Middle Tennessee State University
[ Course Index ] [ News & Events ] [ Departments ] [ Other Interesting Sites ] [ Concentrations ]

Department of 
Engineering Technology and Industrial Studies
 
COURSE SYLLABUS

EST 2810 Introduction to Environmental Science

Instructor: Kathy Mathis  
Office: MGB 204, Tel: 898-2113                                                                    
LECTURE: VIS 242, MW 8:05 am – 8:55 am
LAB: N/A

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The technical, economic, and political aspects of environmental science.  Introduction to specific problems dealing with many pollution issues.  An overview of energy production processes, industrial pollution problems, air noise, and hazardous wastes, along with economic and environmental concerns will be addressed.  Field trips, lectures, and research projects and/or papers will highlight specific topics of special interest to students.

PREREQUISITE BY TOPIC:
This is an introduction course which has no prerequisite by course or topic.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:
None  mentioned 

COURSE MATERIAL:
TEXTBOOKS REQUIRED : Environmental Science/ seventh edition. G. Tyler Miller, Jr.

EVALUATION AND GRADING :
Based on two (2) examinations of weights given will be used to determine course grade.

Research papers and/or projects will be graded as indicated. 

COMPUTER USAGE:
Word processor use expected for research paper.  PowerPoint presentation preferred.  Internet research encouraged. 

POLICY ON MAKEUP WORK:
In general, no makeup exam or assignment will be given, unless the instructor is notified in advance of an absence.  In case of emergencies, the instructor will decide whether to allow the student to make up the missed activity.

Attendance is required.  For specific requirements refer to the MTSU Student Handbook.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

If you have a disability that may require assistance or accommodation, or you have questions related to any accommodations for testing, note takers, readers, etc., please speak with me as soon as possible.  Students may also contact the Office of  Disabled Students Services (898-2783) with questions about such services.

 SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES / COURSE OUTLINE 

Part I:                             Humans and Nature:  An Overview

WEEK 1        8/23         Population and Resources                                  C-1
WEEK 2        8/30         Cultural Changes, Ethics                                     C-2
                       9/6           Labor Day – No School
Part II:                            Principles and Concepts

WEEK 3         9/8          Science, Matter, Energy                                       C-3
WEEK 4         9/13        Ecosystems: How and What?                              C-4,5      
WEEK 5         9/20        Population Growth                                               C-6  
WEEK 6         9/27        Environmental Economics,                                  C-7  
                                        Politics Risk, Toxicology, Health                         C-8
                                                        
Part III:                         Resources:  Air, Water, Soil, Wastes

WEEK 7        10/4        Air and Air Pollution                                            C-9                             
                                        Climate, Global Warning, Ozone                       C-10
                       10/11      MIDTERM
WEEK 8        10/18      Water and Water Pollution                                  C-11                              
                                        Minerals, Soil                                                         C-12                                    
                       10/22      Fall Break – No Classes
WEEK 9        10/25      Solid, Toxic, Hazardous Waste                            C-13                                                                    
Part IV:  Biodiversity, Ecological Integrity

WEEK 10      1 1/1       Food Resources                                                     C-14                                                           Pesticides and Pest Control                                C-15 
WEEK 11       11/8       Sustaining Ecosystems:Land                              C-16 
WEEK 12       11/15     Sustaining Plant and Animal Resources          C-17 
                                            
Part V:  Energy Resources 

WEEK 13        11/22    Energy Efficiency, Renewable                    
                         11/26    Thanksgiving Holiday
WEEK 14        11/29    Nonrenewable Energy Resources                    C-19 
WEEK 15        12/6      Energy Conservation 
                         12/10    Report due                          

FINAL             12/17 7-9AM

 Research Paper Assignment

 1.     Paper Title:  A research paper dealing with a current environmental problem.

 2.     Paper Length:  7 to 10 typewritten pages, double spaced.  Only typewritten or hand-printed papers accepted.  No papers written in cursive handwriting will be accepted.  A word processor should be used to receive full credit.

 3.     Paper Format:  Your research paper should conform to the following style:

 §       Title Page:
                Title
                Name
                Class and Section Number
                Time Class is taught
                Date submitted

 §       References:  At least 3 types of references.  At least 5 references.
        (ex.)    1.   Book
                    2.     Periodical
                    3.     First hand interview
                    4.     Newspaper or Newsprint
                    5.     Company or Product Brochures

 §       Endnotes/Footnotes:  Each reference must be used in the written text of the paper.

 1.     (ex.)…there were 1462 in 1964 (Hern, 1972)

 2.     Footnote numbers should refer to the number of the reference in the bibliography.

 (ex.) “quote from reference”1 (Author, P. 231)

 In bibliography

       1.  Author, Title, publisher, etc.

§       Bibliography

 4.  Grading:
Grading for the paper will be assigned using the following criteria.

            Neatness & Appearance                 20%
            Form                                                   20%
            Content and quantitative data       40%                
            Length and References                    20%
                                                                        100%