DR. JERI JEWETT-SMITH
Office: Moore
101
Phone: 570-422-3868
Email: work = jjsmith@po-box.esu.edu
Office Hours: M,W,F@10, M,W@1
I.
COURSE
DESCRIPTION
Environmental Biology is a course that follows
an ecosystems approach to ecology. An ecosystems approach
involves
integrating the biotic and abiotic (chemical and physical) components
in
order to understand environmental functions. Emphasis will be
placed
on the effects of human activities upon local ecosystems. Topics
to be covered include components of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem
biology,
local natural history (geology, flora and fauna) and Pocono
conservation
issues.
Environmental Biology is required for the Environmental Studies degree. Prerequisites for this course are either BIOL 104 or BIOL 114. BIOL 210 also serves as a general education course in the science group.
II. OBJECTIVES
A. Introduce students to the principles and concepts of environmental biology and ecology.
B. Explore ecological principles that are the basis of understanding how healthy ecosystems work. These include energy movement from sunlight to steak, climatic and nutrient cycles, population dynamics and evolution.
C. Consider the human problems of pollution, development and overpopulation.
D. Familiarize students with the unique local environment of the Poconos, and the resources within the area.
III. TEXTBOOK -
IV. INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES AND METHODS
A. Evaluation and Grading Policy: for dates see schedule.
Exams - 3 each at 100 points
Final: to be used either as a make-up or to drop a lower grade
Other Activities ( for a total of 60 points)
B. Final Grade (based on % of 360 total points)
A: 90 - 100 D: 60 - 69
B: 80 - 89 E: below 60
C: 70 - 79C. Exam format: The format of exams will consist of fill-in-the-blank and essay. Exam coverage will include material from lectures, textbooks, and outside readings. All exams are comprehensive as the material builds on each previous topic. The final can be used to replace a low score or a missed exam. No other make-up exam will be given.
D. Other Activities (must attend and write-up at least 6@10 points each - max 60 points)
- Field Trips: 2 Saturday ecosystem surveys will be organized, weather permitting, as posted on the schedule Students are asked to bring a sack lunch and drinks for the activities. Students should submit a 500 word (typed, double spaced, 10 or 12 pitch, 1 inch margins) survey report within 1 week of the field trip. The report should include a minimum of 5 references from the literature and authored websites. Websites without authors and dates will not be acceptable. Students must participate in at least one of these activities
- Seminars: These will include selected departmental seminars (those approved by Dr. Jewett-Smith) or research presentations (Sigma Xi, Pennsylvania Academy, CPUB). Students must attend a 50 minute seminar, or at least 3 - 15 minute research presentations. For each attended, the student must submit a 250 word (as above) paper with at least 5 references from the literature that pertain to the seminar or research presentations. Students may do up to 5 of these. A seminar series is being planned for this semester titled: In Our Back Yard and will include several local environmental scientists and leadersl.
V. No excuses policy.
It is your responsibility to be aware of when tests are to occur.
A tentative schedule is provided. However, the instructor
reserves
the right to modify this schedule if material has not been sufficiently
covered. If a student misses one of the hourly exams (regardless
of the reason) they are only allowed one make-up, which is the final,
comprehensive
exam. Missing a second hourly exam means that one will
count
as a 0. It is to your advantage to take all of the hourly
exams and use the final to replace the lowest score. All
information
from the texts, lectures and field trips can potentially be used for
the
final exam.
Snow policy: If the school is officially
closed (check www.esu.edu) then class will not meet. It is your
responsibility to decide if you can safely come to class, even if the
school is not closed. There is a built-in make-up, so missing one
of the hourly exams is not a problem. Be wise about bad weather
travel: no test is worth a car accident.
VI. General Considerations: The following will enhance the learning environment of all members of the class.
A. Arrive to class on time: consistently late arrivals disturb the class.VII. Schedule
B. Bring your text book to class.
C. Keeping up with the reading is important in this (and any) class. If you find you are falling behind or find the reading load difficult, please contact me so that we can find the appropriate help.
D. Come by during my office hours to discuss how you are doing in the class. If you are having a problem, do not wait until the end of the semester when it will be harder to solve.
E. If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a documented disability, please make an appointment to meet with me during my office hours.
F. It is your responsibility to notify a faculty member within the first two weeks of the semester if any class session will be missed due to religious observance and make the appropriate arrangements.
G. If you are unclear about what constitutes academic dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism, misconduct or fabrication) please see me. Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Cheating on an exam will result in that exam being given a 0 grade. A student disrupting class will be asked to leave. If the student does not leave, security will be called to escort the student from class.
H. Turn off your cell phone during class. If yours rings, you will be asked to leave the room and not return for the duration of the lecture. This could be a problem, especially during an exam. Folks with a cell phone during an exam will be considered as having cheated. If you have an emergency that requires an active cell phone during an exam, give it to the instructor.
Last
updated: 13 January, 2008