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Academic Year 2003/2004


Introduction to Environmental Science
E&ES 199 SP

How does the natural environment function? We read in the newspapers about changes in the composition of the atmosphere, pollution of the hydrosphere, and extinction of the biosphere. Have such events ever occurred before, or are they induced by the ill effects of our industrialized society? In this course, we investigate the biological, chemical and physical processes and changes in the global environment over the past hundreds to thousands of years. The impact of anthropogenic actions on earth system processes is emphasized by focus on environmental pollution and resource sustainability versus exploitation. This course provides a rigorous introduction to the science of environmental processes with lesser emphasis on the policy and economics of global-change issues.

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

There will be two midterm exams, a final exam, several problem sets, and one group presentation/paper. There will be optional labs and field trips.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

No prior knowledge in the topic assumed, but basic math skills are required.

Field trips and labs (total of 6) will take place on alternate weeks, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons from 1-4 p.m.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: NSM E&ES    Grading Mode: Graded   

Prerequisites: NONE

SECTION 01

Instructor(s): O'Connell,Suzanne B.   
Times: .M.W.F. 10:00AM-10:50AM; ...W... 01:10PM-04:00PM;     Location: SCIE58
Reserved Seats:    (Total Limit: 23)
SR. major: 0   Jr. major: 0
SR. non-major: 0   Jr. non-major: 0   SO: 0   FR: 0

Special Attributes:
Curricular Renewal:    Ethical Reasoning, Writing

SECTION 02

Instructor(s): O'Connell,Suzanne B.   
Times: .M.W.F. 10:00AM-10:50AM; ...W... 01:10PM-04:00PM; ....R.. 01:10PM-04:00PM;     Location: TBA
Reserved Seats:    (Total Limit: 23)
SR. major: 0   Jr. major: 0
SR. non-major: 0   Jr. non-major: 0   SO: 0   FR: 0

Special Attributes:

SECTION 03

Instructor(s): O'Connell,Suzanne B.   
Times: .M.W.F. 10:00AM-10:50AM; .....F. 01:10PM-04:00PM; .....F. 01:10PM-04:00PM;     Location: TBA
Reserved Seats:    (Total Limit: 24)
SR. major: 0   Jr. major: 0
SR. non-major: 0   Jr. non-major: 0   SO: 0   FR: 0

Special Attributes:
Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-19-2004


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