ESC 1110 - Introduction to Environmental Studies I
                         4 Credit Hours
       Course Description:
       This course is a study of environmental problems at global, national and local levels. A
       scientific approach is applied to understanding environmental concepts using hands-on field
       experiences.
       The topics studied in this course include:
           ecological principles
           geophysical processes
           human population dynamics
       Course Objectives:
       Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
          1. Understand cultural, economic, and political historical precedents leading to modern
           environmental problems and policies.
          2. Understand and apply knowledge of biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science to
           environmental functions and problems.
          3. Evaluate hazards, risks, and benefits faced by him or herself and society.
          4. Understand the relationships within and between the biotic and abiotic components of
           the biosphere.
          5. Critically evaluate the impacts of human population growth, urbanization, and resource
           use on the environment.
          6. Make educated environmental decisions in their personal and public life. 
         
        Prerequisites and Corequisites:
        College-level Math, English and Reading
        Course Topics:
        1. Introduction to Environmental Science
        2. Matter, Energy, Resources, and Pollution
        3. Human Populations, Hazards, and Risk
        4. Earth Science
        5. Weather and Climate
        6. Ecology part 1: Basic Ecosystem Structure and Function 
        7. Ecology part 2: Biomes and Population Ecology 
         
        Specific Course Requirements:
        Each module has a series of activities which give students first-hand experience with the topics
        presented. The modules are presented either as Microsoft Excel workbooks or PowerPoint
        presentations. Several of the activities involve taking measurements over a period of one week;
        therefore it is important to start on time and work carefully. This will require a good working knowledge of
        Excel and PowerPoint. Students must also have access to a digital imaging device (camera, cell phone)
        capable of capturing images at least 1 megapixel resolution. 
         
        Required Textbooks:
        Please visit the Virtual Bookstore to obtain textbook information for this course. Move your
        cursor over the "Books" link in the navigation bar and select "Textbooks & Course Materials."
        Select your Program, Term, Department, and Course; then select "Submit."
        Hardware and Software Requirements:
        Minimum hardware requirements can be found here.
        Minimum software requirements can be found here.
        Common applications you might need:
        To read a PDF file download the latest version of Adobe Reader here
        Don't have Microsoft Word? Explore an alternative OpenOffice here
        Accessing a PowerPoint file? Download the PowerPoint Viewer here
        Web Resources:
        The Everyday Writer
        The Writing Center Online Writer's Handbook
        Instructor Information:
        Please see the separate page inside the course to find instructor contact information as well as
        a statement of virtual office hours and other communication information. You can expect to
        receive a response from the instructor within 24-48 hours unless notified of extenuating
        circumstances.
        Testing Procedures:
        Module Quizzes: At the conclusion of each module is a 20-25 question timed quiz. Students should
        study the materials carefully and be ready to take the quiz without the use of notes or a textbook. As
        these quizzes are not proctored, students are on the Honor System with regard to the use of notes, text,
        etc. 
        Final Exam: The final exam will consist of a 100 question test. This exam will be proctored, which means
        that the student will go to a prearranged place where a proctor will have the needed password. Students
        must make arrangements for the time and place they will take the final; this should be done as early in
        the semester as possible. Students must provide this information to the instructor. 
        Students must schedule their final in accordance with the RODP Proctoring Guidelines. 
        Under no circumstance will a password ever be given out to a student! 
         
        Grading Procedures:
        Course Grade: The final course grade will be determined by the following criteria: Discussions 700
        points
        Module Activities 750 points
        Module Quizzes 350 points
        Proctored Final Exam 200 points
        Total 2000 points 
        A score of at least 140 points on the proctored final is required for other course work to be included
        in your final grade! 
        Discussions: Each module will have discussion topics. Students are expected to participate in each
        module discussion by posting thoughts and opinions and responding to the comments of other students
        and the instructor. Discussion evaluation will be based on the quantity and quality of postings.
        The minimum expectation is one posting and two comments per topic. Students should be prepared to
        contribute original questions and discussions to the discussion board, and respond to the ideas of
        several students, in order to receive excellent marks for participation. 
        Module Activities: Each module has a series of activities which give students first-hand experience with
        the topics presented. The modules are presented either as Microsoft Excel workbooks or PowerPoint
        Presentations. Background materials are provided for each of the Activities. Several of the activities
        involve taking measurements over a period of one week; therefore it is important to start on time and
        work carefully. Students are expected to carefully follow all directions and produce well-formatted,
        complete, and relevant reports. 
        Note: If a student is retaking this course, previous activities from a previous semester may not be
        used in the current semester. All Activity files have a semester designation; students must use
        the current semester's files. A student may use photographs from a previous semester, but the Activity
        itself must be redone.