Instructor: Dr. L. S. Jernigan, Jr.
Office: Oxendine 2231
Phone: 910-521-6884
E-mail: leon.jernigan@uncp.edu

Course Description

A study of environmental science emphasizing the impact that an increasing human population has on the biosphere. The course deals specifically with the demands placed by humans on natural resources and the resulting acceleration of environmental deterioration, human attitudes toward the environment, and techniques and policies by which resources could be intelligently managed. Successful completion of this course satisfies the three credit hours of the natural science requirement of the General Education curriculum. This course is a requirement for the Environmental Science degree, but does not fulfill a biology major elective.

Course Objectives

As a part of the General Education curriculum, this course assists with development of critical thinking and problem solving skills as well as providing a general knowledge of principles and concepts that assist with understanding and appreciation of the world around us.

Students completing this course should:

● have a better understanding of the intricate interconnections within the natural world
● have a clear understanding of the importance of the major environmental problems affecting the biosphere and some possible solutions
● have improved critical thinking skills regarding current environmental issues
● be able to demonstrate a knowledge of the purpose, methods, and principles of scientific inquiry
● possess knowledge regarding the effects of human expansion and/or technology upon the physical and human environment

Attendance

Class attendance is required and will be monitored. Regardless of the reason, when a student is absent from class, he/she is still responsible for any material covered, announcements, handouts, or tests. Students are allowed absence from two weeks of class meetings without a penalty. Two weeks of class meetings are defined as 4 class periods for a TR class. Excused absences do not exist. Tardiness and leaving early will result in penalty absences (3 late arrivals, 3 early departures or a combination of the two that totals 3 will equal 1 absence). For each class period missed in excess of the above mentioned allowance, 4.5 points will be deducted from the student’s final average. .

Course Requirements and Evaluation

Always bring your textbook to class. Students should complete assigned readings prior to the topics being covered in class. Student participation during lectures is expected and encouraged. Students are responsible for being aware of any changes in course schedule or content announced during their absences.

Student performance will be evaluated via 3 lecture exams and a final exam (each worth 25% of your final grade). Make-up of a missed exam will be allowed for reasonable excuses and will only be given at the end of the semester. Attendance, attitude, and evidence of effort will be considered in determining final grades in borderline cases. You should read and be familiar with the UNC-P Honor Code in the Student Handbook.

Exams will cover lecture notes, assigned readings, and any additional handouts. The format of the exams will be mostly multiple choice with some short answer discussion questions.

The course grading scale is as follows (same as the university):

A = 93 - 100 A- = 90 - 92
B+ = 87 - 89 B = 83 - 86 B- = 80 - 82
C+ = 77 - 79 C = 73 - 76 C- = 70 - 72
D+ = 67 - 69 D = 63 - 66 D- = 60 - 62
F = below 60

Non-Contract Notice

Please note that this syllabus is not a contract in any form. Rather it is a statement of intent only. The assignments, examination dates, and order of topic presentation are subject to change without notice.

Disability Support Services

Any student with a documented disability needing academic adjustments is requested to speak directly to Disability Support Services and the instructor, as early in the semester (preferably within the first class week) as possible. All discussions will remain confidential. This syllabus is available in alternative formats upon request. Please contact Mary Helen Walker, Disability Support Services, DF Lowry Bldg., 521-6695.

ENV 2100 - ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
LECTURE SCHEDULE - SPRING 2006
Dr. L. S. Jernigan, Oxendine 2231, Phone: 521-6884

Required Text: Environmental Science, 10th ed., G. Tyler Miller, Jr., Brooks/Cole Thomas Learning, Pacific Grove, CA

Lecture: Oxendine 2246