OFFICE: S323D. Scheduled office hours may vary from semester to semester depending on teaching schedule. However, for the Spring 2008 semester they are Tuesday and Thursday, 2:20-3:20 p.m., and Wednesday, 1:40-2:40 p.m. Other times may be scheduled by appointment or you can drop by to see if I am free. Voice mail messages may be left at (609) 896-5330. E-mail messages may be sent to husch@rider.edu. Please use your official Rider University e-mail address for all e-mail communications with me.

TEXT: Principles of Environmental Science: Inquiry and Applications, Fourth Edition by William P. Cunningham and Mary Ann Cunningham is required. Supplemental readings may be assigned as needed. Links to web sites with interesting, relevant, and timely environmental sciences information are available through the Department of Geological, Environmental, and Marine Sciences (GEMS) web site and through the Principles of Environmental Science text web site. Also available on the text web site are chapter practice quizzes, suggested additional readings, case studies, flashcards, and other on-line course resources. Class lecture notes, exam topic lists, and other important course-related information can be downloaded from this interactive course syllabus. Class documents and announcements also are available for viewing and/or download on Blackboard.

OBJECTIVES AND EVALUATION: This course is intended for students interested in understanding how humans and other species interact with one another and with their surrounding physical environment. Students will investigate how different ecosystems function and respond to changes in various biological, chemical, and geological processes. Both historical and recent examples will be examined to illustrate how human activities impact natural systems and vice versa. Laboratory exercises may include field trips to water and sewage treatment facilities, a landfill, and a power generating station, in addition to local field sights to collect environmental samples for analysis and the observation of natural processes; a separate laboratory syllabus will be provided. Students will develop an understanding of the processes and controls that shape our environment, preparing them either for more in-depth studies of specific topics in subsequent courses or for applying environmental principles and concepts to their own interests and careers. Final grades will be determined by combining the uncurved average of three equally weighted lecture exams (~60%), a 7-10 page term paper (~15%) and the average of all graded laboratory assignments (~25%). Extra credit points may be earned on 4-6 surprise quizzes given periodically in lecture. General grade averages are: >90, A range; 80-89, B range; 70-79, C range; 60-69, D range; <60, F range. Attendance is required. More than three unexcused absences from lecture may result in the lowering of the final grade by as much as a full-letter grade. The highest standards of academic integrity and classroom conduct are expected and will be strictly enforced (see Statement of Academic Responsibility and Class Conduct and Behavior Rules). If required, the instructor's permission for withdrawal or to take make-up exams will be given only for valid and exceptional circumstances.