Section 010
Mondays
Lecture: 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM in R212
Lab: Noon - 1:40 PM in R207
Wednesdays
Lecture: 1:45 PM - 3:00 PM in R212
Section 020
Mondays
Lecture: 10:30 AM - 11:45 AM in R212
Lab: 8:30 AM - 10:10 AM in R207
Wednesdays
Lecture: 1:45 PM - 3:00 PM in R212
Lab: 3:00 PM - 4:40 PM in R210
The student will study interrelationships among organisms and their environment, focusing on the position of humans in the overall scheme. This study will include the roles of energy, soil, water, and air in ecosystem function and how humans use and abuse these resources.
Course Alignment
General Education Outcomes are the knowledge, skills, abilities, attitudes, and behaviors that students are expected to develop as a result of their overall experiences with any aspect of the college, including courses, programs, and student services, both inside and outside of the classroom. The General Education Outcomes specifically learned in this course are:
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Responsibility
Catalog description: Prerequisites: Appropriate assessment score or completion of ENGL 1413 with a grade of C or better or consent of instructor. The student will study interrelationships among organisms and their environment, focusing on the position of humans in the overall scheme. This study will include the roles of energy, soil, water, and air in ecosystem function, and how humans use and abuse these resources. AAS: Physical science (laboratory science) elective. IAI: L1 905L Life science.
Faculty Contact Information
Student Support Hours
Weekly On-Campus Office Hours
Tuesdays: 2:10 to 4:10 PM in R211
Thursdays: 1:20 to 2:20 in R211
Other By Appointment
Online Office Hours:
These hours are flexible and can be delivered via Zoom or another virtual platform if needed. Please contact Prof Larson to arrange a date and time.
Students may email (klarson@kcc.edu), or schedule appointments with Professor Larson virtually. Students may also meet face-to-face with Professor Larson. See schedule above.
Professor Larson will respond to student emails within a 24-hour period Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semester and Monday through Thursday during the summer term. If an email is unable to resolve a student issue/concern, Professor Larson will schedule a meeting with a student virtually.
Faculty
Kristen Larson
Office: 815-802-8773
klarson@kcc.edu
Course Information
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate the ability to apply the scientific method in conducting a basic investigation in the biological sciences.
- Apply integrated scientific process skills that will include forming hypotheses, testing hypotheses, graphing, interpreting data, and making conclusions. This may also include designing experiments or critiquing experimental design.
- Differentiate between ethics and morals and be able to describe how these affect decisions at the individual, corporate, and governmental levels with regard to environmental matters.
- Identify the basic chemical and physical processes that influence ecological systems.
- Interpret the interactions of organisms within populations, communities, and ecosystems.
- Describe population principles and the significance of human populations on the environment.
- Understand available energy resources at all levels of organization and how humans use and develop those resources.
- Explain management strategies for reducing human induced pollution of soil, air, and water.
- Define and explain the principles of solid and hazardous waste disposal and current problems associated with each.
- Environmental Literacy
- Science Literacy and the Process of Science
- Information Literacy & Human Populations
- Environmental Economics and Consumption
- Solid Waste Management
- Ecosystems and Nutrient Cycling
- Population Ecology & Community Ecology
- Evolution and Extinction & Biodiversity
- Preserving Biodiversity
- Freshwater & Water Pollution
- Agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture
- Coal, Petroleum, & Air Pollution
- Climate Change and Nuclear Power
- Renewable Energies & Solutions
- Urbanization and Sustainable Communities
Textbooks and Materials
*Nothing to Purchase*
Principles of Environmental Science, (Evergreen Edition) by William Cunningham and Mary Cunningham LL; McGraw-Hill Publishing WITH CONNECT CODE (E-Text Included with your tuition fees.)
Evaluation
Points Grading Scale
5 Exams (50 ea.) 250 A = 90%
Comprehensive Final Exam 100 B = 80%
Lab Reports 200 C = 70%
Class Assignments 30 D = 60%
Video Presentation 50 F = <60%
Connect Reading Assignments 140
______________________ ____
Total = 770
Lecture Exams: Primary focus is on the material covered in lecture. Exams may include a mixture of 50 true/false, multiple choice, matching and short answer questions. These exams will generally be taken on paper using scantrons during lecture time. (50 points ea.)
Comprehensive Lecture Exam: This exam is comprehensive and in written using the same format as the previous exams given in class (see above). This exam will consist of 100 questions and is worth 100 points.
Lab Reports: The lab reports in your lab manual will be collected (in their entirety) the next lab meeting unless otherwise indicated. Lab reports are worth 10 pts. ea. unless otherwise indicated. The two lowest lab grades are dropped. If a student is absent on any given lab day, they will lose the ability to earn points for that portion of the lab. If labs are turned in late there will be a point deducted for each calendar day they are handed in late.
Presentation: Students will be required to do a video presentation using presentation software. The video presentation will be submitted electronically through Canvas.
Online McGraw-Hill LearnSmart Assignments: Using your McGraw-Hill Connect account, students will complete an interactive quiz while reading the text chapter worth 10 points each. The two lowest assignment grades are dropped.
Class Assignments: The nature of these assignments will vary. They will be made available and completed in Canvas course modules or during class meetings. Topics will align with that week’s relevant topics.
* Points are subject to change. Students will be notified of any changes in class
Liberal Arts & Sciences
Dean, Jennifer Huggins; 815-802-8484; R310; jhuggins@kcc.edu; Division Office- W102; 815-802-8700
Course Policies and Course Information
Attendance & Absences
-Attendance is expected to all lab meetings each week in order to perform lab activities and take exams. Attendance to lecture meetings is expected and in some cases may count for credit. For this course, expect that to be at least 3 to 4 hours per week. Sometimes more.
-Attendance at the first laboratory meeting is required. A student may not participate in lab if they have missed the first lab meeting, which includes the mandatory lab safety training. In a 16 week semester offering of this course, if a student misses the first lab meeting, they must notify the instructor to make arrangements to make up the safety training before the second lab meeting. If a student has not completed the safety training before the second lab meeting, the student must either drop the course or the student will be institutionally withdrawn. No exceptions will be made.
-Under most circumstances, points for in-class assignments missed due to an absence will be
forfeited by the student. Any exceptions are made at the instructor’s discretion.
-Please inform instructor if an absence is due to an unavoidable circumstance, e.g, military duty, court appearance, hospitalization, quarantine, etc. Some unavoidable absences may be excused at the instructor’s discretion.
Connect Reading Assignments and Virtual Labs
-Due dates for Connect Reading Assignments and Virtual Labs will be posted in Connect with the assignment. They correspond with the chapter being covered that week as listed in the course calendar below.
-Late Connect Reading Assignments and Virtual Labs will generally not be accepted with some exceptions. Some situations may warrant an exception, but the student must speak to the instructor or email her about the situation which led to the missed due date. Exceptions are at the instructor’s discretion.
-The two lowest Connect Reading Assignments will be dropped from the grade book. In the event that a student earns 10 points for every single assignment, the two most recent ones will be dropped.
Quizzes and In-class Work
-In-class/lab work and quizzes may be announced or unannounced.
-Quizzes and in-class work done in lecture or lab usually cannot be made-up if missed.
Laboratory Policies (We will discuss this part during the first lab meeting.)
-Students must arrive to lab on time and must be ready to begin at the scheduled start time.
-Students are expected to have read the lab procedures before coming to lab.
-Students that arrive after the pre-lab lecture has begun will not be permitted to participate in lab that day and will receive a zero on that day’s assignment. This type of absence will count as a lab absence.
-Students that do not have proper apparel, they will not be permitted to participate in lab. This will count as a lab absence.
-To receive the full credit for the lab activity, the student must stay for the entire lab period, unless dismissed early by the professor. A student will only be dismissed early if they have completed the entire laboratory activity for that day. If a student leaves before being dismissed, the student will forfeit the points for the laboratory activity for that day and will receive a zero and the absence will count as a lab absence.
-If a student does not complete the lab activity in the allotted time, the student could lose points on that day’s lab activity.
-Experiment make-ups due to absence are not an option.
-It is highly suggested to attend every lab and only reserve lab absences for unavoidable absences; do not use lab absences like you would vacation days.
-Lab assignments are usually worth 10 points each with a few exceptions.
-The lab activities from your lab manual will be collected (in their entirety) the next lab meeting after procedures are completed in lab unless otherwise indicated by your instructor.
-If a student is absent on any given lab day, they will lose the ability to earn points for that portion of the lab.
-If labs are turned in late there will be two points deducted for each calendar day they are handed in late.
-Students will have the two lowest 10-point lab assignments dropped from the grade book. In the event that a student earns 10 points for every single assignment, the two most recent ones will be dropped.
Missed Lab Policy
-Due to the nature of lab activities, it is not possible to make up labs. Therefore, if a student is absent for a lab activity they forfeit the possibility of earning points for that assignment.
Exams
-Exams will be either multiple-choice, or a combination of true-false multiple-choice and short answer questions.
-On exam days, students must arrive on time and be ready to take the exam at the start of class.
-If a student arrives late to the exam, they will not be provided any extra time.
-Once an exam has been administered, a student will not be permitted to leave for any reason until they turn in the exam. Please use the restroom BEFORE the exam begins.
-If a student’s cell phone disrupts the class during an exam, the student will receive a zero on that exam.
-If a student is found to be cheating on an exam the student will receive a zero on the exam as well as receiving an F for their course grade. (See academic dishonesty section below.)
-If a student is found using their cell phone or any other electronic device in any way during an exam, it will be considered to be a case of cheating and the student will receive a zero on the exam as well as the possibility of receiving an F for their course grade. (See academic dishonesty section below.)
Missed exams
-Make-up exams will be allowed only if one of the two conditions is met;
1-The student arranges another time with the instructor a minimum of seven days in advance of the scheduled exam date to take the exam early.
2- The student reaches out to the professor via email to have the exam date extended in Canvas.
-Either way the student must notify their professor ASAP if they will be missing an exam.
-Make-up exams taken after the class takes it will consist of essay questions and will be taken in the testing center.
-All make-up exams must be taken within one week of the assigned test date. Any student taking an exam beyond the week timeframe will receive a zero on that exam. No exceptions will be made.
-Appropriateness of excuses will be determined by the instructor. If your excuse is deemed unacceptable you will not be allowed to make-up the exam and therefore receive a zero on that exam.
Final Exam
-The final exam will be cumulative, multiple choice and will cover lecture and lab content.
-All finals must be taken at the assigned time.
-If a dire emergency situation arises, you may arrange to take an exam early with appropriate documentation.
-Taking the final exam after the assigned date and time will not be permitted under any circumstances.
-The final exam date is listed in the course calendar.
Scantron Policy
-Scantrons are often used in this class for exams and quizzes.
-If a student changes and answer and fails to erase completely, the machine may count a correct answer as an incorrect one. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that erasures are complete or copy answers onto a new sheet. If the student fails to do this the question will be marked wrong and scores will not be changed.
-Pencil (#2) must be used on all exams. Please bring at least one pencil to exams.
Viewing Previous Exams
-Students may view their old exams during the instructor’s office hours. Students are strongly encouraged to view old exams as it is part of the learning process.
Other policies
-All work must be submitted by the final exam, and no work will be accepted after the final exam.
-Electronic devices, laptops, cellphones, etc. are allowed during class for class related use only.
-Video recording of lecture is not permitted unless pre-approved by the professor.
-Cell phones
- Turn cell phone to silent or off before the start of class.
- Cell phone usage for non-class related activities (texting, etc.) is not allowed during class.
-Know how to access your CANVAS and your KCC email account. It is important that you find a way to have access to the Internet for checking your KCC email, for using Connect and for CANVAS.
Student Behavior
-Students are expected to demonstrate academic integrity at all times. This includes all aspects of behavior that can disrupt fellow student concentration in class from noise to obnoxious odors. Please be aware of how you are affecting others around you and be considerate.
-Students that disrupt the class may be asked to leave.
- Any behaviors that are disruptive, disturbing or concerning will be reported to the Dean of Student Services.
· I expect student behavior in this class to be professional.
Athletics and This Course
-Any students involved in college athletic programs must individually discuss all schedule conflicts with the instructor as soon as possible (exam or otherwise) and are held to the same course policies as non-athletes.
-It is the student’s responsibility (not the coach’s) to be knowledgeable about the policies and schedule of the course and discuss concerns with the instructor.
-The professor will make minimal accommodations to the course schedule to accommodate an athlete’s sporting event schedule.
-Students are asked to recall that they are attending college to primarily gain and education. Students are asked to remember that and consider taking courses with schedule conflicts or higher demand of study time during their off season if necessary.
Sustainability
In line with the sustainability mission of the college, students will:
- Print only what is required.
- Use the recycle bin in the classroom to dispose of unwanted paper.
3. Use the recycle bins outside the classroom to dispose of beverage cans and bottles.
Academic Dishonesty: Academic dishonesty by a student will lead to the immediate failure of the course with no opportunity for the student to withdraw. No exceptions are made. Students may also have the event noted on their academic transcript at the instructor’s digression. Bottom line: do your own work as assigned by your instructor.
AI Policy
Restricted / Conditional Use
Rule: AI is allowed for specific tasks like brainstorming, translating complex terms, or checking code, but forbidden.
Student Behavior
-Students are expected to demonstrate academic integrity at all times. This includes all aspects of behavior that can disrupt fellow student concentration in class from noise to obnoxious odors. Please be aware of how you are affecting others around you and be considerate.
-Students that disrupt the class may be asked to leave.
- Any behaviors that are disruptive, disturbing or concerning will be reported to the Dean of Student Services.
· I expect student behavior in this class to be professional.
Athletics and This Course
-Any students involved in college athletic programs must individually discuss all schedule conflicts with the instructor as soon as possible (exam or otherwise) and are held to the same course policies as non-athletes.
-It is the student’s responsibility (not the coach’s) to be knowledgeable about the policies and schedule of the course and discuss concerns with the instructor.
-The professor will make minimal accommodations to the course schedule to accommodate an athlete’s sporting event schedule.
-Students are asked to recall that they are attending college to primarily gain and education. Students are asked to remember that and consider taking courses with schedule conflicts or higher demand of study time during their off season if necessary.
Sustainability
In line with the sustainability mission of the college, students will:
- Print only what is required.
- Use the recycle bin in the classroom to dispose of unwanted paper.
3. Use the recycle bins outside the classroom to dispose of beverage cans and bottles.
Academic Dishonesty: Academic dishonesty by a student will lead to the immediate failure of the course with no opportunity for the student to withdraw. No exceptions are made. Students may also have the event noted on their academic transcript at the instructor’s digression. Bottom line: do your own work as assigned by your instructor.
AI Policy
Restricted / Conditional Use
Rule: AI is allowed for specific tasks like brainstorming, translating complex terms, or checking code, but forbidden for drafting the final submission. Use of AI in final submission work may result in a zero point grade up to being dropped from the course with an F pending the instructor’s digression based on severity of the violation of plagiarism.
Some Advice for Success in this class…
-ATTEND every class meeting and be on time.
-ASK questions when you don’t understand or when you want more information.
-VISIT office hours and help sessions. GO TO the tutor labs for help as well.
-STUDY regularly and don’t procrastinate.
-READ and USE the book.
-TAKE the homework and labs seriously because they are intended to prepare you for the exam.
- MAKE the time to do the studying, homework, get help, etc. This is your responsibility.
-STAY ORGANIZED and use the supplemental materials I supply to you.
-REACH OUT if you feel overwhelmed, if you don’t know where to begin and need help getting started or if you are stuck on a problem or need clarification. Do not wait until things get out of control because it may be too late.
Some Facts…
-If you can’t do something before the test, you won’t be able to do it on the test.
-An average student needs to spend two hours (sometimes more) studying for each hour spent in class/lab to get an average grade.
-Your success is up to you, but I am here to help you along the way if you ask me to.
Laboratory Safety
Attendance at the first laboratory meeting is required. A student may not participate in lab if they have missed the first lab meeting, which includes the mandatory lab safety training. If a student misses the first lab meeting, they must notify the instructor to make arrangements to make up the safety training before the second lab meeting.
Students are expected to comply with the KCC Laboratory Safety Rules at all times. These rules will be discussed during the first lab meeting and each student will sign an acknowledgement of receipt and understanding. Students who do not comply with the safety rules will be asked to leave the lab and will receive no credit for that day’s work.
Course Calendar
Week of: Lecture Topic Readings Lab
| Week | Lecture Topics | Chapter in Text | Lab Activity |
Week 1 Starts 8/17 | Course Introduction/ Understanding the Environment | Ch. 1
| Scientific Method Activity/ Metrics Lab |
Week 2 Starts 8/24 | Environmental Systems | Ch. 2
| Information Literacy (At home lab) No In-Person Lab |
Week 3 Starts 8/31 | Evolution, Species Interactions and Communities | Ch. 3 | Owl Pellet Lab |
Week 4 Starts 9/7 | No Class Meeting Monday- Labor Day Human Populations | Ch. 4
| No Lab Meeting or Lab Activity
|
Week 5 Starts 9/14 | Biomes and Biodiversity Environmental Conservation Lecture Exam #1 (Ch. 1 – 3 & Labs)-Monday | Ch. 5 Ch. 6 | River Water Microbial Analysis |
Week 6 Starts 9/21 | Food and Agriculture Lecture Exam #2 (Ch. 3-6 & Labs)-Wednesday | Ch. 7 | Photosynthesis Lab & Leaf Chromatography |
Week 7 Starts 9/28 | Environmental Health and Toxicology | Ch. 8 | Infectious Disease Lab |
Week 8 Starts 10/5 | Climate | Ch. 9 | Greenhouse Gas and Sea Level Rise Lab |
Week 9 Starts 10/12 | Air Pollution Lecture Exam #3 (Ch. 7-9 & Labs)-Wednesday | Ch. 10 | Nature Walk #1 (Gar Creek) |
Week 10 Starts 10/19 | Water Resources and Pollution | Ch. 11
| Nature Walk#2 (KCC Campus) |
Week 11 Starts 10/26 | Environmental Geology and Earth Resources Monday Lecture at State Park Due to Lab | Ch. 12 | Nature Walk #3 (Kankakee River State Park) **Meeting There |
Week 12 Starts 11/2 | Energy | Ch. 13 | Solar Energy Lab |
Week 13 Starts 11/9 | Solid and Hazardous Waste | Ch. 14 | Effects of Pollution on Ecosystems |
Week 14 Starts 11/16 | Economics and Urbanization Lecture Exam #4 (Ch. 10-14 & Labs)-Monday Student Presentations Due on Wednesday*** | Ch. 15 | Effects of Salinization on Plants |
Week 15 Starts 11/23 | Environmental Policy and Sustainability | Ch. 16 | KCC Carbon Budget |
Week 16 Starts 11/30 | Lecture Exam #5 (Ch. 15, 16 & Labs) on Monday | -------- | Track Your Waste Take Home Lab |
Finals Week | Comprehensive Final Exam (Monday, Dec 7th at 10:00 am) | -------- | ---------------- |
College Policies, Resources and Supports
For information related to the Student Code of Conduct Policy, Withdrawal Policy, Email Policy, and Non- Attendance/Non-Participation Policy, please review the college’s Code of Campus Affairs and Regulations webpage, which can be found at catalog.kcc.edu under the Academic Regulations & Conduct Guide.
KCC offers various academic and personal resources for all students. Many services are offered virtually, as well as in person. Please visit Student Resources - Kankakee Community College to access student resources services such as:
- Clubs and organizations
- Counseling and referral services
- Office of disability services
- Student complaint policy
- Transfer services
- Tutoring services, etc.
The materials on this course are only for the use of students enrolled in this course for purposes associated with this course. Further information regarding KCC's copyright policy is available at https://kcc.libguides.com/copyright.
|Course syllabus/calendar is subject to change.