Syllabus

Introduction to Environmental Science

1178-FIU01-EVR-1001-SECRVC-87121

    General Information

    Professor Information

    Professor Photo
    Rodolfo Rego, M.S.
    305-348-1478
    AHC5 384 (MMC)
    Adobe Online Chat: Wednesday 1-3pm, Appointment: e-mail for additional questions

    NOTE: This course requires you to check daily your student portal in Canvas (http://online.fiu.edu/login/) since all of the assignments and lectures will be posted there.

    Course Description And Purpose

    This physical science course introduces students to the study of climate, atmospheric composition, nutrient cycling, air and water pollution and water resources. Through discussions of these topics, students will better understand the complex issues surrounding the human ecological footprint, global climate change, degradation of water resources, reliance on fossil fuels for energy and industrial scale agricultural practices.

    Course Objectives

    Learning objectives for this course are based on a definition of scientifically literacy in Environmental Science. This definition of scientific literacy is based on the National Science Education Standards (2011). After completing this course, students should:

    • Understand the principles of environmental science and their impact on everyday life
    • Understand and reflect critically on information included in and omitted from reports concerning environmental science
    • Take part confidently in discussions with others about issues involving environmental science
    • Make informed personal decisions about things that involve environmental science

    Global Learning Outcomes And Assessments

    Students will be assessed for the following Global Learning Outcomes with specific course outcomes listed below them.

    Global Awareness – Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the scientific information and key concepts that underlie the functioning of natural systems with an emphasis on the interrelatedness of these systems with each other and human societies, as well as the negative impacts of environmental degradation on both.

    • An understanding of the scientific foundation and key concepts that describe the patterns and processes of Earth’s natural systems.
    • Awareness of the interrelationship of human activities and natural systems.
    • Ability to use scientific knowledge together with prior knowledge to engage in critical thinking about environmental issues arising from the interrelationship between human societies and natural systems.
    • Assessments for Global Awareness will include a computer based formative assessment activity and in-class exams.

    Global Perspective – Students will be able to examine environmental issues within a multi-perspective framework that supports creative ideas to promote environmental sustainability.

    • Comprehension of the many interrelated technical, social and cultural contributions responsible for the complexity of environmental issues.
    • The ability to examine environmental issues from the perspectives of multiple stakeholders.
    • Develop an understanding of how environmental degradation may impact both natural systems and human societies in the future.

    Global Engagement – Students will demonstrate a willingness to reflect on their own relationship to the environment and take responsibility to reduce their own ecological footprint as well as engaging in local, global and intercultural environmental problem solving.

    • Students will evaluate and reflect on their ecological footprint through its calculation using an on-line ecological footprint calculator.
    • Students will experience and appreciate the challenges facing human communities in their efforts to achieve the sustainable use of natural resources and services.
    • Assessment for Global Engagement will take the form of a reflection within a personal ecological footprint assignment. In addition, students will participate in a community service/co-curricular activity designed to reduce environmental degradation and promote the health of the community.
    • Both assignments will be evaluated using the appropriate rubrics that will be provided to students.

    Academic Honesty

    Please be aware that FIU and Department of Environmental Studies academic honesty policies will be upheld. Plagiarism in any form will not be tolerated and is considered cheating. This includes copying text directly from websites, previously written papers, and other sources without acknowledging the original source or author. Cheating on exams also has serious consequences, up to and including expulsion. Plagiarized film reviews are easy to detect and find and last semester several people flunked the course for using them.

    Important Information

    Policies

    Please review the FIU's Policies webpage. The policies webpage contains essential information regarding guidelines relevant to all courses at FIU, as well as additional information about acceptable netiquette for online courses.

    Cheating, plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty are very serious forms of academic misconduct and will not be tolerated. University policies for academic misconduct are very strict, and the results of cheating and/or plagiarism can be a failing grade or ultimately expulsion from the University.

    Please be aware that FIU and Department of Environmental Studies academic honesty policies will be upheld. Plagiarism in any form will not be tolerated and is considered cheating. This includes copying text directly from websites, previously written papers, and other sources without acknowledging the original source or author. Cheating on exams also has serious consequences, up to and including expulsion. Plagiarized film reviews are easy to detect and find and last semester several people flunked the course for using them.

    Notice: If a student has a disability and needs assistance with class, please contact the Disability Resource Center (GC 190; 305-348-3532). It is the responsibility of each student to work with the Center and Instructor to make arrangements as needed for their accommodations.

    Course Late Assignment Policy

    All assignments submitted after the assignment due date are subject to the following deductions.

    # of Days Late Deduction
    1 - 2 10%
    3 - 5 15%
    7 - 10 20%
    10 - 14 25%
    > 14 Cannot be submitted

    You must contact your instructor before attempting late assignments.

    Online Assessment Issues Policy

    If you encounter a problem when conducting an assessment (e.g., exam, quiz, discussion, etc.) and/or have problems uploading documents to the assignment dropbox, then you must contact FIU online for assistance.  They will contact me with additional instructions at which point a determination will be made regarding the next course of action.  There is no exception to this policy.

    Technical Requirements & Skills

    One of the greatest barriers to taking an online course is a lack of basic computer literacy. By computer literacy we mean being able to manage and organize computer files efficiently, and learning to use your computer's operating system and software quickly and easily. Keep in mind that this is not a computer literacy course; but students enrolled in online courses are expected to have moderate proficiency using a computer. Please go to the "What's Required" webpage to find out more information on this subject.

    This course utilizes the following tools:

    • YouTube
    • Adobe Connect

    Please visit our Technical Requirements webpage for additional information.

    Accessibility And Accommodation

    Academic Misconduct Statement

    Florida International University is a community dedicated to generating and imparting knowledge through excellent teaching and research, the rigorous and respectful exchange of ideas and community service. All students should respect the right of others to have an equitable opportunity to learn and honestly to demonstrate the quality of their learning. Therefore, all students are expected to adhere to a standard of academic conduct, which demonstrates respect for themselves, their fellow students, and the educational mission of the University. All students are deemed by the University to understand that if they are found responsible for academic misconduct, they will be subject to the Academic Misconduct procedures and sanctions, as outlined in the Student Handbook.

    Academic Misconduct includes: Cheating – The unauthorized use of books, notes, aids, electronic sources; or assistance from another person with respect to examinations, course assignments, field service reports, class recitations; or the unauthorized possession of examination papers or course materials, whether originally authorized or not. Plagiarism – The use and appropriation of another’s work without any indication of the source and the representation of such work as the student’s own. Any student who fails to give credit for ideas, expressions or materials taken from another source, including internet sources, is responsible for plagiarism.

    Learn more about the academic integrity policies and procedures as well as student resources that can help you prepare for a successful semester.

    Proctored Exam Policy

    This online section does not require an on-campus exam.

    Course Prerequisites

    There are no prerequisites for this course.

    Expectations Of This Course

    This is an online course, which means most (if not all) of the course work will be conducted online. Expectations for performance in an online course are the same for a traditional course. In fact, online courses require a degree of self-motivation, self-discipline, and technology skills which can make these courses more demanding for some students.

    Students are expected to:

    • Review the how to get started information located in the course content
    • Introduce yourself to the class during the first week by posting a self introduction video in the appropriate blog
    • Take the practice quiz to ensure that your computer is compatible with Blackboard
    • Interact online with instructor/s and peers
    • Review and follow the course calendar
    • Log in to the course at least four (4) times per week
    • Respond to discussion boards, blogs and journal postings within: Initial post in three (3) days and all responses in seven (7) days.
    • Respond to messages within no more than two (2) days
    • Submit assignments by the corresponding deadline

    The instructor will:

    • Log in to the course at least five (5) times per week
    • Respond to discussion boards, blogs and journal postings within two (2) days
    • Respond to messages within 2 days (48 hours)
    • Grade assignments within ten (10) days of the assignment deadline.

    Textbook

    Textbook Image
    Scientific American Environmental Science for a Changing World
    Susan Karr, Jeneen InterlandI, Anne Houtman
    W. H. Freeman, 2nd Edition, 2015
    ISBN-10: 1464162204
    ISBN-13: 9781464162206
    You may purchase your textbook online at the FIU Bookstore.

    The text is an e-book. YOU DO NOT NEED ACCESS TO THE EXTRA’s. If students prefer a paper textbook, the loose-leaf version with Enviroportal access can also be purchased; however, the e-book/website purchase is more cost effective.

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    Course Detail

    Course Communication

    Communication in this course will take place via Messages.

    Messages is a private and secure text-based communication system which occurs within a course among its Course members. Users must log on to Blackboard to send, receive, or read messages. The Messages tool is located on the Course Menu, on the left side of the course webpage. It is recommended that students check their messages routinely to ensure up-to-date communication.

    Announcements will be posted throughout the semester discussing various topics relating the course.  Announcements can also contain important reminders about due dates and/or discussion certain elements of topics covered during the course.  It is extremely important that you check and read the announcements on a regular basis.

     Visit our Writing Resources webpage for more information on professional writing and technical communication skills.

    Discussion Blogs

    Keep in mind that your discussion forum postings will likely be seen by other members of the course. Care should be taken when determining what to post.

    Discussions and participation are required, just as if you were in a face to face class. Online does not mean silent or student guided. The discussion forums are due at the end of the week assigned (i.e., Monday of week assigned before 12:00am). The course will be dependent on thoughtful participation during the discussion forums. Responses such as ‘I agree’ or ‘yea…what he said’ will result in zero points of credit. You can earn your grade and exemplary participation will earn higher scores. Read the rubric below for more information. Each discussion requires an individual (1) post as well as two (2) responses (Initial post in three (3) days and additional responses by the seventh (7th) day.)

    Discussion Rubric

    CRITERIA EXEMPLARY
    Development of Ideas Well-developed ideas; introduces new ideas; and stimulates discussion.
    Evidence of Critical Thinking Clear evidence of critical thinking - application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation. Postings are characterized by clarity of argument, depth of insight into theoretical issues, originality of treatment, and relevance. Sometimes include unusual insights. Arguments are well supported.
    Quantity of Postings Interact at least twice with other students and/or the instructors.
    Timeliness

    Individual message and at least two responses posted before the deadline.

    Respond to discussion boards, blogs and journal postings within: Initial post in three (3) days and all responses in seven (7) days.

    Discussion Forums

    Keep in mind that your discussion forum postings will likely be seen by other members of the course. Care should be taken when determining what to post.

    Quizzes & Exams

    In order to mitigate any issues with your computer and online assessments, it is very important that you take the "Practice Quiz" from each computer you will be using to take your graded quizzes and exams. It is your responsibility to make sure your computer meets the minimum hardware requirements.

    Assessments in this course are not compatible with mobile devices and should not be taken through a mobile phone or a tablet. If you need further assistance please contact FIU Online Support Services.

    There will be five quizzes over the course of the term. Typically, each quiz will focus on the chapters for that given period. However, given the nature of science, many concepts are interconnected with each other and therefore all content may be found within a quiz. Quizzes will be multiple choices format.

    There are two exams for this course. The last exam will be given at the scheduled exam time during final exam week and will be semi-comprehensive. Exams will be multiple choices format. No make-ups will be allowed for exams without a written excuse from a doctor, parent, or legal guardian. For more information contact me.

    Assignments

    Campus Audit Assignment

    This is a project worth 10% of your final grade. Instructions for this exercise will be given beforehand.

    My Ecological Footprint Assignment

    This activity concerns the calculation of the personal ecological footprint using a website footprint calculator. Students will be asked to reply to questions with a thoughtful consideration of the steps that could be taken to reduce an individual’s ecological footprint. Please visit the following websites to do so:

    To verify the originality of your work, certain assignments will use a Turnitin dropbox in Blackboard. These and all assignments must be your original individual effort, and any sources used must be cited. No credit will be given if the assignment lacks sources or there is evidence of a lack of originality. Review the detailed Turnitin Instructions on how to submit your assignments and how to review the Grademark comments (feedback) from your professor.

    Adobe Connect Pro Meeting

    Adobe Connect is an online meeting room where you can interact with your professor and fellow students by sharing screens, sharing files, chatting, broadcasting live audio, and taking part in other interactive online activities. We will be utilizing this tool to conduct online office hours.

    Meetings will be available on Wednesdays from 1pm - 3pm

    Requirements for using Adobe Connect:

    • Disable any window pop-up blocker.
    • Adobe Flash Player is required to successfully run your Adobe Connect meeting. You can test your computer to make sure your computer and network connections are properly configured to provide you with the best possible Adobe Connect meeting experience.
    • Use of a combination headset and microphone with USB connection is recommended to ensure quality sound and reduce technical difficulties.

      Reference Adobe Connect (Tutorials & Help) to learn about the tool, how to access your meeting rooms and recordings.

    Grading

    Course Requirements # of Items Weight
    Introduce Yourself Video Blog 1 5%
    Quizzes (Content and Blog) 5 20%
    Discussion Blogs 6 30%
    MidTerm - Online 1 15%
    Final - Online 1 15%
    Campus Audit 1 10%
    My Ecological Footprint 1 5%
    Extra Credit 1 up to 5%
    Total 16 100%
    LETTER RANGE LETTER RANGE LETTER RANGE
    A Above 93% B 83% - 86% C 70% - 76%
    A- 90% - 92% B- 80% - 82% D 60% - 69%
    B+ 87% - 89% C+ 77% - 79% F < 60%

    Course Calendar

    Module Weekly Schedule

    Introduction to Course

    Date

    Tasks

    Week 1
    August 21 - August 28

    Course Introduction

    Unit Video(s): 

    • Introduction Video

    Assignment:

    1. Introduce yourself to the class
    2. Practice Quiz
    3. Begin Unit 1 Readings

    Unit 1: Introduction to Environment, Science, and Scientific Literacy

    Date 

    Task

    Week 2
    August 28 - September 4
     

    Reading:

    1. Chapter 1 (Environmental Literacy and the Goal of Sustainability)

    Unit Video(s):

    • All video content in learning module

    Presentation:

    • Chapter 1 PPT

    Reading: 

    1. Chapter 2 (Science Literacy & The Process of Science)

    Unit Video(s): 

    • All video content in learning module

    Presentation: 

    • Chapter 2 PPT

    Reading: 

    1. Chapter 3 (Information Literacy)

    Unit Video(s): 

    • All video content in learning module

    Presentation: 

    • Chapter 3 PPT

    Assignment: 

    • Discussion #1

    Unit 2: Human Population and Enviornmental Health

    Date

    Task

    Week 3
    September 4 - September 11

    (September 4 - Labor Day Holiday)

    Reading:

    1. Chapter 4 (Human Population)

    Unit Video(s):

    • All video content in learning module

    Presentation:

    • Chapter 4 PPT

    Assignment:

    1. Quiz #1
    Week 4
    September 11 - September 18
    Hurricane Irma Impacts

    Unit 3: Consumption and the Enviornmental Footprint

    Date

    Task

    Week 5
     September 18 - September 25

    Reading

    1. Chapter 6 (Ecological Economics and Consumption)

    Unit Video(s): 

    • All video content in learning module

    Presentation:

    •  Chapter 6 PPT


     

    Reading:

    1. Chapter 7 (Managing Solid Waste)

    Unit Video(s):

    •  All video content in learning module

    Presentation:

    • Chapter 7 PPT

    Assignment:

    1.  Discussion #2

    Unit 4: Ecology

    Date 

    Task

                    Week 6           September 25 - October 2

    Reading

    1. Chapter 8 (Ecosystems and Nutrient Cycling)

    Unit Video(s): 

    • All video content in learning module

    Presentation: 

    • Chapter 8 PPT


    Reading:

    1. Chapter 9 (Population Ecology)

     

    Unit Video(s): 

    • All video content in learning module

    Presentation:

    • Chapter 9 PPT


    Reading

    1. Chapter 10 (Community Ecology)

    Unit Video(s): 

    • All video content in learning module

    Presentation

    • Chapter 10 PPT

    Assignment:

    1. Quiz #2

    Unit 5: Biodiversity and Ecology

    Date 

    Task
    Week 7
    October 2 - October 9

    Reading: 

    1. Chapter 12 (Biodiversity)

    Unit Video(s):

    •  All video content in learning module

    Presentation:

    •  Chapter 12 PPT

    Reading: 

    1. Chapter 13 (Preserving Biodiversity)

    Unit Video(s):

    •  All video content in learning module

    Presentation: 

    • Chapter 13 PPT

    Assignment: 

    1. Discussion #3

                  Week 8         October 9 - October 16

    Assignment

    1. Midterm Exam (Chapters 1-4 & 6-10)

    Unit 6: Water Resources 

    Date

    Task

    Week 9
    October 16 - October 23

    Reading: 

    1. Marine Ecosystems (Web based Information)

    Unit Video(s): 

    • All video content in learning module

    Assignment:

    1.  Discussion #4

    Week 10
     October 23 - October 30

    Reading:

    1. Chapter 14 (Freshwater Resources)

    Unit Video(s):

    • All video content in learning module

    Presentation:

    • Chapter 14 PPT


    Reading

    1. Chapter 15 (Water Pollution)

    Unit Video(s):

    •  All video content in learning module

    Presentation

    • Chapter 15 PPT

    Assignment:

    1.   Quiz #3

     

    Unit 7: Food Resources

    Date 

    Task 

                   Week 11              October 30 - November 6

    Deadline to drop a course with a DR grade

    Reading: 

    1. Chapter 16 (Feeding the World)

    Unit Video(s):

    • All video content in learning module

    Presentation

    • Chapter 16 PPT

    Assignment:  

    • Readings

    Week 12
    November 6 - November 13

    (November 10 - Veterans Day Holiday)

    Reading: 

    1. Chapter 17 (Sustainable Agriculture)

    Unit Video(s): 

    • All video content in learning module

    Presentation:

    •  Chapter 17 PPT

    Assignment:  

    • Discussion #5

    Unit 8: Conventional Energy: Fossil Fuels

    Date

    Task

    Week 13
    November 13 - November 20

    Reading: 

    1. Chapter 18 (Coal) 

    Unit Video(s): 

    • All video content in learning module

    Presentation: 

    • Chapter 18 PPT


    Reading: 

    • Chapter 19 (Oil and Natural Gas)

    Unit Video(s):

    •  All video content in learning module

    Presentation: 

    • Chapter 19 PPT

    Assignment:

    1. Quiz #4

    Unit 9: Air Pollution: Consequences of Using Fossil Fuels

    Date

    Task 

    Week 14
    November 20 - November 27

    (November 23 & 24 - Thanksgiving Holiday)

    Reading: 

    1. Chapter 20 (Air Pollution)

    Unit Video(s): 

    • All video content in learning module

    Presentation:

    •  Chapter 20 PPT


    Reading: 

    1. Chapter 21 (Climate Change)

    Unit Video(s):

    •  All video content in learning module

    Presentation:

    •  Chapter 21 PPT

    Assignment

    1.  Unit Readings

    Unit 10: Alternative to Fossil Fuels

    Date 

    Task

     Week 15
    November 27 - December 4

    Reading:

    1.  Chapter 22 (Nuclear Power)

    Unit Video(s): 

    • All video content in learning module

    Presentation:

    •  Chapter 22 PPT


    Reading: 

    1. Chapter 23 (Sustainable Energy for Stationary Sources)

    Unit Video(s): 

    • All video content in learning module

    Presentation: 

    • Chapter 23 PPT

    Assignment: 

    1. Discussion #6
    2. Blog Quiz
    Week 16
    December 4 - December 11

    Reading

    1. Chapter 24 (Environmental Policy)

    Unit Video(s): 

    • All video content in learning module

    Presentation: 

    • Chapter 24 PPT

    Assignment: 

    1. Quiz #5
    2. Ecological Footprint Due
    3. Campus Audit Assignment Due

    Unit 11: Sustainable Living in Community

    Date

    Tasks

    Week 17
    December 11 - December 16*

    *Ends on Saturday

    Reading: 

    1. Chapter 25 (Urbanization and Sustainable Communities)

    Unit Video(s):

    •  All video content in learning module

    Presentation:

    •  Chapter 25 PPT

    Assignment:

    1. *Final Exam (Chapters 14-25 and Marine Ecosystems)
    2. Extra Credit Due