UAM - SYLLABUS

School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences

Earth and Atmosphere - Spring 2012

Sec. 01 – 08:10-09:30 TH

Sec. 02 – 11:10-12:30 TH

 

I.     INSTRUCTOR:    Dr. Jim Edson

                                    Office: Room 109 - Museum – Phone: 870-460-1966 - email: edson@uamont.edu

                                    Office Hours: MWF 9:00 – 11:00; 2:00 – 3:00, TT 10:00 – 11:00; 3:00 – 4:00

                                    Website: http://www.uamont.edu/FacultyWeb/Edson/

 

II.    COURSE:   ESCI 1073 - Earth and Atmosphere, 3 credit hours

        NOTE:  This course fulfills specific general education requirements.  For more information, see the catalog.

           PREREQUISITES: None

 

III.   COURSE DESCRIPTION:  Survey of the nature of the Earth’s hydrosphere in terms of composition,

         origin, and physical processes; weather, climate, oceans, streams, groundwater, and glaciers.

 

IV.   TEXT:   Foundations of Earth Science, 5th or 6th edition (ISBN: 0321663020) - Lutgens & Tarbuck-Required

                   

                     Textbook website:  http://wps.prenhall.com/esm_lutgens_foundations_4e

 

V.    Student Learning Outcomes:  By the time the student completes this course s/he should be able to:

        1.   understand the methodologies of science.

        2.   describe how earth science relates to the other natural sciences.

        3.   develop an appreciation for the role that water, wind and ice have in the development of landscapes.

        4.   have an understanding of the extent and boundaries of the world’s oceans.

        5.   describe the major features of the continental margin, ocean basin floor, and mid-ocean ridges.

        6.   list the factors that influence ocean currents.

        7.   explain the difference between weather and climate.

        8.   discuss the formation and forms of precipitation.

        9.   describe the idealized global patterns of pressure, wind and atmospheric circulation.

 

VI. CONTENT OUTLINE: See schedule for more details.

 

      1.  Introduction and Landscape Development

            A.  The nature of science – Intro Chp.

            B.  Environment and resources – Intro Chp.

            C.  The scientific process – Intro Chp.

            D.  Mass wasting – Chp. 3

             E.   Hydrologic cycle – Chp. 3   

             F.   Surface water and stream flow – Chp. 3

             G.   Ground water and artesian systems – Chp. 3

             H.   Glaciers and deserts – Chp. 4

 

        2.  The Global Ocean

              A.  Nature of the ocean basins – Chp. 9

              B.   Shoreline development – Chp. 10

 

        3.  Nature of the Atmosphere

            A.  Weather vs. Climate – Chp. 11

              B.  Temperature – Chp. 11

              C.  Seasons – Chp. 11

              D.  Clouds and precipitation – Chp. 12

 

         4.  Motion of the Atmosphere

              A.  Pressure centers – Chp. 13

              B.  Middle latitude winds – Chp. 13

              C.  Local winds and air masses – Chp. 14

              D.  Fronts and severe weather – Chp. 14

 

VII.  TESTING AND GRADING PRACTICES:

 

1.  There will be (4) 200 point, non-comprehensive tests given during the semester.  All of the tests will consist of 50 multiple choice questions worth 4 points each for a total of 200 points. If you miss a test, there will be one comprehensive makeup at the end of the semester. You will need a Scantron and a pencil for each test.

2.  The 4th test will be the final. It will be given on the date scheduled by UAM. You must take the final on the date scheduled for the class section for which you are enrolled. No exceptions. Do not make early travel plans.

3.  You will also have the option to take the comprehensive makeup to replace one of the grades on the 4 regularly scheduled tests.

4.  There will be 20 daily assignments worth four (4) points each (80 points total).  No make-ups.

5.  Eight online quizzes from the textbook website worth 10 points each will be assigned during the semester for a total of 80 points. 40 additional points will come from various outside assignments that will be announced in class. No late assignments will be accepted.

6.  Grades will be determined based on the following scale:

                    1000 - 895   =   A ( 100  - 89.5%)

                      894 - 795   =   B ( 89.4 - 79.5%)

                      794 - 695   =   C ( 79.4 - 69.5%)

                      694 - 595   =   D ( 69.4 - 59.5%)

                      594 -   0     =   F  ( 59.4 -     0%)

7.  You will be assigned a code number for the purpose of posting grades. You have the right not to have your grades posted. Please tell me if you wish not to have your grades posted.

 

VIII.  CLASSROOM POLICIES:  Attendance is expected.  Students missing lecture notes or assignments because of absences (excused or unexcused) are still responsible for the material. All students are required to have an email account.  The following action is prohibited under the UAM Student Conduct Code: Disorderly Conduct: Any behavior which disrupts the regular or normal functions of the University community, including behavior which breaches the peace or violates the rights of others.

 

IX.   ACADEMIC DISHONESTY:

1.      Cheating:  Students shall not give, receive, offer, or solicit information on examinations, quizzes, etc. This includes but is not limited to the following classes of dishonesty:

a.       Copying from another student’s paper.

b.      Use during the examination of prepared materials, notes, or texts other than those specifically permitted by the instructor.

c.       Collaboration with another student during the examination.

2.      Collusion: Collusion is defined as obtaining from another party, with out specific approval in advance by the instructor, assistance in the production of work offered for credit, to the extent that the work reflects the ideas of the party consulted rather than those of the person whose name in on the work submitted.

3.      Plagiarism: To adopt and reproduce as one’s own, to appropriate to one’s use, and to incorporate in one’s own work without acknowledgement the ideas or passages from the writings or works of others.

 

  For any instance of academic dishonesty that is discovered by the instructor, whether the dishonesty is found to be cheating, collusion, duplicity, or plagiarism, the result for the student or students involved will be that the instructor will assign a grade of “0” for the examination or assignment involved. (See page 42 of the UAM catalog 2011-13 for further academic code violations)

 

X.  POLICY ON STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES:  It is the policy of the University of Arkansas-Monticello to accommodate individuals with disabilities pursuant to federal law and the University’s commitment to equal educational opportunities.  It is the responsibility of the student to inform the instructor of any necessary accommodations at the beginning of the course. Any student requiring accommodations should contact the Office of Special Student Services located in Harris Hall, Room 120, phone 870-460-1026;   TDD 870-460-1626; or FAX 870-460-1926.