BIOL 1140 Environmental Biology Dr.Emmeluth
Homepage:http://www.demmeluth.net
Office: 1304 Science Center Phone: (912) 344-2661

 

FALL 2010

 

This course will deal with three distinct, yet interacting topics: ENERGY, POPULATIONS, and ECOSYSTEMS. We will discuss the major concepts underlying these topics including current and future problems - actual and perceived. We will also look at viable alternatives for amelioration of these problems.

 

Textbook: Environmental Science: 13th Edition, Environmental Science

Author: G. Tyler Miller, Jr. & Scott Spoolman

Publisher: Brooks/Cole (Thomson Learning Inc.) 2010

COURSE OBJECTIVES

 

1. As is true of any course dealing with specialized subject matter, you

should become conversant with and have a basic understanding of the

terminology associated with the subject. Use of a dictionary and the

glossary in the textbook will aid in the attainment of this objective.

The publishers website is Environmental Science 13th edition

 

2. You should gain an increased awareness of the interrelatedness of all

organisms, and the interdependence of organisms and their non-living

environment.

 

3. You should become aware of the constraints on action - social

political, economic, legal - and the role of the citizen in decision

making. There is no utopia, no perfect solution. Communication with

elected representatives helps in gaining this awareness.

 

4. You should gain a greater understanding of man's role in the

biosphere - a participant, not a spectator - making informed choices

based on up-to-date information. Keep informed with outside reading of

journal, articles, TV and newspaper reports. Join organizations and get

involved.

 

5. Be aware that narrow provincialism leads to tunnel vision and

sometimes contradictory and self-defeating actions. It is

necessary to take a broader, holistic view and be ready to

make some sacrifices to maintain a healthy environment. This

may mean greater public control over our private lives.

 

 

 

 

 

TENTATIVE COURSE OUTLINE

 

Chapter 1 Environmental Problems, Their Causes, and Sustainability

Chapter 2 Science, Matter, and Energy

 

ECOSYSTEMS: What Are They and How Do They Work

 

Chapter 3 Ecosystems

Chapter 4 Biodiversity and Evolution

Chapter 5 Biodiversity, Species Interactions, and Population Control

Chapter 6 The Human Population and Urbanization

 

POPULATIONS: Too Many Creates too little

 

Chapter 7 Climate and Biodiversity

Chapter 8 Sustaining Biodiversity: The Species Approach

 

 

GRADING & ATTENDANCE POLICY

 

There will be three (3) examinations which will account for 100 % of your Final Grade. Final Grades and Tests will be computed using the following alpha-numeric equivalents.

 

A = 89.5 - 100

B = 79.5 - 89

C = 69.5 - 79

D = 59.5 - 69 (60 is the minimum passing grade)

Projected dates for the exams are September 16, 2010, October 26, 2010, and December 2, 2010.

Should you miss three (3) classes, without a valid excuse, you may be withdrawn from the course. You are expected to be on time and prepared when you come to class. Excessive tardiness may lead to grade reduction. If there is to be a useful interchange of ideas and opinions, your presence is required. In addition, material will be presented in lecture which is not found in your textbook. Lecture examinations will be based on textual and non-textual materials. If you miss a class, please contact the instructor by e-mail (demmeluth@hotmail.com). This is YOUR responsibility.

Electronic Communication devices should be deactivated or left elsewhere during classtime. We do not wish to be disturbed during lecture unless you can show a documentable reason. This means pagers, beepers or cell phones or any other device that goes beep in the day or night. Electronic devices with photographic capabilities may not be used without the expressed written consent of the instructor. Text messaging during class time is rude and grounds for dismissal from the class. Failure to adhere to these rules is grounds for removable from class with a grade of WF.