SPRING 2006

Environmental Analysis GOG/GEO 201 (3)

Uses laboratory work and local field excursions to give students "hands-on" experience in physical geography and environmental sciences. Focuses on human impacts on the environment and on problems of environmental contamination..

Instructor: Prof. Andrei G. Lapenis

Department of Geography and Planning

Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences

Arts and Sciences Building, room #229

tel.: 442-4191

e-mail: andreil@albany.edu

web: http://www.albany.edu/gp

CLASS MEETS: TTH: 1:15 -2:35 pm at LC11

OFFICE HOURS: Monday : 10:00 -12:00 am, Wednesday: 3:00 - 5:00 pm

GRADES: your final average is FA = 0.5 Q+ 0.25 M + 0.25 F, where Q –average of 15 quizzes, M- midterm exam, F - final exam. The grading on all examination is: >90= A, 80-89=B, 70-79=C, 60-69=D, 60-0=F.

Required Book: Enger and Smith Environmental Science. A study of Interrelationships. 2006. McGraw Hill.

ISBN 0-07-252829-X

Recommended Book: (this book is out of print, but you can study though their web site, see below): “Connections in Environmental Science” by J. Richard Mayer 1999.

Web site: http://www.mhhe.com/biosci/pae/environmentalscience/mayer/index.mhtml

Course outline

“Environmental science is an interdisciplinary area of study that includes both applied and theoretical aspects of human impact on the world. Since humans are generally organized into groups, environmental science must deal with the areas of politics, social organization, economics, ethics, and philosophy. Thus, environmental science is a mixture of traditional science, societal values, and political awareness.” Enger&Smith

• January 23^rd -February 1^st

Environmental Science in a Social Context

Environmental interrelationships

Environmental ethics

Risk and cost: elements of decision making

• February 6^th – March 1^st

Ecological Principles and Their Application

Interrelated scientific principles: matter, energy, and environment

Interactions: environments and organisms

Kinds of ecosystems and communities

Population principles

Human population issue

• March 6^th – March 13^th

Energy

Energy and civilization: patterns and consumption

Energy sources

Nuclear energy: benefits and risks

• March 15^th – March 27^th

Resource Management

Biodiversity issues

Land-use planning

Soil and its uses

Agricultural methods and pest management

Water management

• March 29^th – May 8^th

Pollution and Policy

Air quality issues

Solid waste management and disposal

Regulating hazardous materials

Environmental policy and decision making

Important dates:

Midterm Exam: March 15^th

Final Exam: May 17, 10:30am-12:30pm