GEOLOGY 380 DR. LINDA B. McCOLLUM
WORLD RESOURCES AND
POPULATION Office: Science 126
WINTER 2008 359-7473, lmccollum@ewu.edu
Office Hours: M-Th 10-11
Text: J.W. Rogers and P.G. Feiss,
People and the Earth
Perhaps the most fundamental concern in the earth sciences is the relationship between human populations and the earth's physical resources. As population increases, more people are becoming concerned about the environment and the natural resources that sustain our species. In order to obtain the necessary resources--both renewable and nonrenewable--that humans need to survive, the inevitable environmental impact must be accommodated. Natural disasters can wreak havoc on an area, and in poor countries, can strain financial resources to the breaking point. In this course, we will examine how different types of resources are formed, how rapidly they are being utilized and/or damaged, the interrelatedness of the global ecosystem, and the long-term consequences of the manner in which humanity uses and abuses the Earth. This course explores the types and distribution of natural resources and relates these to the principles of their use and conservation.
Instructor Policy--I encourage students to ask questions during class, to come in and see me during office hours or any time that I am around. Students always come first, and you should feel absolutely free to consult me on anything that concerns you. All I ask is that if you make an appointment to see me, please keep it.
Grading and Exam Policy--The relative values of the different types of assignments are listed on the back of this page. There will be three exams during the quarter, plus the final.
Academic Integrity policy--The instructor assumes that as a student you are familiar with and understand the definitions in the Student Academic Integrity Policy in the EWU catalog. Violations of academic integrity will be sanctioned. Violations of academic integrity include plagiarism and cheating and any other misrepresentation of your work. Students committing academic dishonesty will be reported to the appropriate university officials and your course grade may be 0.0.
Cell Phones--If you have a cell phone, beeper, or any other device that might start making noise in the middle of class, please turn it off at the beginning of each class period.
Tentative Weekly
Schedule:
Week of:
Jan. 7
Jan. 14 Soils (no reading).
Jan. 21 HOLIDAY
on Monday.
Jan. 28
Feb. 4
Feb. 11
Feb. 18 HOLIDAY on Monday. Ch. 8, sections 8.0-8.2; 8.4, Global climate change.
Feb. 25 Sec. 8.3, Biodiversity and extinction.
March 3
March 10
Grades:
Exams: 50%
Research paper 30%
Class assignments 20%