Course | Madison College Outline of Instruction

20806286Environmental Science

Course Information

Description

An introductory survey course appropriate for first-year students. This course includes a laboratory component and field trips designed to engage students in exploring environmental systems in the modern world. It emphasizes the interpretation of environmental data presented in graphs and figures and will sharpen student analytical skills through exercises based on both quantitative reasoning and reading comprehension. Offered during the spring semester.

Total Credits

Course Competencies

Summarize the development of environmental science

Assessment Strategies

on an exam

by participating in the class

Criteria

you select the correct answer from a group of possible responses

you enter into class discussions about the preservation strand in the development of environmental science

you enter into class discussions about the conservation strand in the development of environmental science

you enter into class discussions about the contamination strand in the development of environmental science

you offer questions or comments during class about the development of environmental science

you attend class regularly

you arrive for class on time

you listen attentively during class
Summarize developing trends in the human-nature relationship

Assessment Strategies

on an exam

by participating in the class

Criteria

you select the correct answer from a group of possible responses

you enter into class discussions about the trends in human-nature relationship

you enter into class discussions about the the meaning of "anthropocentrism"

you enter into class discussions about how anthropocentrism affects the human relationship to nature

you enter into class discussions about the meaning of "utilitarianism"

you enter into class discussions about how utilitarian views affect the human relationship to nature

you offer questions or comments during class about the trends in human-nature relationship

you attend class regularly

you arrive for class on time

you listen attentively during class
Demonstrate a working knowledge of the scientific method

Assessment Strategies

by applying the scientific method properly in all lab reports

Criteria

lab reports frame the null hypothesis properly

lab reports contain graphs with independent and dependent variables on appropriate axis

lab report includes a title page with the title of the experiment, the date it was performed, and the names of the people who conducted the experiment

lab report includes an overview of the procedure used for the lab

lab report includes a list of the materials, equipment, and steps used to conduct the experiment

lab report includes a summary of the results

lab results are presented in a chart, graph or drawing

lab report includes a description of the conclusions you drew and why

lab report includes an appendix of supporting documentation

lab report is printed out electronically

lab report is well organized; sections are clearly marked with appropriate headings

lab report uses appropriate scientific vocabulary
Explain how energy and materials flow through ecosystems

Assessment Strategies

on an exam

by participating in the class

Criteria

you select the correct answer from a group of possible responses

you enter into class discussions about how energy and materials flow through ecosystems

you enter into class discussions about the conservation of matter

you enter into class discussions about the first and second law of thermodynamics

you enter into class discussions about the conservation of matter

you enter into class discussions about the first and second law of thermodynamics

you enter into class discussions about photosynthesis

you enter into class discussions about cellular respiration

you use the terms ecosystem, community, population, and species appropriately during class discussions

you explain the relationship the terms ecosystem, community, population, and species to each other

you enter into class discussions about the meaning of trophic levels, food chains, and food webs

you enter into class discussions about the three main ecological pyramids

you enter into class discussions about the Earth's hydrologic cycle

you enter into class discussions about the biogeochemical cycle for carbon

you enter into class discussions about the biogeochemical cycle for nitrogen

you enter into class discussions about photosynthesis

you enter into class discussions about the biogeochemical cycle for phosphorus

Define ecosystem, community, population, and species, and explain the relationship of each to the others.

Explain the meaning of trophic levels, food chains, and food webs.

Describe the three main ecological pyramids.

you enter into class discussions about the Earth's hydrologic cycle

you enter into class discussions about the biogeochemical cycle for carbon

you enter into class discussions about the biogeochemical cycle for nitrogen

you enter into class discussions about the biogeochemical cycle for phosphorus

you enter into class discussions about cellular respiration

you offer questions or comments during class about how energy and materials flow through ecosystems

you attend class regularly

you arrive for class on time

you listen attentively during class
Explain the principal ways in which organisms interact

Assessment Strategies

on an exam

by participating in the class

Criteria

you select the correct answer from a group of possible responses

you enter into class discussions about the principal ways in which organisms interact

you recognize how natural selection drives biological evolution

you enter into class discussions about the concept of biological niche

you enter into class discussions about resource partitioning

you compare and contrast interspecific competition and intraspecific competition

you use the terms predation, coevolution, symbiosis, mutualism, and commensalism appropriately during class discussion

you enter into class discussions about productivity with respect to different types of ecosystems

you enter into class discussions about ecological succession

you characterize the impact of nonindigenous species on ecosystems

you offer questions or comments during class about the principal ways in which organisms interact

you attend class regularly

you arrive for class on time

you listen attentively during class
Explain the most significant characteristics of terrestrial biomes

Assessment Strategies

on an exam

by participating in the class

Criteria

you select the correct answer from a group of possible responses

you enter into class discussions about the most significant characteristics of terrestrial biomes

you recognize the characteristics of the principal terrestrial biomes

you enter into class discussions about the factors that determine the distribution of terrestrial biomes

you enter into class discussions about the key problems of ecological restoration

you offer questions or comments during class about the most significant characteristics of terrestrial biomes

you attend class regularly

you arrive for class on time

you listen attentively during class
Explain the principles of population dynamics in humans and other organisms

Assessment Strategies

on an exam

by presenting arguments related to human population patterns in a class debate

by participating as a member of a group on a project

by participating in the class

Criteria

you select the correct answer from a group of possible responses

you explain exponential growth

you distinguish a J curve from an S curve and explain what they represent

you explain environmental resistance and how it relates to the logistic growth curve

you use the terms natality, mortality, survivorship, fecundity, and fertility

you compare density-dependent and density-independent processes

you characterize human population growth on an expanded time scale

you appreciate how various economic, educational, and cultural factors affect human population growth

you interpret a variety of age structure diagrams correctly

you state your position

you present complete, relevant evidence needed to support the position

you present accurate information

you are prepared

you present the information in an organized manner

your rebuttal is specific to arguments made by the opposing side

you use relevant evidence in the rebuttal

you cite all references appropriately

you speak loudly and clearly enough to be heard

you show respect for the opposing side throughout the debate

group member stays on task

group member performs the individual duties assigned by the group

group member shares ideas and information

group member listens to other group members

group member shows respect for of other's ideas and opinions of others

group member helps the group reach consensus

you enter into class discussions about the principles of population dynamics in humans and other organisms

you offer questions or comments during class about the principles of population dynamics in humans and other organisms

you attend class regularly

you arrive for class on time

you listen attentively during class
Explain the key concepts of environmental economics

Assessment Strategies

on an exam

by participating in the class

Criteria

you select the correct answer from a group of possible responses

you enter into class discussions about the key concepts of environmental economics

you distinguish between internal and external costs

you enter into class discussions about a cost-benefit analysis and explain the implications of applying such an analysis to natural systems

you interpret diagrams depicting various approaches to pollution and pollution control (e.g., marginal cost of pollution)

you enter into class discussions about the nature and importance of introducing sustainable strategies in industrial processes

you enter into class discussions about the tragedy of the commons

you enter into class discussions about the implications of Leopold's land ethic

you offer questions or comments during class about the key concepts of environmental economics

you attend class regularly

you arrive for class on time

you listen attentively during class
Summarize the principles of environmental health and toxicology

Assessment Strategies

in the laboratory

on an exam

by participating in the class

Criteria

you enter into class discussions about the principles of environmental health and toxicology

you distinguish between chronic and acute dose exposures and responses

you enter into class discussions about the determination of risk assessment

you distinguish bioaccumulation from biomagnification

you explain the environmental significance of persistence with respect to chemical compounds

you determine the LD50 (lethal dose 50) level for Daphnia using copper sulfate

you offer questions or comments during class about the principles of environmental health and toxicology

you attend class regularly

you arrive for class on time

you listen attentively during class

you graph your results
Explain how key environmental laws can offer natural areas and organisms a stay of execution

Assessment Strategies

on an exam

by participating in the class

Criteria

you select the correct answer from a group of possible responses

you enter into class discussions about how key environmental laws can offer natural areas and organisms a stay of execution

you characterize the effectiveness of environmental litigation

you enter into class discussions about the National Environmental Policy Act

you offer questions or comments during class about how key environmental laws can offer natural areas and organisms a stay of execution

you attend class regularly

you arrive for class on time

you listen attentively during class
Calculate the range of soil types and the characteristics of soil profiles

Assessment Strategies

in the laboratory

Criteria

you calculate soil porosity

you calculate soil permeability

you explain how soil texture affects soil fertility

you explain how living organisms contribute to soil fertility

you enter into class discussions about the five possible idealized horizons that make up a soil profile
Explain the nature and mechanisms of soil erosion

Assessment Strategies

on an exam

by participating in the class

Criteria

you select the correct answer from a group of possible responses

you enter into class discussions about the nature and mechanisms of soil erosion

you enter into class discussions about how soil erosion occurs

you enter into class discussions about the common ways in which humans contribute to soil erosion

you enter into class discussions about the strategies that can reduce soil erosion

you offer questions or comments during class about the nature and mechanisms of soil erosion

you attend class regularly

you arrive for class on time

you listen attentively during class
Summarize the development of pest control in American agriculture including the modern trends in pesticide use

Assessment Strategies

on an exam

by participating in the class

Criteria

you select the correct answer from a group of possible responses

you enter into class discussions about the development of pest control in American agriculture including the modern trends in pesticide use

you enter into class discussions about how the nature of pesticides changed in the mid-twentieth century

you enter into class discussions about the main kinds of pesticides and their target pests

you enter into class discussions about the problems often associated with the use of pesticides

you enter into class discussions about the main options available to farmers for agricultural pest control

you offer questions or comments during class about the development of pest control in American agriculture including the modern trends in pesticide use

you attend class regularly

you arrive for class on time

you listen attentively during class
Characterize the major threats to biodiversity

Assessment Strategies

on an exam

by participating in the class

Criteria

you select the correct answer from a group of possible responses

you enter into class discussions about the major threats to biodiversity

you enter into class discussions about the different levels of biodiversity and the importance of each

you enter into class discussions about how people affect biodiversity

you enter into class discussions about the main points of the Endangered Species Act

you enter into class discussions about CITES

you offer questions or comments during class about the major threats to biodiversity

you attend class regularly

you arrive for class on time

you listen attentively during class
Characterize the progress made toward sustainable forestry on a global scale

Assessment Strategies

on an exam

by participating in the class

Criteria

you select the correct answer from a group of possible responses

you enter into class discussions about the progress made toward sustainable forestry on a global scale

you enter into class discussions about the main environmental issues concerning tropical forests

you enter into class discussions about the main issues concerning forest land in the United States

you offer questions or comments during class about the progress made toward sustainable forestry on a global scale

you attend class regularly

you arrive for class on time

you listen attentively during class
Explain the main conflicts over permissible uses of preserved and protected natural areas

Assessment Strategies

on an exam

by participating in the class

Criteria

you select the correct answer from a group of possible responses

you enter into class discussions about the main conflicts over permissible uses of preserved and protected natural areas

you enter into class discussions about the key problems that challenge our national park system

you enter into class discussions about why wetlands have been disappearing in the U.S.

you enter into class discussions about the ecological value of wetlands

you offer questions or comments during class about the main conflicts over permissible uses of preserved and protected natural areas

you attend class regularly

you arrive for class on time

you listen attentively during class
Summarize the main techniques of mining and the common environmental problems often associated with mining

Assessment Strategies

on an exam

by participating in the class

Criteria

you select the correct answer from a group of possible responses

you enter into class discussions about the main techniques of mining and the common environmental problems often associated with mining

you enter into class discussions about the environmental effects of resource extraction

you enter into class discussions about the environmental effects of mineral processing

you offer questions or comments during class about the main techniques of mining and the common environmental problems often associated with mining

you attend class regularly

you arrive for class on time

you listen attentively during class
Explain the main issues concerning global climate change

Assessment Strategies

on an exam

by participating in the class

Criteria

you select the correct answer from a group of possible responses

you enter into class discussions about the main issues concerning global climate change

you enter into class discussions about the main greenhouse gasses along with their origins

you enter into class discussions about the principles behind the greenhouse effect

you enter into class discussions about the environmental effects of global climate change

you enter into class discussions about the coriolis effect and its impact on weather patterns

you offer questions or comments during class about the main issues concerning global climate change

you attend class regularly

you arrive for class on time

you listen attentively during class
Explain the main forms of air pollution and explain how precursors move from source to sink

Assessment Strategies

on an exam

by participating in the class

Criteria

you select the correct answer from a group of possible responses

you enter into class discussions about the main forms of air pollution and explain how precursors move from source to sink

you enter into class discussions about EPA's criteria air pollutants and their sources

you enter into class discussions about the main indoor air pollutants

you analyze stratospheric ozone depletion

you offer questions or comments during class about the main forms of air pollution and explain how precursors move from source to sink

you attend class regularly

you arrive for class on time

you listen attentively during class
Explain the main issues relating to water quantity and quality

Assessment Strategies

on an exam

by participating in the class

Criteria

you select the correct answer from a list of choices

you enter into class discussions about the main issues relating to water quantity and quality

you recognize the different techniques for disposing of human wastes

you distinguish between point and nonpoint sources of surface water pollution, and give examples of each

you explain biochemical oxygen demand

you explain eutrophication and its key causes

you enter into class discussions about the significance of the presence of coliform bacteria in drinking water

you offer questions or comments during class about the main issues relating to water quantity and quality

you attend class regularly

you arrive for class on time

you listen attentively during class
Test a water sample for coliform bacteria

Assessment Strategies

by completing a lab report on the water test

Criteria

lab report includes a title page with the title of the experiment, the date it was performed, and the names of the people who conducted the experiment

lab report includes an overview of the procedure used for the lab

lab report includes a list of the materials, equipment, and steps used to conduct the experiment

lab report includes a summary of the results

lab results are presented in a chart, graph or drawing

lab report includes a description of the conclusions you drew and why

lab report includes an appendix of supporting documentation

lab report is printed electronically

lab report is well organized; sections are clearly marked with appropriate headings

lab report uses appropriate scientific vocabulary

lab report includes a standard plate count

lab report includes an analysis of the bacteria culture
Identify the benthic macroinvertebrates of a local stream and index them for water quality

Assessment Strategies

by collecting, organizing and reporting data related to benthic macroinvertebrates

Criteria

data collection is accurate

data is recorded completely and accurately

data is relevant

data is current

data sources are identified

data results are organized and clearly communicated

data is presented in graphs or charts; graphical representations are accurate and easy to read

data analysis includes a written description and analysis of the results

data analysis makes a recommendation based on the results; recommendation is clearly supported by the data

data analysis includes an evaluation of stream quality by analyzing bottom fauna

data analysis includes the identification of benthic macroinvertebrates

data analysis includes a determination of pollution tolerance of fauna sampled
Measure the primary productivity of lake water

Assessment Strategies

by completing a lab report on lake production

Criteria

lab report includes a title page with the title of the experiment, the date it was performed, and the names of the people who conducted the experiment

lab report includes an overview of the procedure used for the lab

lab report includes a list of the materials, equipment, and steps used to conduct the experiment

lab report includes a summary of the results

lab report includes the oxygen concentrations in different samples of water

lab report includes a comparison of the oxygen concentrations in samples after 24 hours to determine production and calculate productivity

lab results are presented in a chart, graph or drawing

lab report includes a description of the conclusions you drew and why

lab report includes an appendix of supporting documentation

lab report is word processed or neatly handwritten

lab report is well organized; sections are clearly marked with appropriate headings

lab report uses appropriate scientific vocabulary
Explain the advantages and environmental effects of using conventional sources of energy

Assessment Strategies

on an exam

by participating in the class

Criteria

you select the correct answer from a group of possible responses

you enter into class discussions about the advantages and environmental effects of using conventional sources of energy

you enter into class discussions about the main types of fossil fuel energy sources

you enter into class discussions about how we use energy

you distinguish between energy resources and reserves

you explain the relative abundance and environmental effects for coal, oil, and natural gas

you explain how a nuclear power plant works

you trace the nuclear fuel cycle

you explain the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear power

you offer questions or comments during class about the advantages and environmental effects of using conventional sources of energy

you attend class regularly

you arrive for class on time

you listen attentively during class
Explain the problems and potential of using renewable sources of energy

Assessment Strategies

on an exam

by participating in the class

Criteria

you select the correct answer from a group of possible responses

you enter into class discussions about the problems and potential of using renewable sources of energy

you explain the difference between active and passive solar energy

you explain how photovoltaic cells generate energy

you distinguish between direct and indirect solar power and give detailed examples of how each helps to satisfy our energy demands

you explain the meaning of biomass conversion and give examples

you explain the meaning of cogeneration and give examples

you compare the utility of energy conservation to alternative energy

you offer questions or comments during class about the problems and potential of using renewable sources of energy

you attend class regularly

you arrive for class on time

you listen attentively during class
Explain the major threats posed by the production of solid and hazardous wastes

Assessment Strategies

on an exam

by participating in the class

Criteria

you select the correct answer from a group of possible responses

you enter into class discussions about the major threats posed by the production of solid and hazardous wastes

you compare and contrast open dump, sanitary landfill, and modern secure landfill

you distinguish between recycling, reusing, and reducing, and describe the advantages of each.

you explain how hazardous materials are handled in our wastestream

you explain the purpose of Superfund

you explain the EPA's National Priorities List

you offer questions or comments during class about the major threats posed by the production of solid and hazardous wastes

you attend class regularly

you arrive for class on time

you listen attentively during class
Explain the key issues surrounding land use planning and urban living

Assessment Strategies

on an exam

by presenting arguments related to inclusionary vs. exclusionary zoning in a class debate

by participating in the class

Criteria

you select the correct answer from a group of possible responses

you explain the causes and environmental effects of urban sprawl

you explain the principles of Smart Growth

you explain why farmland preservation is needed

you explain Purchase of Development Rights (PDRs)

you explain Transfer of Development Rights (TDRs)

you present complete, relevant evidence needed to support the position

you present accurate information

you are prepared

you present the information in an organized manner

your rebuttal is specific to arguments made by the opposing side

you use relevant evidence in the rebuttal

you speak loudly and clearly enough to be heard

you show respect for the opposing side throughout the debate

you enter into class discussions about the key issues surrounding land use planning and urban living

you offer questions or comments during class about the key issues surrounding land use planning and urban living

you attend class regularly

you arrive for class on time

you listen attentively during class
Create a map using a GIS (Geographic Information System)

Assessment Strategies

in the laboratory

Criteria

Printed map exhibits required layers

Printed map exhibits required features

Printed map exhibits required symbols

Map is printed using the GIS software