Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Environmental Science Course Preview Page

Course Preview Page
Course Name:  Environmental Science

Term/Session: Spring Term, Session 2 and 4          
Course Number:  ENV 1001
Reference Number:  536251 and 536558

Faculty Introduction

Welcome from Dr. Kristine Stewart!  I have been teaching Biology and Environmental courses at Broward College since 2004.  I have been an environmental consultant and professional botanist for over 20 years and have been in probably every South Florida ecosystem (scrub is my favorite). In environmental science, being familiar with the specific issues in our region is important as well as global issues.  I have two research projects in Africa on the ecology of medicinal plants.  One project is in Cameroon and the other is in South Africa (about to expand to Botswana). I like to tromp around in wetlands and remote wilderness.  I do a lot of volunteer work in plant conservation here in Broward County. 

 A note about the course.  This is a condensed course.  The good part is that you complete the course in half a semester; the bad part is that you complete the course in half a semester.  Take a look at the sample schedule.  For each week, you will have at least two course modules, two quizzes, and two assignments.  Be sure you understand this before you register.  The course is interesting and fun and I think you will enjoy it immensely. Of course, I will be with you every step of the way so you don't fall behind.  

Faculty Contact Information

Instructor Name:
Kristine Stewart, Ph.D.
Office Phone:
954-201-7900 
Campus Phone:
954-201-7900 (This is the dept phone)
Fax:
954-201-7937
Email:
kstewart@broward.edu

Course Description

Study of the physical environment, its relationship with the biosphere, and man's impact upon natural systems. Placement by Testing Department. Prerequisite: MAT0028.

Course Prerequisites

To maximize your chances for success in this course, make sure that you meet the following course prerequisites:
  • Course Prerequisites and Co-requisites: MAT0028
Orientation to Online Learning
To be successful in an online course, you should assess your readiness to successfully engage in an online learning class at Broward College. You can complete the Orientation to Online Learning to determine if an online class is a right fit for you and to learn how to navigate the system.  Upon completion of the orientation, you will earn a certificate.  Some professors require you to submit this certificate during orientation, so make sure to save it in an easily accessible folder on your computer. 
Course Attendance and Participation Policy
During the first week of class, you must complete orientation activities just to ensure you have the technical skills to complete the course (post a discussion item, do a simple assignment, and send an email to me) and a Syllabus Quiz from the course orientation.  You  must complete all activities within the first week or you will be withdrawn from the course. Simply logging into the course will not satisfy your attendance during this time. As with an on-campus course, students who are reported for non-attendance in an online course and are withdrawn are still responsible for paying for the course. If you do not complete the requirements of the first week of class, you should drop the course by the official drop/add deadline or expect to pay for the course.

 It is very important for you to actively participate in this online class. Assignments are open at the beginning of the week and you need to complete them by the due date; no make ups can be given.

You should remain an active learner in this class and always communicate extenuating circumstances to your instructor. Ongoing communication with the instructor is critical to your course success. Completion of tests, assignments, and other class activities are used as indicators of your participation in order to satisfy this reporting requirement.  See the list of activities required for participation and attendance on the General Course Policies page.

Required Course Materials
Required Text: No text is required for this course

Methods of Instruction
This is a 3-credit hour fully online course with proctored exams. The online activities may include, but are not limited to, readings, discussions, essays, case studies, research, and/or online quizzes and tests. See the course schedule for a detailed description of activities (this is a sample schedule and is subject to change- refer to the course syllabus once you are enrolled for an accurate course schedule). Students are responsible for regularly reviewing the course schedule and completing all required assignments.

General Policies and Technical Requirements
You are responsible for being familiar with all BC Online policies and procedures related to your activity in this course.
Broward College Policies
  • Review the Broward College Policies on topics including disability services, academic honesty, privacy, and critical event procedures.
BC Online Policies
  • Review the General Course Policies for topics including rules for netiquette, definition of participation, and other information.
Proctored Exam Policy
  • This course has four proctored exams that must be taken at a campus e-Testing Center or at an alternate pre-approved testing location. For detailed instructions please visit our Proctored Exam Policy page.
Technical Requirements
  • Students taking an online course are expected to be moderately proficient in using a computer. Please go to the Technical Requirements page for a complete list of computer skills and technical requirements.
How to Access the Course
Follow these steps in order to log into the BC Online course. Normally, the login date will be the first day of the session in which the course is scheduled. However, this course will open 1-2 days early.  Only students who have registered and paid for the course will be permitted to login. There may be a delay of up to 20 minutes from when you register and pay before BC Online login is activated.
  • Your BC Online User Name is the same as your BC email ID.
  • Your BC Online password is the same as your BC email PIN code.
  • If you need login information, obtain BC email user ID and PIN code before attempting to login to BC Online.
Links to help you get connected to BC Online course(s)
SAMPLE SCHEDULE (ACTUAL SCHEDULE WILL BE AVAILABLE IN THE COURSE MATERIALS):

Week #
Learning Outcomes
Learning Materials
Assignments & Assessments
1
Online Orientation & Introduction
  The Student will: Access the course syllabus
  1. Demonstrate proficiency in using the email tool 
  2. Demonstrate proficiency in using the Discussion tool
  3. Demonstrate the ability to access an assignment on the Assessment toolbar and submit it as an attachment to the Assignment Drop Box
  4. Define environmental science
  5. Define sustainable development and recognize the current North American lifestyle is not sustainable
  1. Click the Orientation-Start Here Button on the Course Content page and complete the Online Orientation
  2. Complete the Learning Module" Introduction to  Environmental Science" located in the Ecosystems folder within the Learning Units folder on the Course Content page.
  • Send the email described in the Orientation to the instructor/ Due __
     
  • Complete Orientation Assignment/ Due  __
     
  • Complete Orientation Discussion/ Due __
     
  • Online Orientation Quiz on Syllabus/ Due __
             
  • Complete Discussion 1 - Story of Stuff/ Open __
  • Online Quiz 1 on Introduction and Online Quiz 2 both  Due __ 
2
Unit 1:  Ecosystems
 The Student will: Analyze the interrelationship between the three components of a sustainable society:  ecological integrity, social equity, and economic prosperity
  1. Distinguish food chains, food webs, and energy flow through ecosystems
  2. Describe and quantify trophic levels in ecosystems
  3. Describe biogeochemical cycles such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus and how they have been impacted by humans
  4. Describe and quantify the concepts underlying population dynamics
  1. Review "Introduction to Environmental Science "Learning Module located in the Orientation-Start Here folder on the Course Content page.
  2. Complete Learning Module "Ecosystems 1" in the Ecosystems folder within the Learning Units folder on the Course Content page.
  3. Complete the Learning Module "Ecosystems 2" in the Ecosystems folder within the Learning Units folder on the Course Content page
  4. Complete Learning Module "Florida Ecosystems Introduction" in the Ecosystems folder within the Learning Units folder on the course content page.
  5. Complete Learning Module "Coastal Ecosystems" in the Ecosystems folder within the Learning Units folder on the course content page.
  6. Complete Learning Module "Upland Ecosystems" in the Ecosystems folder within the Learning Units folder on the course content page.
  7. Complete the Learning Module "Wetland and Aquatic Ecosystems" in the Ecosystems folder within the Learning Units folder on the course content page.
  8. Complete the "Everglades "Learning Module in the Ecosystems folder within the Learning Units Folder on the course content page.
  • Complete Assignment 1 - Upcycling   Due __
  • Online Quiz 3 on Ecosystems 2   Due _  
  • Online Quiz 4 on FL Ecosystems-Intro, Coastal and Upland Ecosystems. Due __  
  • Complete Discussion 3 - Everglades Invaders. Open __
  • Online Quiz 5 on FL Wetland & Aquatic Ecosystems & the Everglades  Due __
  • Discussion 2 -The Meat We Eat Opens __   


Exam 1 - Introduction and Unit 1 - Ecosystems - Week 3
Exam 1 must be taken between _ and _ in the Central Campus e-Testing Center, Bldg. 17, Room 220, or in the North Campus e-Testing Center, Bldg. 62, Rm 135.  You have 1.5 hours to complete the exam consisting of 100 multiple choice questions covering all the learning modules assigned weeks 2 - 5.  Check with  - the Central Campus e-Testing Center, or the North Campus e-Testing Center for their hours of operation.
3
Unit 2:  Earth Science
The student will:
  1. Describe the earth's structure.
  2. Recognize the characteristics of plate tectonic settings.
  3. Relate plate tectonics to global geologic trends.
  1. Complete the Learning Module "Basic Earth Science and Environmental Geology" in the Earth Science folder within the Learning Units folder on the course content page.
  2. Complete the Learning Module "Basic Earth Science - Rock Cycle & Florida Geology" in the Earth Science folder within the Learning Units folder on the course content page.
  • Complete Assignment 2 - Earthquake   Due __
  • Complete Discussion 4- Volcanic Eruptions -  Open __
  • Online Quiz 6 on Basic Earth science and Environmental Geology. Due __
  • Online Quiz 7 on Basic Earth Science - Rock Cycle (includes Florida Geology). Due __
4
Unit 2:  Earth Science
The student will: Describe the Rock cycle and explain the underlying geologic processes.
  1. Explain the impact of geologic formations on the environment and on the various physiographic regions of Florida.
  2. Explain and identify the origin of minerals.
  3. Describe the uses of minerals and other nonrenewable resources mined in Florida.
  4. Identify the soils of South Florida.
  1. Complete the Learning Module "Atmosphere- Characteristics" in the Earth Science folder within the Learning Units folder on the course content page.
  2. Complete the Learning Module "Atmosphere - pollution" in the Earth Science folder within the Learning Units folded on the Course Content page.
  3. Complete the Learning Module "Sustainability 1" in the Earth Science folder within the Learning Units folder on the Course Content page.
  • Complete Assignment 3 - Rock cycle Due __
  • Complete Discussion 5 - Atmosphere Open __
  • Online Quiz 8 on Atmosphere -Characteristics Due _
  • Complete Assignment 4 - Ocean Debris - Due __
  •  
  • Online Quiz 9 on Atmosphere Pollution and Sustainability 1   Due __



Exam 2- Unit 2 - Earth Science - Week 5
Exam 2 must be taken between __ and __ in the Central Campus e-Testing Center, Bldg. 17, Room 220, or in the North Campus e-Testing Center, Bldg 46, Rm 245. You have 1.5 hours to complete the exam consisting of 100 multiple choice questions covering all the learning modules assigned weeks 6 - 9. Check with the Central Campus e-Testing Center, or the North Campus e-Testing Center for their hours of operation.
5
Unit 3:  Water
The student will: Identify the characteristics of water and describe its importance to life.
  1. Describe the hydrologic cycle; discuss the various compartments of the cycle and discuss the finite, recycled nature of the world's water.
  2. Relate the hydrologic cycle to Florida's water budget; recognize the importance of ground water to Florida; describe the flow of water through natural systems in Florida;
  3. Recognize the impact of humans on the flow of water through Florida.
  4. Recognize the various physical zones of the ocean the types of organisms found in each.
  5. Identify and describe ocean features that impact the biotic and abiotic environment such as waves and erosion, heat distribution, tides and energy.
  6. Interpret the impact of human        activities and identify possible solutions
  1. Complete the Learning Module "Water: a precious commodity "in the Water folder within the Learning Units folder on the Course Content page.
  2. Complete the Learning Module "Oceans 1: A survey" in the Water folder within the Learning Units folder on the Course Content page.
  • Online Quiz 10 on Water     Due __
  • Complete Discussion 6 - Saltwater Intrusion  Due __
    • Online Quiz 11 on Oceans   Due __
    • Complete Discussion 7 - The Dead Zone  open __ 


6
Unit 3: Water
The student will: Identify various ocean ecosystems and describe their characteristics.
  1. Describe the biodiversity of coral reefs; explain the importance of healthy coral reefs and the interaction of coral reefs with adjacent coastal and inland ecosystems.
  2. Interpret the impact of human activities and identify possible solutions.
  1. Complete the Learning Module "Oceans II: Marine Ecosystems" in the Water folder within the Learning Units folder on the Course Content page.
  2. Complete the Learning Module "Water - Pollution" in the Water folder within the Learning Units folder on the Course Content page.
  3. Complete the Learning Module "Sustainability 2" in the Water folder within the Learning Units folder on the Course Content page.

  • Online Quiz 12 on Oceans II: Marine Ecosystems Due __
  • Online Quiz 13 on Water Pollution & Sustainability 2 Due __
    • Complete Assignment 5 - The Buzz About Bees  Due __



Exam 3 - Unit 3- Water - Week 7
Exam 3 must be taken between __ and __ in the Central Campus e-Testing Center, Bldg. 17, Room 220, or in the North Campus e-Testing Center,Bldg. 62, Rm 135. You have 1.5 hours to complete the exam consisting of 100 multiple choice questions covering all the learning modules assigned weeks 10 - 13. Check with the Central Campus e-Testing Center, or the North Campus e-Testing Center for their hours of operation.
7
Unit 4: Energy
 The Student will:  Apply the Law of Conservation of Matter and the First and Second Laws of Thermodynamics to understanding current environmental problems such as pollution and energy conservation.
  1. Distinguish between potential and kinetic energy.
  2. Describe the differences between renewable and nonrenewable sources of energy, and recognize examples of each
  3. Describe the environmental consequences caused by exploiting different forms of energy.
  4. Calculate how long non-renewable fuels will last under a variety of different consumption rates.
  1. Complete the Learning Module "Energy 1" in the Energy folder within the Learning Units folder on the Course Content page.
  2. Complete the Learning Module "Energy 2"
  3. Complete the Learning Module "Sustainability 3"
  • Complete Assignment 6 - Your Ecological Footprint  Due __
  •  Online Quiz 14 on Energy 1 Due __
  • Complete Discussion 8 - Reflections open __
    • Online Quiz 15 on Energy 2  Due __



Final Exam - Unit 4 and Review of Units 1 - 3 - Week 8
The Final Exam must be taken between __ and __ in the Central Campus e-Testing Center, Bldg. 17, Rm 220, or in the North Campus e-Testing Center, Bldg. 62, Rm 135.  You have 2 hours 10 minutes to complete the exam consisting of 150 multiple choice questions (60 questions on the learning modules covered weeks 14 and 15 and 90 review questions from weeks 2  - 13).  Check with the Central Campus e-Testing Center, or the North Campus e-Testing Center for their hours of operation.
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