Passaic County Community College
Science Department
Fall 2007
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Course Code #: SC 104: Fall 2007
Course Title: Environmental Science
Prerequisites: College Level Placement
Credit Hours: 4 credits
Contact Hours: 3 hours lecture; 3 hours lab
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Professor: Dr. I. Greidanus
Office Location: Main Campus, Academic Hall A334;
Science Lab Wanaque on M & W mornings
Phone: 973-684-5292
E-mail: igreidanus@pccc.edu
Office Hours: Posted on door
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Course Description: This introductory college level science course provides a survey of man made
and naturally caused environmental problems and their proposed solutions. Topics such as such as river
pollution, chemical hazards, the atmosphere, ecosystems, energy, recycling, and endangered species will be
presented and discussed from a scientific perspective. The laboratory component will include the scientific
method as a means of investigating the environment, some laboratory analysis, field study methods,
computer simulations, and field trips. Meets science requirement(s) for liberal arts and other majors
requiring a science course or courses; elective for science and allied health majors.
Suggested Prerequisite: High School chemistry or biology and college level placement or by permission of
Science Department Chairperson
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Student Learning Outcomes…by the completion of this course students will be able to:
• demonstrate understanding of selected principles in biology, chemistry and physics that apply to the study of the
physical environment around us.
• examine introductory level environmental problems and propose solutions appropriate for an entry level college
science course.
• perform laboratory and field experiences that will enhance knowledge of and appreciation of methods of studying and
analyzing environmental phenomena.
• demonstrate writing skills, library research skills, problem solving skills, and thinking skills as related to
environmental problems using classroom experiences, laboratory experiences, written assignments, debates or projects,
and library assignments.
• explain the successes --as well as the dilemmas and difficulties-- in solving environmental problems through the use of
science, the scientific method, and technology.
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Required Texts:
Lecture Text: Living in the Environment: 15th edition; G. Tyler Miller
Laboratory Manual: Experiences in Environmental Science: 2nd edition; Krumhardt and Wirth
Fall SC 104 Dr. Greidanus
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IX:
Course Outline For Lectures & Labs
Wk
DATEs
TOPIC
Chapter(s)*
Quiz/&
test
points
1
9/5-14
Environmental Problems and Causes
Sustainability as an Overriding Theme
1
10
2
9/17-22
Principles of Science: Systems, Matter & Energy
2
10
3
9/24-29
Ecosystems: What are they and how do they work?
3
10
4
10/1-6
4
5
10/8-13
Evolution and Biodiversity
Test 1 Essay(Chapters 1-3)
Climate and Terrestrial Biodiversity
5
10
50
10
6
10/15-20
Aquatic Biodiversity
6
10
7
10/22-27
Community Ecology
7
10
8
10/2911/3
8
9
10
9
11/5-10
Population Ecology
Applying Population Ecology: The Human Population and Its Impact
Test 2 Essay (Chapters 4-7
Sustaining Terrestrial Biodiversity: The Ecosystem Approach
10
11/12-17
11
11/19-25
14
21
16
12
13
14
11/2612/1
12/3-8
1210-15
Water
Water Pollution
Non-renewable Energy Sources
Test 3 Essay (Chapters 8,9,10,14,21)
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
20
26
15
12?
Climate Change and Ozone Depletion
Environmental Worldviews, Ethics, and Sustainability
Test 4 Essay (Chapters 16,17,20,26
FINAL COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION
All Chapters..100 Questions
Environmental Science Lecture Topics:
Total Possible Points, Quizzes & Tests
minus 2 lowest quizzes and lowest test grade
Fall SC 104 Dr. Greidanus
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10
17
50
10
10
10
50
10
10
10
50
100
370
points
Environmental Science Laboratory Exercises & Field Trips
Tentative Schedule*
Wk
DATE
Topics
1
9/5-14
Environmental Journal: Ex. 21
Wildlife Diversity: Ex 13
2
9/1722
9/2429
Weather and the Environment: Ex 20
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Resources Needed
Assignment
points
50
10
50
Leaf Collection & Tree Identification EX 15 p127
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10/1-6
Plankton Survev , Internet Activity (p 97-98)
Env Survey: Local Pond or Stream
Surface Water Analysis –Part I: Ex 10, Activities 1-7
6
10/813
Surface Water Analysis –Part II: Ex 10, Additional
Activity, p 93
Benthic Organisms and Population Study (handout)
10
7
10/1520
10/2227
10/2911/3
11/510
Trip to state park or preserve or forest
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Cemetery Investigation: Ex 4
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Community Population Analysis: Ex 5
10
11
11/1217
**Field Trip to Two Pond Farm: A Self-sustaining
Environment?
Handouts & map
(Students: Bring clipboard or journal, field guides,
binoculars)
10
12
11/1925
11/2612/1
Population Interactions: Owl Pellet Study
10
Air Pollution: Ex 18, parts 1 & parts 3,4 Monitor
Internet for air pollution in the area for a week.
10
12/3-8
121015
Environmental Problems in Other Countries
10
8
9
10
13
14
15
16
Soil Analysis: Ex 16:
Parts 5,6,7,8 –use soil test kits from garden centers
10
Rutgers University Soil Analysis
10
Turn in Journal
Course Final Exam
Total possible Lab Assignment Points minus one regular
lab
Total possible course points (370 + 200)
* Subject to changes based on weather
Fall SC 104 Dr. Greidanus
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200
570= 100%
X: Methods Of Course Evaluation
General parameters for Grade Calculation:
45% = Class Lectures (must have passing average to pass the course)
4 tests
2 papers
quizzes
35% = Lab Grades* (you must pass the lab in order to pass the course)
Lab reports/quizzes – up to 10 points per lab/field trip
Cemetery Study – up to 20 points
Hay infusion report – up to 30 points
Journal– up to 30 points
Lab final exam – up to 30 points
20% = Final Examination
100% = Total
Grading Scale:
95% to 100% = A
90% to 94% = A87% to 89% = B+
84% to 86% = B
80% to 83% = B77% to 80% = C+
70% to 76% = C
Below 70% = D
Below 60% = F
*Students must pass the laboratory in order to pass the course.
XI: Other Items:
Assignments:
You are expected to complete written assignments yourself. These assignments may consist of
questions, problem sets, research reports, and laboratory reports. Make sure that you take these seriously
and complete them on time. They are a means of keeping you up to date on the material and getting
feedback on your understanding of course content. Performance on written assignments also can serve as
early indicators of your course grade.
Tests & Quizzes:
All major tests are announced ahead of time and are also indicated on the tentative schedule.
Final Examination:
The course final examination will be a 100 question comprehensive final examination, meaning that
it will cover material from the entire course. The exam is designed to be completed in one hour.
Cheating & Plagiarism
Fall SC 104 Dr. Greidanus
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Cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated in this course. If you are caught cheating on a lecture
or lab quiz or exam, you will receive a score of zero and may fail the course.
Plagiarism of an assignment or allowing another student to do your work or use your work will
result in a score of zero for that assignment and may be subject to more severe penalties and may fail the
course.
Incomplete Grades
Incomplete grades will only be given to student who for medical reasons cannot take the final
examination or complete a final assignment. (See your PCCC Student Handbook,)
Problems & Withdrawl
In the event the course becomes too much to handle, be sure to withdraw officially. This involves
going to the Registrar’s Office and obtaining withdrawal forms, which must be properly completed and
returned before certain dates. Check your PCCC Student Handbook for those dates!
General Decorum and responsibilities:
You are responsible for helping to create a classroom environment conducive to the achievement of
your own learning goals as well as your classmates goals. This means once the class has started there should
be little disruption or movement in and out of the classroom. There should be no cell phone conversations
or cell phones ringing. The class can only flow smoothly when there are few distractions.
This means you are also responsible for a positive classroom atmosphere and positive participation
in the class. A good classroom atmosphere is essential to maximize everyone’s opportunity to learn. Good
classroom decorum and atmosphere can only be achieved with everyone’s cooperation and participation.
Absences:
You are responsible for obtaining assignments and keeping up with your work if you are absent. No
more than the equivalent of two weeks of class and/or lab is allowable. Beyond a total of two weeks,
withdrawal from the course is advised.
Everyone should obtain the phone number of a classmate or two to contact in the event of absences.
Disability statement:
If you have a disability and believe you need accommodations in my classroom, please see your
counselor. If you require testing accommodations, you need to notify the instructor at least one week in
advance of the test.
Fall SC 104 Dr. Greidanus
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