Class hours

Lecture: T, R 9:30-10:45 a.m.

Texts

Miller, G. T., Jr.  2006.  Environmental Science:  Working with the Earth.  Thomson Learning, Inc.  Textbooks can be purchased through the campus bookstore.  Individual chapters may be purchased at:  www.ichapters.com.Additional readings may be placed on reserve at the library or accessible through Blackboard.

Course

description

Ecological approach to the characteristics, problems, and uses of soil, water, forests, wildlife, and other natural resources, with special emphasis on Michigan.  This course satisfies requirements for Group IIA (Descriptive Natural Science) of the university program.  In order to meet CMU’s written competency requirements, this course will include writing assignments in addition to short answer and essay questions on lecture exams.

Course objectives

1.      To provide a broad introduction to topics in natural resources in order to develop an appreciation for conservation.

2.      To help foster a clearer understanding of every citizen’s role pertaining to conservation and an appreciation for the land ethic.

3.      To participate fully in the University’s efforts to enhance the writing skills of students by requiring a substantial amount of written effort on examinations and other exercises.  The instructor will review written material and efforts will be made to provide each student with guidance to improve their writing skills.  At least 50% of a student’s grade will be based upon such written material.

Grading

Lecture exam 1

100

Lecture exam 2

100

Lecture exam 3

100

Quizzes (6)

50

In-class points

25

Microtheme assignments

200

Group poster

75

Final exam

150

Total

800

points

You are responsible for all information presented during lecture and all assigned readings.  All readings will be assigned in lecture.  Exams will consist of both multiple choice and essay questions.  The final exam will cover material from the entire course.  Quizzes will be administered during lecture.  Your lowest quiz score will be dropped (no make-up quizzes will be given).   

Final grades will be based on a tentative percentage scale:  A 92-100%, A- 90-92%, B+ 88-90%, B 82-88%, B- 80-82%, C+ 78-80%, C 72-78%, C- 70-72%, D+ 68-70, D 60–69%, E <60%

Quizzes

There will be six quizzes administered during lectures.  Quizzes are worth 10 points each, and your lowest score for the semester will be dropped.  No make-up quizzes will be given.

In-class points

Periodically, short assignments will be given to be completed during the class period or the next period.  The value of the assignments will be determined by Dr. Galarowicz.  A student may not earn more than 25 points.  Make-up in-class points will not be given under any circumstances.

Group poster

You will be grouped into teams to present a current conservation issue.  Your goal is to convince the audience (including the instructor) that important budget money should be spent on your issue.  Teams will be assigned by the instructor.  Your grade for the project will be determined by the instructor (30%), an outside audience (25%), your peers (25%), and your group (20%).  Each student will assign his/her classmates a grade for participation and quality of work. 

Make-up and late assignments

Make-up exams are only given under special circumstances (e.g., family emergency, serious illness, approved university event).  If you must miss an exam due to an approved scheduled event, contact me prior to the event to arrange a different testing time.  If you miss an exam due to an emergency, contact me as soon as possible to arrange a different testing time.  Written documentation may be required for absences.  Please notify appropriate university officials if an emergency or illness will result in an extended absence.  For each day that a written assignment is late, 10% of the potential points will be deducted from that assignment.

Regrades

If you would like to contest a grade on an exam or assignment, you must submit a written explanation of why you think the grade was incorrect.  Regrade requests must be made within one week after the exam or assignment is returned to the class. 

Policy on Students with Disabilities

CMU provides students with disabilities reasonable accommodation to participate in educational programs, activities or services.  Students with disabilities requiring accommodation to participate in class activities or meet requirements should first register with the Office of Student Disability Services (250 Foust Hall, telephone #517-774-3018, TDD #2568), and then contact me as soon as possible.

Policy on Academic Integrity

In May 2001, the CMU Academic Senate approved the Policy on Academic Integrity, which applies to all university students.  Copies are available on the CMU website at http://academicsenate.cmich.edu/noncurric.htm, and in the Academic Senate Office in room 108 of Bovee University Center.  All academic work is expected to be in compliance with this policy.

Classroom Civility

Each CMU student is encouraged to help create an environment during class that promotes learning, dignity, and mutual respect for everyone.  Students who speak at inappropriate times, sleep in class, display inattention, take frequent breaks, interrupt the class by coming to class late, engage in loud or distracting behaviors, use cell phones or pagers in class, use inappropriate language, are verbally abusive, display defiance or disrespect to others, or behave aggressively toward others could be asked to leave the class and subjected to disciplinary action under the Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities and Disciplinary Procedures.