NRES 467/667 Spring 2008

 

Regional and Global Issues in

Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences

 

Course Meeting Times:
Tuesdays and Thursdays 1:00-2:15 in KRC 105.
There will be two required field trips - dates to be determined.
Final exam time is 12:00-2:00 on May 8th.

Instructors:
Dr. Mae Gustin
Office: FA 126
Phone: 784-4203
Email: mgustin@cabnr.unr.edu
Office Hours: By appointment.

Jelena Stamenkovic (Official T.A.)                     Dr. Chris Eckley
Office: FA 119                                                  Office: FA 119
Phone: 784-1484                                                Phone: 784-1484
Email: stamenkovic@cabnr.unr.edu                    Email: ceckley@cabnr.unr.edu

Course description:
The objectives of the course are to synthesize information and evaluate major current environmental issues. Lectures and readings for each topic will encompass some background information, and relevant case studies. Student-led discussions will round off specific topics. The goals of these discussions are to review the topic and summarize the major issues, as well as critically consider various aspects of the topic and introduce new ideas and perspectives.

Prerequisites: BIOL 314, CHEM 122.

Course materials:
Given the variety of topics, there will be no single text for the course. Students are encouraged to seek sources besides those offered in class, such as journals, books, newspapers, online resources, etc.  Readings for specific topics are listed at the end of the syllabus with this list being added to as the semester progresses. Readings have been selected to give a broader overview of the issues and different perspectives.

Information about the course, handouts, and other documents for the course will be posted on the following web sites:

http://www.ag.unr.edu/gustin/nres467/default.htm

http://www.unr.nevada.edu/~jelena/NRES467.html

Grades will be calculated based on the following exams and assignments:

Two exams	150 points
6 Written assignments	150 points
Participating in 5 discussions (20 pts each)	100 points
Leading one class discussion (50 pts)	50 points
Total Points	450 points

Tests:
Tests will cover material from lectures, readings and discussions. The test question format will be short answer and essay. Each test is worth 16.7% of the final grade. If you have an emergency or are sick and find you may need to miss an exam you must contact the major instructor prior to the exam and have official documentation of the excuse.

Summaries/critiques:
Written assignments are to be handed in the class period they are due.  Most assignments will be summaries, critiques and discussions of topics discussed in class.  A good critique should include a brief summary of the major issues presented in class and reading materials, and include some independent sources with additional information, examples, problems with dealing with the issue, different views, etc. Written assignments should be 2-3 pages long (typed 1.5 pt space and with reasonable margins). Assignments will be evaluated on the basis of (1) level of understanding of the broad topic, (2) synthesis of major issues, and (3) research regarding at least one aspect of the issue not covered in class.
Late assignments will not be accepted. If you find you will miss a class when the assignment is due you may email it to the major instructor. In order to get credit the assignment must be received before the class period is over when the assignment is due. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure the instructor receives the assignment if sent by email. Written assignments are 33% of the final grade.

Discussions:
There will be student led class discussions following select topics.  A group of students will be assigned as discussion leaders/moderators for each topic the first week of class. The discussion should include 1) a quick summary of major points of topic discussed, 2) information from assigned reading materials and additional materials researched by the group, and 3) a presentation of some new material, a new perspective on the topic, or a case study related to the topic, or an alternative view may be presented. The presentation should set the stage for discussion and pose interesting questions for a lively exchange of ideas. Discussion leaders are encouraged to review relevant sources and integrate them into discussion. The introductory presentation should end with key questions to lead off the discussion. Discussion leaders are charged with ensuring that the discussion stays on topic, and should be prepared to revive the discussion if everyone falls silent by bringing up new issues and questions. Leading the class discussion accounts for 11% of the final grade so this assignment should not be taken lightly.

Everyone in class is expected  to be respectful and involved in the discussion. Students will be judged both on quantity and quality of their participation. Class participation during discussions counts for 22% of the final grade. This means that students should offer ideas and comment during the discussion. This is often hard for those that are shy however this is a necessary life skill so consider this practice for the real world.

Field Trips:  There are two required field trips for this class. One includes a two hour field trip to either the Tracy Power Plant or the Ormat Geothermal Power Plant. The second field trip is to the Twin Creeks Gold mine. This will be an all day field trip. The latter field trip will introduce the students to the business of mining, the environmental regulations the mine must adhere to and ongoing research at the mine.

Grading scale:

A	91-100%	405-450 pts
B	81-90%	360-404 pts
C	70-80%	315-359 pts
D	60-69%	270-314 pts
F	below 60%	< 269 pts

UNR Resources :
The Disability Resource Center (DRC) provides accommodations for students with verified disabilities. They provide accommodations for students including alternative testing, readers, note takers, interpreters, etc. If a student requires the services of the DRC, it is the student's responsibility to contact the center (at TSS 107, 784-6044) and notify the instructor of special circumstances.
This course requires several written assignments, and students will be expected to have mastered at least the fundamentals of English composition. Students in need of additional support may wish to contact UNR’s Writing Center (784-6030, at EJCH 206).

Academic Dishonesty:
All students are expected to maintain a high standard of intellectual honesty. Anyone involved in academic misconduct (i.e. plagiarism, cheating) will receive no credit for that assignment. Any repeat offense will result in a failing grade for the class. Policies of the University of Nevada, Reno regarding academic dishonesty can be found at www.unr.edu/stsv/acdispol.html

Course Calendar:
This is a tentative schedule and  subject to change