Format: Online via Web with mandatory
Face-to-Face Field Day required

Course Information

Course Title:  ENV 101 Intro to ENV SCI

Course Code: ENV-101-DS21     

Semester: Spring 2018      

Meeting Days & Times:  Asynchronous 

 

Class Location: Online with one Face-to-Face Field Day in Breckenridge, CO required on April 14 or April 21 as a snow day alternative if necessary.

                       

Syn. Number: 08937                      

Credits:  4                 

Prerequisite: College-level composition & reading       

Start Date: 1/15/18                        
End Date: 5/4/18                 
Refund Date: 1/31/18                     
Withdraw Date: 4/8/18       

Required Course Materials

CMC Environmental Science Lab Kit, $189
Order from: www.esciencelabs.com 888-375-5487 \ Kit Code CMC3001

Cunningham & Cunningham, 14^th edition, Environmental Science McGrawHill ISBN: 9781260153125
Available through Bookstore – Purchase or Rent. e-text may be used.  Quizzes and Exams will be based on 14^th edition.

List of Required Course Materials for Field Day will be provided in class.

Instructor Information

Dr. Paul Robertson

 

CMC Phone: NA   Phone:  719-588-4734 Emergencies Only                            

CMC Fax:             

CMC e-mail:          Please use the course email system within CANVAS to communicate with me.

Office Number:      Communication via course eMail

Office Hours:         Communication via course eMail
Emergency Contact via Phone (provided in course)

                                         

II. Course Description

 

This course provides an introduction to the basic concepts of ecology and the relationship between environmental problems and biological systems. It includes interdisciplinary discussions on biology, chemistry, geology, energy, natural resources, pollution, and environmental protection. Using a holistic approach, students will study how the foundations of natural sciences interconnect with the environment. This course includes laboratory experience.

III. Guaranteed Transfer Pathways Program

The Colorado Commission on Higher Education has approved ENV 101 for inclusion in the Guaranteed Transfer (GT) Pathways program in the GT-SC1 category. For transferring students, successful completion with a minimum C- grade guarantees transfer and application of credit in this GT Pathways category. For more information on the GT Pathways program, go to http://highered.colorado.gov/academics/transfers/gtpathways/curriculum.html

1. Define environment, environmental science, and ecology.
2. Discuss the stages of environmental conservation.
3. Describe the scientific method of inquiry.
4. Define and explain how the laws of thermodynamics regulate ecosystems.
5. Summarize the ecological significance of trophic levels and succession.
6. Describe the components and characteristics of terrestrial and aquatic biomes.
7. Summarize the principles of toxicology and risk assessment.
8. Analyze how soil characteristics influence soil erosion and degradation.
9. Identify benefits and problems with pesticide usage.
10. Describe the geologic rock cycle and geological hazards.
11. Apply the structure of the atmosphere to Earth's weather and climate.
12. Evaluate the causes and effects of global warming.
13. Describe the types and effects of water, air, and soil pollution and how their quality affects biodiversity.
14. Compare and contrast conventional and sustainable energy sources.
15. Discuss environmental laws, ethics, and policies.
16. Relate environmental issues to population and economic growth.
17. Describe ecological responses to environmental change.
18. Evaluate the pros and cons of fossil fuel and renewable energy resources.
19. Relate natural hazards and waste management to appropriate land use.
20. Demonstrate ability to collect and analyze data collected in the field.

IV. Natural & Physical Sciences (N&PS) Content Criteria- GT-SC1

1. The lecture content of a GT Pathways science course
   1. Develop foundational knowledge in specific field(s) of science.
   2. Develop an understanding of the nature and process of science.
   3. Demonstrate the ability to use scientific methodologies.
   4. Examine quantitative approaches to study natural phenomena.
2. The laboratory (either a combined lecture and laboratory, or a separate laboratory tied to a science lecture course) content of a GT Pathways science course
   1. Perform hands-on activities with demonstration and simulation components playing a secondary role.
   2. Engage in inquiry-based activities.
   3. Demonstrate the ability to use the scientific method.
   4. Obtain and interpret data, and communicate the results of inquiry.
   5. Demonstrate proper technique and safe practices.

V. Competencies & Student Learning Outcomes for GT-SC1

Inquiry & Analysis:

1. Select or Develop a Design Process
   1. Select of develop elements of the methodology or theoretical framework to solve problems in a given discipline.
2. Analyze and Interpret Evidence
   1. Examine evidence to identify patterns, differences, similarities, limitations, and/or implications related to the focus.
   2. Utilize multiple representations to interpret the data.
3. Draw Conclusions
   1. State a conclusion based on findings.

Quantitative Literacy:

1. Interpret Information
   1. Explain information presented in mathematical forms (e.g. equations, graphs, diagrams, tables, words).
2. Represent Information
   1. Convert information into and between various mathematical forms (e.g. equations, graphs, diagrams, tables, words).

VI. Individual Development and Educational Assessment (IDEA) Objectives

 

The instructor has selected the following objectives as Important or Essential in order to gauge student progress and improve teaching and learning for this course.

1. Gaining factual knowledge (terminology, classifications, methods, trends).
2. Learning to apply course material (to improve thinking, problem solving, and decisions).
3. Learning how to find and use resources for answering questions or solving problems.
4. Learning to analyze and critically evaluate ideas, arguments, and points of view.
5. Acquiring an interest in learning more by asking questions and seeking answers.

VII. Evaluation Methods

Students are expected to stay current with assigned readings and use course materials for study. Evaluation of knowledge will be via quality of participation in discussions, laboratory assignments and testing via Quizzes/Exams. These assignments will address the STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES, COMPETENCIES & SKILLS as listed above.

 

 

Discussion Conduct and Grading Rubric:

There will be 7 Canvas LMS (Learning Management System) Discussions posted during the conduct of this course, each worth a total of 30 points. Student should expect to • completely awhen the Discussion is open. Early and late posts will not be included in Discussion grade.nswer all questions posed during the first week in which the discussion is open and post a minimum of 400 words for the mini-essay using correct spelling and grammar by the mini-essay due date in Schedule. (14) • respond substantively (“I agree” is not substantive) to at least 5 other classmates' posts during the second week by Responses due date in Schedule and spread commentary out over the comment period. (12 points) • list three SCIENTIFICALLY VALID juried references, reviewed by peers (in addition to the text) to support at least one of your posts and use APA format for reference citations, Wikipedia.com, Ask Jeeves.com, About.com and similar web sites are NOT scientifically valid web sites! – go to the source!). (4 points) •  Discussion participation will be accepted only during the dates

Laboratory Conduct and Grading Rubric:

Student will submit a minimum of tent out of 12 passing laboratories within the Canvas LMS. Note Well that the Face to Face Field Day is MANDATORY. Failure to attend will result in a 0 grade for the activity. More information about this experience will be sent to you during class. No late submittals will be accepted. Begin work and submit early, rather than late! Some laboratory work requires up to two weeks for completion. Be sure to begin those laboratories EARLY. See Schedule for notes on this. See details on each Lab in Assignments. Lab content will be addressed in Quizzes per the Schedule. Laboratory work will be graded based on the completeness of the following items, worth a total of 9 points: • Completed laboratory work is required to pass the laboratory. All aspects of the lab are to be addressed. Lab represents a professional work as if it will be presented to an employer. Partially completed laboratory work will not be accepted. • Pre-lab questions are fully answered. • Student is expected to show full example calculations required to complete lab work. • Any required graphs or tables are to be included and completely explained in the lab text. • References are provided in APA format where appropriate. • Submit all work as a .doc, .docx or .pdf file. One file per lab, please. • Include your name, the date, Course number and the laboratory title on the first page. • Laboratory work may be submitted to TurnItIn Plagiarism Checker. You are advised to check your work with TurnItIn for content, and ensure that any copied material is adequately referenced. APA reference style should be used (author’s name or Unknown. Date of publication or copyright. Name of article or book, publisher). If found on web, note date retrieved. Example references: Hardin, Garrett. 1968. The Tragedy of the Commons, Science, 162: 1243-1248. Style for Web material: http://www.dieoff.org/page95.htm . Retrieved Aug. 1, 2012.

Attendance Rubric:

·         Student is required to check into this course, at a minimum, four times per week to view instructor announcements, and to respond to needed remediation for grading and complete assigned work. While this requirement will not be closely monitored, in the event of proof of poor performance, this item can affect the final grade, i.e. if you have a final grade of 319.5, this item can affect whether you earn a “B-” or a “C+” in this course.

Assessment via Testing Rubric:

• Canvas LMS Tests, Quizzes or Exams will be interspersed throughout the course to provide evaluation about what you have learned from text readings, PowerPoint presentations, lectures, and laboratories. These assessments MUST be completed within the time frame listed. Prepare and complete assessments early rather than waiting until the last minute. You have at least a week in which to complete assessments. • You will take 12 quizzes in this course. The lowest two quiz grades will be dropped for purposes of calculating your final grade. If you miss a quiz, that missed quiz will count toward the “lowest two grades” dropped. • These quizzes and exams are an assessment of what YOU have learned during the conduct of this course. As such, you are expected to perform them on your own, without the help of another human individual through any means. You may use your text or laboratory information; however, the tests are timed, and you should not expect to be able to look up answers to all questions. Plan on studying and completing the tests without supplemental help, including your textbook or lab materials, to optimize your grades. You are not permitted to use the help from another human in taking these quizzes or exams.

 

The Final Course Grade will be determined based on final numeric grade earned, as follows.  Note that you MUST complete the entire course to earn a passing grade regardless of your total numeric grade earned.

Type of Assessment	Number @ Points Each	Total Points	% of Final Grade
Discussions	6  @ 30 1 @ 20	200	%
Laboratory	11 @ 15	165	%
Field Day (Face to Face Session)	1   @ 100	100	%
Quizzes – Unit1	10 @  2   @		% %
Course Participation	No points off, or -20 points if regular attendance (at least once every three days) is not observed
Total Points Possible			100 %

 

Total # of Points	Quality Points	% of 400	Letter Grade
400-375	4.0-3.75	94	A
374-360	3.74-3.35	90	A-
359-352	3.34-3.05	88	B+
351-336	3.04-2.75	84	B
335-320	2.74-2.35	80	B-
319-312	2.34-2.05	78	C+
311-296	2.04-1.75	74	C
295-280	1.74-1.35	70	C-
279-272	1.34-1.05	68	D+
271-256	1.04-0.75	64	D
255-240	0.74-0.50	60	D-
<240	<0.50	<60	F

 

VIII. Class Management

 

The instructor will return comments and a grade for all lab assignments within one week, at maximum, from the due date of the assignment.  If lab assignment is submitted late with prior approval of the instructor, grading will be at instructor’s convenience.

Students are expected to be current with course work.  Don’t wait to the last minute to submit assignments. Students are encouraged to work well ahead of deadlines to avoid potential emergency situations that might interfere with those deadlines.  Students should expect to spend a minimum of 12 hours per week on course work.

This course is organized into doable weekly blocks of work.  Weeks begin on Mondays and end on Sundays.  This course is not self-paced. Students must participate in Discussions during the open dates for each Discussion.

Students may perform Laboratory activities together, but must use their own lab kits in doing so and submit their own report.  Every student must purchase a lab kit.

Arrange for time to attend the Face-to-Face Field Activity now.  This activity is mandatory and cannot be made up.

Students are expected to do their own work on quiz and exam assignments in this course. While quizzes are open-book in nature, please do not use the help of another person in completing your quizzes or exams.

Please refer to The Student’s Rights and Responsibilities section of the CMC Student Handbook regarding other expected course behaviors, conduct and civility practices and academic habits,  catalog.coloradomtn.edu/content.php?catoid=8&navoid=943.

• Contact with instructor via eMail is preferred. Emergency contact may be via personal telephone available within the course.
• Canvas, in this On-line Learning Environment, provides the principle means of information transfer. Be sure to review “Introduction to Online Learning” for orientation to Canvas when you join class.
• Participation in Discussions must occur within dates specified on the Course Schedule. Please use the Discussion Post (Reply) area for participation. Do not “Attach” your main Discussion Post.
• Laboratory Assignments may be submitted as .doc, .docx, .pdf and in graphing formats where appropriate. Single, all-inclusive document format for each laboratory assignment is highly encouraged.  Please use Grammar- and Spell-Checker to proof your work before submittal. Lab assignments may be submitted late with a 2-point late deduction penalty imposed.
• Exams and Quizzes may be completed at any time from the opening date of the assessment per the course schedule until the end of the course.
• All exams, quizzes and laboratories are due, at the latest, by the last date of the course.
• One Face-to-Face Field Day is required in order to complete the Competencies in this course

 

Face-to-Face Field Day Activities

All students will be expected to participate in the Face-to-Face Field Day Activities. Information about what is expected for participation will be found in this course and provided closer to the date.  Please arrange to be available in Breckenridge, CO on Saturday, April 14, adverse weather day will be on Saturday, April 21.

An Activity Release Form will be required for this activity.

No other make-up Field Day class will be available during the course term under any circumstances.  If you cannot make it to the scheduled field day, you will receive a 0 out of the possible 100 points (25% of your overall course grade) for your grade for this activity day. Plan to be there NOW!.

IX. Information you should know if you are a CMC Student

1. A student judged to have engaged in academic misconduct as defined in the “Academic Policies and Requirements” section of the Colorado Mountain College Student Handbook will, at a minimum, receive a “zero” for the work in question. The student may also be removed from the class, resulting in a failing grade. All student course material may be submitted to Feedback Studio (or another anti-plagiarism program) at the instructor’s discretion. “Academic Expectations”, the “Student Code of Conduct and Judicial Process” and more information about academic misconduct can be found in the Student Handbook.
2. Students are responsible for course materials from assigned text(s) and reading, lectures, labs, and other assignments as required. Attendance at all class meetings is expected.
3. The instructor may alter any, or all, of this syllabus during the semester as the learning environment requires. Students will be notified in writing of changes.
4. Withdrawal from this Course: Students wishing to withdraw from this course must INITIATE the course withdrawal/drop process at the site Registration Office.
5. Grades will be posted to https://webadvisor.coloradomtn.edu by Friday following the last day of classes at the end of each semester.
6. This class could be cancelled one week prior to the census date if a sufficient number of students are not enrolled by that date.
7. Attendance and No-Show Reporting: Attendance and early engagement are important elements for your success in this course. All students who do not attend the first class(es) or meet early attendance requirements must be reported by the instructor to the Registrar’s Office. Financial aid students or students receiving Veteran’s benefits who do not attend the first class(es), meet early attendance requirements and fail to complete at least one graded assignment(s) in Canvas by January 24 midnight will be dropped from the course and may not receive financial assistance. (http://coloradomtn.edu/financial_aid).
8. Students with Disabilities (http://coloradomtn.edu/admissions/disability_services/): If you have a disability protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and feel you may need classroom accommodations based on the impact of your disability, please contact the Disability Services Coordinator on your campus.
   • Edwards, Leadville, and Chaffee County: Dan Hammon, 970‐569‐2940
   • Rifle: Libby Neal, 970‐625‐6959
   • Roaring Fork Campus (Glenwood Springs, Carbondale, Spring Valley) and Aspen: Dr. Anne Moll, 970‐947‐8256
   • Steamboat Springs: Elisha Colson, 970-870-4450
   • Summit Campus (Breckenridge, Dillon): 970‐968‐5821 or Dan Hammon 970-569-2940
   • Online Students: contact the Coordinator at the Campus closest to you
9. Title IX Sexual Misconduct Contact Information: Colorado Mountain College is committed to the prompt and equitable investigation of all Sexual Misconduct complaints or reports, with appropriate remediation where it has been determined that this Policy has been violated. Each campus has a designated Deputy Title IX Coordinator to handle any reports of Sexual Misconduct or discrimination. Deputy Title IX Coordinator Contact Information:
   • College/Employee Deputy Title IX Coordinator: Lisa Doak, AVP of Student Services, 970-947-8351 ldoak@coloradomtn.edu
   • Campus Deputy Title IX Coordinator:

Aspen Campus: Margaret Clement, Assistant Dean of Instruction, 970‐236‐0430 ext. 2430, mtclement@coloradomtn.edu

Edwards Campus: Marc Brennan, Associate Campus Dean, 970‐569‐2913, mabrennan@coloradomtn.edu

Leadville Campus: Skip Lee, Dean of Student Affairs, 719‐486‐4290, wlee@coloradomtn.edu

Online Learning: Lisa Doak, AVP of Student Services, 970‐947‐8351, ldoak@coloradomtn.edu

Rifle Campus: Carole Boughton, VP & Campus Dean, 970-625-6944, caboughton@coloradomtn.edu

Roaring Fork Campus (Glenwood Springs, Carbondale, Spring Valley): Abbie Kroesen, Associate Dean of Student Affairs, 970‐947‐8212, akroesen@coloradomtn.edu

Steamboat Springs Campus: Carolyn Lawrence, Associate Dean of Student Affairs, 970‐870‐4463, cmlawrence@coloradomtn.edu

Summit Campus (Breckenridge, Dillon): Dave Askeland, Campus VP, 970‐989‐1312 x 2612, daskeland@coloradomtn.edu

X. Tentative Course Schedule

NOTE: This schedule is subject to change at any time, depending on instructor evaluation of student skills/understanding/knowledge and other factors that arise during the semester.

• All assignments are due on the final day of each week listed.
• Discussions: Mini-essay post is due on last day of the week in which the Discussion opens.  Response posts to other students’ essay posts are due at the end of the second week listed.  Add at least 3 correctly cited (APA style) scientifically valid references, in addition to your textbook, to one of your posts for full credit.
• Laboratories are based on Hands-On Labs Lab Kit SKU: LP-2769-ES-01. Check HOME in CANVAS for the specific HOL Lab Kit Ordering and access information.  Check this Schedule for information about the specific Lab Exercise to do. Note, per Schedule, that some labs may require more than one day to complete. Plan your time accordingly.
• The student must complete Quiz 1 for Week 1 by the due date indicated to avoid being expelled from the course as a no-show student.

 

 

Schedule, SPRING 2018 ENV 101-16 Week: Intro to Environmental Science

(Check off assignments as you complete them.)

Unit Module	Reading & PowerPoints in Environmental Science 14E, Module Tutorials	Assignments and Activities Check Off a, b	Week: Dates b
1b	Learning to Learn and Environmental Basics: Chs 1-2 The 3 Es of Sustainability	o    Introduction Discussion o    Discussion 1:   (mini-essay post due by the end of the week) o    Begin EScience Lab 1 Scientific Method - Lab kit not needed o    Begin eScience Lab 2 Lab Report (10 days) o    Quiz 1: Chs 1-2	Week 1 1/15-1/21
2	Evolution and Biomes: Chs 3-5	o    Discussion 1 (responses due) o    EScience Lab 1 due o    Begin EScience Lab 4 Ecosystems (1 week of observations) o    Quiz 2: Chs 3-5	Week 2 1/22-1/28
3	Populations and Toxicology: Chs 6-8	o    Discussion 2 (mini-essay post due) o    EScience Lab 2 due o    EScience Lab 4 due o    Quiz 3: Chs 6-8	Week 3 1/29-2/4
4	Biodiversity & Restoration Ecology:  Chs 11-13	o    Discussion 2 (responses due) o    EScience Lab 5 Ecology of Organisms due (3 hr lab) o    Begin EScience Lab 6 Biodiversity (2 weeks of observation) o    Quiz 4: Chs 11-13	Week 4 2/5-2/11
5	Water: Chs 17-18	o    Discussion 3 (mini-essay post due) o     EScience Lab 6 Biodiversity due o    EScience Lab 7 Population Biology (2 weeks of observation) o    Quiz 5: Chs 17, 18 o	Week 5 2/12-2/18
		o    Discussion 3 (responses due) o    EScience Lab 7 due	Week 6 2/19-2/25
		o    Discussion 4  (mini-essay due) o   Escience Lab 8 Water Quality and Contamination due (2 hr lab) o   Begin Lab 9 Air Quality and Contamination (4 days)	Week 7: 2/26-3/4
6	Food, Hunger and Farming: Chs 9-10	o    Quiz 6: Chs 9, 10 o    Discussion 4: (responses due) o     Lab 9 Air Quality and Contamination due	Week 8: 3/5-3/11
		o    SPRING BREAK!	3/12-3/18
7	Geology & Earth Resources Ch 14	o    Quiz 7: Ch 14 o    Discussion 5: (mini-essay post due) o   Begin EScience Lab 10 Soil Quality & Contamination (1 week)	Week 9: 3/19-3/25
8	Climate Change and Air Pollution Chs 15-16	o    Discussion 5: (responses due) o     EScience Lab 10 Soil Quality & Contamination due	Week 10: 3/26-4/1
	Energy Chs 19-20	o    Quiz 8: Chs 15, 16, 19, 20 o    Discussion 6: (mini-essay post due) o    EScience Lab 11: Energy Sources and Alternative Energy (2 days)	Week 11: 4/2-4/8
9	Waste, Urbanization Chs 21, 22	o    Discussion 6: (mini-essay post due) o    EScience Lab 12 Weather & Climate Change due (12 hours) o    Quiz 9: Chs 21, 22	Week 12: 4/9-4/15
Field Day		F2F Field Lab Experience April 14 in Breckenridge (bad weather day 4/21)	Field Day 4/14 or 4/21
10	Economics, Policy and Action Chs 23-24 (25 Review Only)	o    Discussion 7: Sustainability (short essay) o    Quiz 10: Chs 23 – 24	Week 13: 4/16-4/22
	Review for Final Exam Comprehensive: Chs 1- 24, All Labs including Field Day Lab	Final Exam Opens All LATE Work Due will not be accepted past this week!	Week 14: 4/23-4/29
Final Exam		o    Final Exam due	Week 15: 4/30-5/5

 

XI.  Additional Information for Online Learning StudentsI

Course Access and Orientation

Canvas by Instructure is the online learning management system (LMS) used by Colorado Mountain College. You access Canvas via your web browser and by logging in through CMC’s Basecamp portal.  For instructions on how to login to Basecamp and other Canvas support resources, please visit:  Help for Canvas.

 

Once in Basecamp, you can also access orientation materials that will prepare you to be an online student.  Look for the section “Resources for Online Learning” at this link:  Basecamp - Student Services - Online Learning.

 

 

Ordering Books

You will find the official textbook list at www.bkstr.com/coloradomountainstore/home/.  Select the location “Online Learning” to find your specific course textbook requirements.  Students wishing to use their Financial Aid to purchase their textbooks from the CMC Online Bookstore (eFollett) may be set up with a CMC Flex Pay account. Contact your local CMC Accounts Manager for instructions. If you are not close to a CMC site, contact CMC Online Learning at 970-947-8341 or virtual@coloradomtn.edu.  Students may sell back books anytime online.  Select “Cash for Books” for specific instructions.  If you have online bookstore questions, email 1429mgr@follett.com or call 866-243-0077.

 

Smarthinking Online Tutoring

All students registered for a credit course can access the service by clicking “Smarthinking Online Tutoring” on the left-hand navigation in any of your courses in Canvas.  While this service is provided at no charge, Colorado Mountain College reserves the right to cap the number of free tutoring hours provided to a student.  Initially, students are provided with 10 hours per 12-month period coinciding with the college’s fiscal year of July 1 through June 30.  This limit is subject to change and students may request additional hours.

 

Virtual Library
The Virtual Library has its doors open 24/7, providing access to thousands of online journals and newspapers, e-books and art images, downloadable videos and audiobooks, career resources and practice tests. You can access CMC’s Virtual Library at library.coloradomtn.edu/ or use the CMC Libraries link from the Canvas course menu to access the website. The link will pass authentication credentials that will allow you to use online library collections. It will also take you directly to the libraries’ home page.  Library Tutorials:  The library offers a variety of online video tutorials that will help you with your research projects at library.coloradomtn.edu/modules.  Ask a Librarian:  If you need assistance with your research project, you can ask a librarian online. Select AskAcademic chat box on the libraries’ home page and type in your question. This service is available 24/7. You can also email reference@coloradomtn.edu or call 800-621-8559, extension 2926.