Course Description: This course is an introduction to environmental science for environmental protection majors in the Division of Plant and Soil Sciences, but this course is also listed as a liberal studies Cluster C course.  The course provides an examination and overview of the diverse topics in environmental science with particular emphasis on current environmental issues and problems.  We discuss land, water, and air resources, and scientific principles dealing with matter, energy, nutrients, ecosystems, and humans.  We also explore ecological, societal, political, and economic principles as they pertain to natural environments and man's impact on the earth's resources.  We investigate our own perceptions of environmental integrity and rethink our own involvement in pollution activities.  Mathematical exercises provide the skills to help understand significant environmental problems.

Course Objectives: The student after taking this class should

1. understand the earth's land, water, and air resources, and ecosystem processes;
2. understand interactions between environmental protection and the use and conservation of natural resources;
3. evaluate options for protecting and conserving natural environments;
4. identify current environmental problems;
5. use mathematical concepts to investigate solutions.

1.  Format: Lecture and discussion, MWF, 10-10:50 pm.

2.   Text:

Miller, G.T.  1999.  Environmental Science.  Seventh Edition.  Wadsworth Publishing Co., Belmont, CA.
Course Notes are available from NextPrint, across from Hibachi Japanese Steakhouse.

3.  Additional Information and Exercises may be distributed as handouts during the semester.

4.  Lecture Exams:

Three exams will be given during regular class periods and a comprehensive final exam will be given during finals week.  Exams will be composed of short answer, math problems, and essay questions.
 Exams will be given on: February 4, March 3, March 24, and Final Monday, May 1, 11-1 pm.
 Ten quizzes will be given during the semester.

5.  Field Trips: At least two one-half day field trips or field exercises will be held in March and April.  Students will  be required to attend and participate, and write field trip reports.  Students not attending field trips will be required to do an additional assignment (like a report, etc.) on a subject related to this course.  All field trips require proof of medical insurance.

6.  Grading: 90-100 = A; 80-89 = B; 70-79 = C; 60-69 = D; <60 = F.
 Hour Exams = 30% (10% each); Final Exam = 20%; Field Trip Reports = 10%.
 Ten Quizzes = 10%; Problems = 30%.

7.  This syllabus is only a guideline for the student's convenience.  The lecture schedule is approximate and an effort will be made to follow it.  All topics may not be covered, depending on current events.  This syllabus does not constitute a contract between the student and any faculty member, administrative unit, or representative of WVU.

10 Introduction to the Course   Chapter 1  Exercise 1
12 Population Growth and Sustainability     Exercise 2
14 Cancel
17 Holiday
19 Cultural Stages     Chapter 2  Exercise 3
21 Environmental Viewpoints      Exercise 4

24 Science and Matter    Chapters 3, 18, 19 Exercise 5
26 Energy          Exercise 6
28 Nuclear Reactions        Exercise 7
31 Ecosystems     Chapter 4  Exercise 8

2 Population and Species Ecology
4 EXAM 1
7 Biomes      Chapter 5  Exercise 9
9 Aquatic Ecosystems        Exercise 10
11 Wetlands        Exercise 11
14 Ecosystem Response       Exercise 12
16 Evolution        Exercise 13
18 Community Succession       Exercise 14

21 Human Populations    Chapter 6  Exercise 15
23 Economic Systems    Chapter 7  Exercise 16
25 Political Systems
28 Risk      Chapter 8

1 Toxicology
3 EXAM 2

6 Outdoor Air Pollution    Chapter 9  Exercise 17
8 Acid Deposition
10 Indoor Air Pollution
13  Radon
15 Climate      Chapter 10
17 Greenhouse Gases       Exercise 18
20 Global Warming
22 Ozone Depletion
24 EXAM 3
27 Spring Break
29 Spring Break
31 Spring Break

3 Rocks and Minerals    Chapter 12  Exercise 19
5 Cancel (Task Force Symposium)
7 Mining and Reclamation
10 Soil Properties
12 Soil Conservation and Reclamation
14 Soil and Land Degradation
17 Land Reclamation and EcosystemRestoration
19 Water Properties     Chapter 11  Exercise 20
21 Water Supply
24 Water Pollution
26 Solid and Hazardous Wastes   Chapter 13  Exercise 21
28 Environmental Problems, What will you do?!!

1 FINAL EXAM, Monday, 11-1 pm

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