OFFICE: SCI323D. Scheduled office hours may vary from semester to semester depending on my 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: Environmental Geology, Eighth Edition, by Carla Montgomery is required (Seventh Edition is acceptable). Supplemental readings may be assigned as needed. Links to web sites with interesting, relevant, and timely environmental geology information are available through the Department of Geological and Marine Sciences (GEMS) web site and through the Environmental Geology text web site. Student study guides, practice quiz questions, chapter web links, suggested additional readings, guest essays, animations, and other on-line course resources also are available on the text web site. Class lecture notes, sample test questions, and other important course information can be downloaded from this interactive course syllabus. In addition, all class announcements, documents and other information are available for viewing and/or download on Blackboard.

OBJECTIVES AND EVALUATION: This course examines the premise that "our society exists by geologic consent subject to change without notice" by studying a number of important geologic processes and cycles and the hazards and/or resources they present to individuals, society, and the natural environment. Specific examples are emphasized during lectures,discussions, demonstrations, and multimedia presentations. Cost/benefit considerations, hazard mitigation concepts, economic and political ramifications, and the interactions between the lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere also are presented. Students should gain an improved understanding of their surrounding environment, leading to better, more informed business, political, and personal decisions. Final grades are determined by the uncurved average of three equally weighted exams (IF-AT scratch-off type), with extra-credit points being awarded on the basis of performance on 4-6 short, surprise quizzes. 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 four unexcused absences may result in the lowering of the final grade by as much as a full-letter grade. The highest standards of academic integrity and class 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 reasons.