Course Title: Introduction to Environmental Science
Course Number: EVR 1001 - 71 Credit Hours: 3.0 Class Location: Online (Canvas) Meeting Days and Times: N/A
Instructor Information
Name: Dr. Ken Capps
Office Location: 2-217B Telephone Number: 352-854-2322 Extension: 1458 Email: cappsk@cf.edu Office Hours and Location MW (7:30-9:30 a.m. on-campus), M (4:00-6:00 p.m. online) W (2:00-4:00 p.m. online), TH (9:30-11:30 a.m. online)
Extended Emergency Closure
For emergency campus closings (natural disasters, etc.) call 352-291-4499
or 800-831-9244 or check our website (CF.edu). Course Description
This course is a survey of basic chemical, biological, and physical principles
of environmental science and their applications to environmental issues. This course is appropriate for students in a wide range of disciplines or programs.
Additional Course Information
Prerequisites: This course is open to students who have no prep needs in reading or have satisfied their prep need by taking REA0002C or REA0017.
Classroom Statement
As a registered student in this class, you assume the responsibility for
conducting yourself in a manner that contributes positively to CF’s learning community as described in the Student Code of Conduct. This class may require participation in discussion to meet course-learning outcomes. We are a class comprised of individuals. As such, there will be multiple opinions expressed throughout the semester that you may not personally agree with or even understand - as may be expected. My role as an instructor is to facilitate freedom of expression that is relevant to the course, credible, open and respectful without the promotion or endorsement of a single viewpoint. Conversations informed by diverse viewpoints contribute to critical thinking and higher-level learning. Even if you don’t agree, listening to different points of view may give you further insight into your own perspectives. No lesson is intended to espouse, promote, advance, inculcate, compel a particular feeling, perception, viewpoint, or belief in a concept. Concepts as presented are not endorsed by the instructor but are presented as part of the larger course of instruction. Should a student feel uncomfortable with how course content is presented or discussed, please contact the instructor for further conversation.
Required Textbook
Title: Environmental Science
Author: Eldon D. Enger, Bradley F. Smith Edition: 16th ISBN: 9781260722239 Note: Earlier editions are acceptable.
Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
Develop an understanding of and solutions to environmental problems.
Apply the principles of environmental science and their impact on everyday life. Reflect critically on information provided from reports concerning environmental science. Make informed personal decisions that involve environmental science.
Institutional Learning Outcomes
This list offers you a consistent way to see the CF institutional learning outcomes that are relevant to this course. This is for information purposes only and does not change the grading system used in this class. Only those learning outcomes relevant to this course are included below.
Critical Reasoning
Lower Division: The student will reflect, analyze, synthesize, and apply critical thinking.
ILO 1.1. Accurately interpret evidence, statements, graphics, questions, etc. (How Measured:) ILO 1.2. Establishes knowledge of conflict resolution and goal setting.
ILO 1.3. Thoughtfully analyze and evaluate alternative points of view
ILO 1.4. Validates conclusions through application of decision-making skills.
ILO 1.5. Contrast and apply assumptions and reasons through critical thinking skills.
Global Socio-Cultural Responsibility
Lower Division: The student will be an informed and responsible citizen in social, cultural, and global matters.
ILO 4.1 Demonstrate an understanding of the values and expressions of other
cultures that arise from human experience.
ILO 4.2 Identify scientific principles underlying human influence upon the Earth and its inhabitants.
ILO 4.3 Recognize complex historical, cultural, economic, and political forces that create societies as well as how these forces shape personal identity.
ILO 4.4 Understand the local and global connections among power, knowledge, gender, and class.
ILO 4.5 Understand the local and global connections between self-direction, cooperation, respect, responsibility, integrity, and social success.
Assessment
Quizzes (60%): Each chapter in the textbook will have a quiz on Canvas. Quiz dates are listed on Canvas and all quizzes will be completed online through Canvas. The lowest quiz grade will be dropped. Students have two attempts with each quiz, with the highest grade entered in the gradebook. All quizzes must be completed on the assigned day and time. NO EXCEPTIONS! Writing Assignments (25%): There will be six writing assignments during the semester. Instructions, due dates, and grading rubrics are posted on Canvas. Late writing assignment will NOT be accepted for any reason.
Discussion Forums (5%): There are a total of three required discussion questions throughout the course. Discussion forums contribute to a deeper understanding of key concepts and allow you to interact with your classmates and the instructor. Initial posts are due by Thursday of each week with student replies by Saturday of each week. To earn full credit, you will need to post a response, respond to the original posts of at least two other students, and then contribute to an ongoing discussion. Late discussion posts are not accepted! Discussion forum guidelines include:
Respect each other’s ideas, feelings, and experience. Expect your classmates to have different opinions. Use proper writing style. Correct spelling and sentence structure are expected just as if you were writing a regular paper. Use spell check and grammar check before you submit. When responding to a classmate, address them by name. Do not use postings such as “I agree,” “I don’t know either,” or “ditto.” They do not add to the discussion, take up space on the Discussions, and will not be counted.
Book Review (10%): There will be one critical review of a selected book (fiction or non- fiction). Instructions, due date, and grading rubric are posted on Canvas. A late book review will NOT be accepted for any reason.
Disputing Your Grade: If you feel that an error was made in grading an assignment, test, etc., you have one week from the time the grade was posted electronically on Canvas to dispute your grade. After one week, all grades are final and no changes will be made!
Grades will NOT be rounded up. For example, an 89.9 is a B+ and an 86.8 is a B. There is no extra credit for the course!
Grading Scale
A 90-100% B+ 87-89% B 80-86% C+ 77-79% C 70-76% D 60-69% F Below 60%
Course Schedule/Outline
Please see schedule posted on Canvas for a list of assignments and due dates.
Unforeseen Circumstances
Due to unforeseen happenings, it may be necessary for the course
assignment schedule to be altered. I will always strive to be fair about any changes.
College Policies
College policies can be found at https://cf.instructure.com/courses/1482304
Equity Statement
College of Central Florida offers equal access and opportunity in employment,
admissions and educational activities. The college will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, national origin, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status or disability status in its employment practices or in the admission and treatment of students. Recognizing that sexual harassment constitutes discrimination on the basis of sex and violates this policy statement, the college will not tolerate such conduct. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: Dr. Mary Ann Begley, Title IX Coordinator, Ocala Campus, Building 3, Room 116, 3001 S.W. College Road, 352-291-4410, or Equity@cf.edu.
Internet Access
All assignments and assessments must be taken/completed on Canvas during the
posted time frame (no exceptions). Once you begin a quiz/exam, the allotted time for the exam will begin. You will not be permitted to “save” your progress to resume later. This means that you should not begin/start these assessments until you are prepared to complete the entire quiz or exam. All course materials will be available on Canvas, and it is the student’s responsibility to ensure sufficient internet access to obtain the course materials and complete course assignments. Lack of internet access and/or individual computer problems WILL NOT be considered valid excuses. Late assignments will NOT be accepted. Keep this in mind and plan ahead. Internet connections can go out at the last minute and this will NOT be a valid excuse for missed assignments and/or assessments.
