EENS 1300 Earth as a Living Planet Fall Semester, 2017

Dr. Jeff Sigler (Rm. 206 Blessey Hall) 2-3:15 T/Th

jsigler1@tulane.edu 862-3257 Office Hours: MW 1-2pm

I. Course Goals and Objectives:

This course is designed to give the student an overview of environmental science with particular
emphasis on the interaction of man with the biosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and lithosphere.
Students learn about earth system science, as well as environmental problems and solutions. We
also note the ethical and legal lenses through which humans view the environment.

II. Learning Outcomes

Develop an understanding of the scientific method as applied to

solving environmental problems
Develop an understanding of the hydrologic cycle in the context of
water resources, use, and conservation
Understand the causes and impacts of air, soil, and water pollution, as
well as techniques used to mitigate pollution waste management
problems
Develop an understanding of the limitations on economic growth
imposed by a finite resource base and limited energy
Use the earth system science approach to understand the challenges imposed by climate
change on society

III. Text:

Environment, 9th edition

By Peter H. Raven, Linda R. Berg, and David M. Hassenzahl
(required; available at the Tulane bookstore)

IV. Course Grading:

Exam 1 25%
Exam 2 25%
Final Exam 30%
Reading quizzes 20%

*NO MAKE-UP EXAMS OR QUIZZES WILL BE GIVEN.*

V. Other policies
1. General rules and policies:
The Honor Code applies to all course work. The professor does not tolerate violations of
the code. Cell phone usage on tests will result in a score of 0% and referral to the Honor
Board.
Attendance is considered mandatory, and class participation is strongly encouraged.
 Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact the instructors to discuss their
individual needs for accommodations.
2. Tests, Quizzes and Final Examination:
There are no make-ups unless there is a medical emergency. Tests will be a mixture of
multiple choice, true/false and short-answer questions. The tests are NOT cumulative, but
the final exam IS cumulative. Quizzes are handed out promptly at the beginning of the
class, and are collected 10 minutes later. If you arrive late, you have less time to take the
quiz. There are no curves unless warranted, and the standard grading scale applies (i.e.,
100-93 = A, 92-90=A- and so on).
3. There are no formal prerequisites for this class. Basic knowledge of chemistry, laws of
physics etc is helpful but not essential.

VI. In addition
You will find that your professor is a pretty patient and easy-going guy. Still, there are certain
things that hed like you to avoid, not simply because theyre an annoyance to him but because in
the past, theyve been a distraction to other students:
1. Laptops in class are fine for taking notes or viewing powerpoints. Please type quietly! This
course does not have a facebook page or youtube channel, and there is no lecture material
on Netflix. Please be on task.
2. Interpret this as you will: The professors assurance that the powerpoints are posted on-
line is not the same thing as the powerpoints are posted on-line so you dont need to
come to class. Attendance is not taken, but is nonetheless considered mandatory.
3. Why not just turn your cell phones off during class?
4. The course schedule has been set long in advance. Please schedule any travel plans during
the semester around your classes and labs, and not the other way around.
5. Being late to class every once in a while is understandable. Being chronically late to class is
both avoidable and annoying.
6. The professor really, really dislikes it when you show up for a quiz and immediately leave
as soon as its over.

VII. Schedule of Lectures and Reading Assignments (approximate!)

Date Topic
Reading
Week 1 Course Overview/Introduction
29 Aug Sustainability and the Urban Environment Chapter 9
Week 2
Environmental laws, history, economics Chapter 2
5 Sept Scientific Method
Week 3 Ecosystems, Energy, and Organisms Ch. 3 & 5
12 Sept Ecosystems of Earth Chapter 6
Week 4Ecosystems of Earth Chapter 6
19 Sept Physical Environment Chapter 4
Week 5Human Health and the Environment Chapter 7
26 Sept
Week 6
3 Oct The Human Population Chapter 8
5 Oct Exam 1
Week 7(Fall Break, 12-15 Oct)
10 Oct Resources: Water Chapter 13
Week 8Resources: Soil Chapter 14
17 Oct Resources: Food Chapter 18
Week 9Resources: Land Chapter 17
24 Oct Resources: Minerals Chapter 15
Week 10 Energy Resources: Fossil Fuels Chapter 11
31 Oct
Week 11
7 Nov Renewable Energy and the Environment Chapter 12
9 Nov Exam 2
Week 12 Preserving Biodiversity Chapter 16
14 Nov Atmospheric Resources and Pollution Chapter 19
Week 13 Atmospheric Resources and Pollution Chapter 19
21 Nov (22-26 Nov Thanksgiving)
Week 13 Global Climate Change and the Environment Chapter 20
28 Nov Global Climate Change and Public Opinion Chapter 20
Week 14 Water Pollution Chapter 21
5 Dec Agricultural Effects on the Environment Chapter 22

Final Exam Saturday, December 16th, 2017 1PM