Syllabus

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This is the second course in a two semester sequence that looks at various aspects of earth and environmental systems. Topics this semester will include the oceans, atmosphere, ecosystems, and human impact on the environment. Problem sets and laboratory experiences are an integral part of the course. This course CANNOT be used for the general education science requirement.

GENERAL COURSE INFORMATION:

Attendance is mandatory for all exams. Except in the case of personal illness or a death in the immediate family, both of which must be substantiated, the student MUST seek prior approval from the instructor for an exam absence. Ski trips, hunting, extended weekends, two exams on the same day, etc. are NOT legitimate excuses for missing an exam. Any special pleading must be done before the exam, not after. Any un-excused absence will result in a grade of zero for the exam which is missed.

A number of question/problem sets will be assigned. These will be collected and will constitute a portion of your grade. The question/problem sets are due the class meeting after they are assigned. There will be occasional recitation class meetings during which the questions/problems will be discussed. The student will be expected to participate in these discussions. Similar questions/problems can be expected on exams.

A supplemental book reading will show the relationship between what you are studying in the class and history, literature, or some other field of interest. You will be given a set of questions to be answered from your reading of the text. These questions will be due the Monday after spring vacation.

The two hour block on Thursday will be used for laboratory experiences. The laboratory  is an integral part of the course and students are expected, except in rare circumstances and with permission of the instructor, to take both the lecture and laboratory components of the course.

The student's attention is called to the definitions and regulations regarding cheating and plagiarism. The instructor shall assign a grade of zero to any portion of an exam on which he determines cheating has occurred. Likewise a grade of zero will be assigned to any portion of a laboratory exercise that has been plagiarized. 

TEXT: 

Skinner, Porter, and Botkin (1999) The Blue Planet: An Introduction to Earth System Science. John Wiley & Sons.

BOOK:

Solomon, Susan (2001) The Coldest March. Yale University Press. Obtain on-line or from local bookstores or libraries. The lowest prices go to the earliest purchasers.

GRADING POLICY:

Your grade will be determined as follows:

Lecture grade:

    Two Hour Exams @ 25% each = 50%

            Problems = 10%

            Book assignment = 10%

            Final Exam = 30%

          Laboratory grade:

            Laboratory Experiences = 70%

            Laboratory Exam = 30%

The book report is due March 23. The Hour Exams are scheduled for March 5 and April 23. The Hour Exams will not be cumulative but the Final Exam will be inclusive.

CONTACTING THE INSTRUCTOR:

The instructor's Office Hours are M-W-F 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Additional hours are available by appointment. The instructor's office is Room 302b in the Olney building. If you have problems, or want to make an appointment, you can reach me either by telephone, 978-934-3907 (I have voice mail) or better yet by e-mail, Nelson_Eby@uml.edu. I log on to my e-mail account when I come in each day and thus will get your message first thing in the morning.