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Environmental Geology Fall 2008(Tue, Thur & Friday: 1:10-2:20 pm) |
Dr. Hongbing Sun
Office: S323C. Wed. 10:20-11:20 am, 1:10-2:10 pm and Fri., 10:20 to 11:20 pm and any other time by appointment. I am available for consultation any time I am in my office. However, there are times I may not be in my office. So it's always a good idea to call before you visit when it is not my office hour. You can also e-mail me if you can't find a time to come in.
My Email is: hsun@rider.edu
Text:
Geology and the Environment. 5th edition, by Pipkin and
Web Sources
The course syllabus web page: http://users.rider.edu/~hsun/engeo113.html
Web related materials on each chapter can be found at my site:
Information regarding my
department can be found at http://www.rider.edu/gems
Objectives
This course examines the environmental and geological problems of our
world. Population growth, natural resources, water pollution, waste
disposal, energy sources, and environmental health hazards are the topics that
will be covered through the semester. Other topics of concern such as
earthquakes, landslides, and flood dangers will be discussed as well. Students
should gain an appreciation of their natural environment, leading to better, more informed business and personal decisions and
become a better citizen. This course satisfies the science requirement of
those curricula that require science.
Grade
Your grade for the course will be based on three exams (each worth 30 points)
and six surprise quizzes (worth 10 points total, you can drop the lowest quiz).
An extra point quiz may be given occasionally to reward good attendances.
You may submit a written term paper of 4 to 6 pages on any subject we covered
in the class to receive up to 4 bonus points. My grading policy is as follows:
A range >90, B range 80-89, C range 70-79, D range 60-69, F range <60,
unless the class average deviates significantly from 75%. In that case, a
"curve" will be applied. "Borderline" cases will be
judged individually, based on grade improvement, demonstrated effort and class
participation, etc.
Cheating
Academic integrity is highly valued at Rider. Students caught cheating during an examination will be removed from the class and given an "F" for the course.
Special Needs
Any students who need special accommodations for learning are invited to share these concerns with the instructor as soon as possible.
Attendance Is Required.
Regular attendance makes a big difference in the final grade received. . More than four unexcused absences will result in a drop of the final grade by a minimum of half letter grade (missing 5-6 times, half letter grade, 7-8, a full letter grade and so on). Excuses for absence will be granted for approved athletic participation, approved field trips, a certified serious illness, death in the immediate family and military examinations. Absence from class, no matter what the reason, does not grant the student a chance to make up a quiz. Instructor′s permission for withdrawal will be given only for exceptional circumstances. Make-up exams are generally not given and a grade of "F" is given for any regularly scheduled exam that is missed.
Important Dates
9/30, Tuesday, Middle Term Exam I
10/28, Tuesday, Middle Term Exam II
12/9, Tuesday, 1:30-3:30 Final Exam and Optional Term Paper Due
Weekly Schedule
Schedules are tentative and may change during the semester.
Week 1, (week of) Sept. 4. Intro to course and requirements; population growth and impact. Read Chapter 1 (p.2-14)
Week 2, Sept. 8. The earth: Atoms, mineral and rocks. Read Chapter 2 (p.15-44).
Week 3, Sept. 15. Big picture of the Earth: Continental drift and plate tectonics Read Chapter 3 (p.45-69).
Week 4, Sept. 22. Earthquakes: Size, location, hazards, and prediction. Read Chapter 4 (p. 70-108).
Week 5, Sept. 29. Volcanoes: Types, hazards, and prediction. Read Chapter 5 (p.109-147).
Middle Term Exam I, Tuesday, Sept. 30
Week 6, Oct. 6. Ground-water resources, depletion, and conservation. Read Chapter 8 (p. 213-245).
*Week 7. Oct. 13. Surface water: streams, and flooding. Read Chapter 9 (p.246-275)
Week 8, Oct. 20. Coastal erosion and controls. Read Chapter 10 (p.276-309)
Week 9. Oct. 27. Coastal erosion and controls. Read Chapter 10 (p.276-309)
Middle Term Exam II , Tuesday, Oct. 28
Week 10, Nov. 3. Climate change. Read Chapter 11 (p.311-350).
Week 11, Nov. 10. Energy resources: Non-renewable fossil fuels. Read Chapter 14 (p.412-446).
Week 12, Nov. 17. Renewable alternatives. Read Chapter 14 (p.412-446)
Week 13, Nov. 24. Energy issues +trash talk
Nov. 26-30 . Thanksgiving Holidays
Week 13, Dec. 1. Trash talk: Waste management. Read Chapter 15 (p.447-473).
Final Exam.
Dec. 9, Tuesday, 1:30-3:30 pm. Optional Term Paper Due.
* I need to attend the NJ Geological Association’s annual meeting 10/16-18. We may cancel one of our classes on either the 16th or 17th.
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E-mail Dr. Sun: hsun@rider.edu
Last updated 8/29/2008