1 ES106 – Earth System Science III (Oceans and Atmosphere) POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Spring Term 2006 - Western Oregon University 5 CR MW 3:00 – 4:20 PM / 11:00 AM-12:20 PM Room 101 Natural Sciences Bldg. INSTRUCTOR: Dr. S. Taylor OFFICE: RM 210 Natural Sciences Bldg OFFICE HOURS: T and W 1-3 PM PHONE: (w) 838-8398 (cell) 541-760-9216 E-MAIL: [email protected] WEB SITE: www.wou.edu/taylor COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course provides an introduction to Earth System Science, a holistic study of all integrated systems operating on the planet Earth. It is designed as a general science elective, using the Earth as a framework for understanding concepts of physics, chemistry, and geology. Emphasis will be placed on sub-disciplines of hydrology, oceanography, meteorology, and climatology. Major topics will include the chemical and physical aspects of water and water pollution, the oceans and sea floor, attributes of the atmosphere and air pollution, meteorology, and global climate change. Students will learn observational techniques in the spirit of the "scientific method", and generally raising our awareness of the natural environment around us. The "lab" portion of the course will provide the student with an opportunity for "inquiry-based" discovery of concepts developed during the lecture period. PRELIMINARY COMMENTS AND COURSE PHILOSOPHY: This course will be qualitative (conceptual) and quantitative in nature. Basic mathematical skills will be reviewed and utilized to complete the exercises. Creative instructor-student interaction will be faithfully encouraged to provide a truly relaxed educational atmosphere. A user-friendly approach to science will be emphasized by the instructor. REQUIRED TEXTS: Tarbuck and Lutgens, 2004, Earth Science, 11th ed.: Prentice Hall Supplemental Textbook Materials, 2005, reprints from “Chemistry for Changing Times”, “Physics”, and “The Earth System” textbooks: Prentice Hall Lab Manual to Accompany GS106 Foundations of Physical Science, Earth and Physical Sciences Dept., Western Oregon University (photocopied document) **Note about Supplemental Textbook Materials: These are select chapters pulled from three different text books, compiled by WOU Faculty and published by Prentice Hall. They have been assigned sequential page numbers and chapter numbers. The listed page numbers and chapter numbers DO NOT correspond to those referenced in the text sections. The Tarbuck - Lutgens Textbook and Supplementary Textbook Materials will be used for all sections of ES104, ES105, and ES106. Please note that this is a considerable cost savings compared to buying three different textbooks for each of the ES 100 courses. CLASS NOTES: A comprehensive set of instructor class notes are available for download via the internet. The class web site is at URL http://www.wou.edu/taylor ... and follow the links to the "ES106" home page. The class notes are available as Adobe Acrobat Reader files (*.pdf file). Acrobat Reader is free and is installed on many campus PC's. For home installation, Acrobat Reader is also available for download at the class web site, but you will be responsible for properly installing the software (and will do so at your own risk!).2 Based on prior student suggestions, I have assembled my class notes and made them available. These notes may be freely printed at any campus internet station (e.g. ITC Bldg - Student Lab, Library, local department computer labs). The notes are in outline form and are very comprehensive. "Exam Study Guides" will also be posted on the web site as the term progresses. EVALUATIONS AND EXPECTATIONS: Student performance will be evaluated on the basis of class assignments, two (2) lecture quizzes, lab score (exercises and quizzes), and two (2) exams. The following is a breakdown of evaluation points and letter grades: Class Assignments and Quizzes 85 pts 21% Mid-Term Exam 100 pts 24% Final Exam 125 pts 31% Lab Score (Exercises and/or Quizzes) 100 pts 24% ___________________________ Total 410 pts 100% Final Grading Scale _______________________________________________________________ Percent Range Letter Percent Range Letter of Total Points Grade of Total Points Grade _______________________________________________________________ 94-100% A 77-79% C+ 90-94% A- 73-76% C 87-89% B+ 70-72% C- 83-86% B 67-69% D+ 80-82% B- 63-66% D 60-62% D- <60% F _______________________________________________________________ Class Assignments: Class assignments are designed as online (internet-based) "take-home" homework exercises that are submitted electronically at the prescribed due date. Late assignments will not be accepted after the deadline. Special arrangements for turning in late assignments with administrative excuses should be arranged in advance. Exams: Mid-term quizzes and exams will generally cover only the material that was most current prior to that exam. The final exam will be comprehensive with test material drawn from throughout the term. Tests will generally be objective in nature (multiple choice, matching, true/false, completion) with occasional essay questions. Exams and Scantron Erasure Mark Policy: Portions of the class exams may involve use of "scantron" answer sheets. Scantron erasure errors are common in instances where students do not effectively erase all unwanted pencil marks from the answer sheets. Erasure "shadow" marks can result in scantron mistakes with erroneous point subtraction and grade errors. The instructor commonly deals with erasure errors on a case by case basis. One or two erasure errors per exam are no problem and are commonly corrected on the spot. In instances where students claim greater than three scantron erasure errors, the instructor reserves the right to request that the student retake the exam in its entirety. Class Assignment Grading: Due to the large number of students and assignments, the instructor will not grade this work in detail. The homework and assignments will be checked for completeness, with questions randomly chosen for content and accuracy. Grade points will be assigned on the basis of these two criteria. With a modicum of effort, you will do well in this portion of the class.3 Laboratory Exercises: The labs represent a significant component of the class. All lecture sections of GS106 will be distributed across several lab
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