Earth (cont);Human Biol:
Materials and Exchange;
22; 24; 24
15
12/3, 5, 7
Human Biol: Reprod; Genetics; Review 25; 26; R;
Final
12/12
Test 3:30 - 5:30
T