Environmental Geology

Dale Easley

Syllabus

Fall, 2009

Environmental geology differs from physical geology in that it is concerned primarily with the interacting of humans with the geologic environment. Therefore, we focus upon both geological processes and the role of public policy in managing the environment. Particularly, we seek to make wise decisions about environmental management and to be able to present scientific evidence to support our decisions.

In order to achieve these objectives, the course will have four in-class tests (15% each), four presentations (5% each), a short paper (5%), and a laboratory (15%). The purpose of the tests and exam will be to evaluate your grasp of the scientific material covered in the text, lecture, and lab. The tests will include at least one essay question. The purpose of the writing assignment will be to develop your ability to discuss rigorously your point of view on an environmental issue and will require you to attend a public meeting. The laboratory assignments will be posted on the web site.

The text which we will use is Introduction to Environmental Geology, 3rd edition, by Edward Keller, Prentice-Hall, 2005. Important dates for reading assignments and tests as follows:

• Risk: September 25th
• Water: October 21st
• Energy: November 13th
• Minerals: Regular Final Exam time

This syllabus, assignments, review questions for the text, and a course outline are available on the web. Google Dale Easley or go to at

In order to do well in this course, you will need to do the following things:

• Attend class. Generally, lectures are as important as readings from the text. The lectures will highlight important points from the text and incorporate additional material. Missing class more than three times will result in a lowering of your final grade by one letter grade.

• Do assignments on time. Any problems with turning things in should be discussed before the assignment is due. Except in rare cases, I will not accept late assignments, and if I do, they will be penalized at least 10% per day.

• Use the websites. The online review guides for the readings contain questions that will be used on tests.

• Come see me if you need help. I have office hours on Monday and Tuesday afternoons, 3:00-5:00pm, Goldthorpe 204. If the office hours do not fit your schedule, call for an appointment, 589-3639 or at my home, 556-1108. However, the best way to reach me is through email, deasley@dbq.edu.

• Be enthusiastic. I hope you'll enjoy this course. The environment is a hot topic (no pun intended), and there's plenty to learn.

Course Administrative Information

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of this semester you should be able to do the following:

• Discuss an environmental issue appropriately using the components of scientific format-hypothesis, methods, results, and discussion.
• Evaluate environmental issues using a systematic, evidence-based process.
• Conduct an environmental hazard and risk assessment.
• Perform basic calculations for risk, stream, and ground-water velocity, hydraulic head, drawdown, and similar geologic and hydrologic analyses.
• Quantify natural resources.
• Engage in serious and quality discussions about character and ethics, especially as pertains to stewardship of the environment.

Attendance:

So that you may most efficiently achieve the learning goals of the course, your presence at all class sessions is necessary. Knowing that we all sometimes have good reasons for falling short of this expectation, I have instituted the following attendance policy: absences from class will lower your final grade after you have accumulated three (3) unexcused absences. Please speak with me if you have any questions about what constitutes an unexcused absence.

Cheating:

Read carefully the section on Academic Dishonesty in the UD Student Handbook. You are responsible for adhering to the University's standards for honesty in your academic work.

Academic Support Center:

The Academic Support Center is located on the second floor of Myers Library. I urge you to make use of this service provided free of charge by the University. To make an appointment at the Center, contact its director, Ms. Susanna Robey (ext. 3218).

Subject to Change Clause:

This syllabus, course calendar and other attending documents are subject to change during the semester.

Americans with Disability Act (ADA) Statement:

A student who has a disability that might affect his or her performance in this course should consult with the instructor and the campus ADA compliance office, in confidence, by the second class session. UD's ADA compliance committee is co-chaired by Ms. Susanna Robey, Academic Support Center, 2nd floor, Myers Library (ext. 3218).