Biology 113 - People and the Environment Fall 2004
Instructor: Jim Taulman
General Information
Course Description – This course provides information on the workings of ecological systems
in the natural world. The impact of
human activities on these natural systems comprises a major thrust of the
material presented. Opportunities for
lessening human impacts on the natural world and for restoring damaged
ecosystems and processes are discussed.
Prerequisite – College Success 103 with grade of C or better.
Learning Objectives – It is expected that the student will become familiar with concepts of
environmental science, with human impacts on the natural world, and ideas for
solutions for global environmental problems.
Evaluation will be made through scheduled exams.
Conferences – Student conferences will be by
appointment. If you need to meet with me
email or call and set up a time to meet before or after class. I can be contacted at: 605-745-3959 or by email at: jtaulman@olc.edu
Attendance – You should make a commitment to come to every class on time. If you have a schedule conflict with this class, drop it and take it again another semester. A student may be dropped after 3 consecutive absences and will automatically be dropped after 5 total absences. Partial attendance on a given day will be recorded on an hourly basis, that is, missing 1 hour will count for 1/3 of a class period.
Book – The text
for this course is Environmental Science, A Global Concern, by Cunningham,
Cunningham, and Saigo. It is available in the bookstore at Piya Wiconi.
Homework – Work assignments will consist of reading and being familiar with chapters in the textbook for each class period. Individuals will be asked to explain and interpret ideas described in chapters covered each class period.
Grading – Four tests will be given, the
lowest grade will be dropped. The other
3 tests will count for 90% of the final grade.
The remaining 10% of the grade will consist of the individual report. Do not plan on being able to change a grade
after the semester is over. Make your
best effort during the semester because the grade you earn will be a permanent
entry on your transcript.
A = 90 - 100
B = 80 - 89
C = 70 - 79
D = 60 – 69
F = 59 and below
Reports – During the semester each person
will create a personal project to demonstrate his/her respect for the earth,
people, and our environment. During the
last class period before the final exam each person will share with the class information
about that project and including any interesting results that arose from
it.
Possible ideas might include starting a home or community recycling effort, assisting an elderly person with chores around the home or transportation, or some other home or community project to make a positive impact on your environment. Use your imagination and think of some way to use your own interests and abilities to make a difference, even in a small way, to your own world.
Field Trips – I may schedule a field trip during the
semester. This will probably take place
on a weekend in order to allow sufficient driving time and so as not to
conflict with your other classes.
Biology 113 - People and the
Environment Fall 2004
Instructor: Jim Taulman, 605-745-3959
Lecture
(4 tests) Chapter
Sept. 2 – Environmental Science 1
Sept. 9 – Enviromental philosophy, ethics, matter, energy 2, 3
Sept. 16 – Biological communities, biomes, landscapes 4, 5
Sept. 23 – Test #1. Population dynamics, human population 6, 7
Sept. 30 – Ecological economics, environmental health, toxicology 8, 9, 23
Oct. 7 – Environmental policy, food, agriculture, pest control 10, 11, 12
Oct. 14 – Biodiversity, Forests and Rangelands 13, 14
Oct. 21 – Test #2.
Oct. 28 - Weather, air pollution 17, 18
Nov. 4 - Water, water pollution 19, 20
Nov. 11 – Conservation, energy, renewables 21, 22
Nov. 18 – Test #3. Land use, environmental geology 16
Nov. 25 – Urbanization 24, 25
Dec. 2 – Nature preservation, reports 15
Dec. 9 – Final Test