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Lectures will assume knowledge of the material covered in the course texts, supplementary additional readings, and videos. Reading preparation for class is expected of every student.

Grades will be based on numerous components. The final semester grades will based on a Plus- Minus system as described in the syllabus.

Lecture Grade 650 pts.
Exam #1 100 pts.
Exam #2 100 pts.
Exam #3 100 pts.
Comprehensive Final Exam 150 pts.
Quizzes/Exercises 150 pts.
Discussion Forum 50 pts.
Laboratory Grade 350 pts.
2 Lab/Field Exams (50 pts. ea.) 100 pts.
Field & Lab Reports 150 pts.
Participation 100 pts.
Total 1000 pts.

The EnviSci Site is your lifeline to the course. Consistently check the web site to keep up to date with changes. Updates or changes will be made in blinking text.

Unit and Final Exams will test the comprehension and application of concepts covered in lectures, readings, and videos. Exams will evaluate students in a variable format.

Reading/Video Quizzes & Exercises will be given at the beginning of randomly selected classes. Quizzes  provide incentive for prompt arrival and attendance.  This may include material covered the previous few lectures or in readings assigned (posted on the calendar in The EnviSci Site) for that lecture day but not yet lectured over.  The readings have been selected to enhance understanding of particular concepts or issues.  Notebooks containing lecture notes will be collected after each exam and graded.  To earn full credit, they must be written:  1) in full letter-sized pages without extra gaps in a notebook without material from other courses, 2) in script of moderate size and neatness, or if outline handouts are used, all blanks must be filled and several marginal notes per page taken.

Videos have been selected to offer a visual perspective to many of the course concepts. These videos will be viewed on occasion during class time. Bonus Activity on "A Civil Action." A 10 bonus point quiz will be collected at the end of the movie.  Plan early for the event.  Your work and extra curricular schedule will not be considered an excuse for missing the opportunity.  Check the calendar for dates and times.

Discussion Forum/Discussion Participation is important in a course that is driven by concepts that at times may be difficult or controversial. I am interested in developing reasoning skills in students: this takes practice, so let’s talk in class.  You need five entries.

Make-up Exam Policy - Make-up examinations will be given to students ONLY under three conditions:
• SERIOUS illness that is verified by a note from a physician or the health service.
• FAMILY EMERGENCY verified by a note from the VP for Academic Affairs.
• APPROVED school function for which you have made arrangements and verification with me ahead of time.

*For serious illness and family emergency, you must notify me within two days (BEFORE the next class) and some verification will be needed, depending on the circumstances.

Retake Exam Policy - Students are allowed to retake one exam during the semester.
Retakes are given only under the following conditions:
• The student was not more than 5 minutes late for the test he/she was retaking.
• The student forfeits the exam's first grade.


caution.gif (3634 bytes)NO exceptions to this policy will be made.caution.gif (3634 bytes)

Academic Dishonesty
Any one who copies or uses another student's work will automatically receive a zero on the written exercise or exam.  Repeated or particularly serious instances of academic dishonesty will result in a failing grade for the course, and a letter sent to the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.