Course Number:

NR 1

Course Name:

Conservation of Natural Resources

Instructor:

John Blachley

Email Address:

jblachley@collegeofthedesert.edu

Class Password:

Request Username & Password
Note: Usernames and passwords are generally not available until one week before the start of the semester.

Class Website:

http://desertonline.net/classes/nr1/jblachley/
Note: Classes are generally not available for login until the first day of the semester.

Course Description:

This environmental science course encompasses a study of general ecological principles including: biological energy relationships, biogeochemical cycles, population dynamics, limiting factors, biotic communities, principles of ecosystem sustainability, ecosystem change, and biodiversity. Environmental issues are examined from an ecological perspective and include such topics as: water availability and quality, fossil fuels and renewable energy resources, air pollution, global atmospheric issues, hazardous materials, and human population growth. Emphases are placed on the effects of environmental problems upon all living organisms, and the role of human beings in reducing their impact on this planet.

Prerequisite(s):

Eng 50 - Basic Writing Skills or equivalent

Textbooks & Other Required Materials:

Cunningham, William P., Cunningham, Mary Ann. 2008. Environmental Science; Inquiry and Applications, Fourth Edition. McGraw-Hill Companies, "Specialized Primis Edition" specifically for John Blachley, Instructor. Inc. ISBN: 0-39-085530-8

At a minimum, you must have your own computer and Internet access to participate in this class.

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Other:

This class meets online, which means that you can establish your own schedule and do your work whenever you choose. Remember, the same class taught in a traditional classroom setting requires three hours of class attendance per week. Plus, if you use the general college rule of two hours outside of class for every hour spent in class, you will spend an additional six hours working on study activities, for a total of nine hours per week.

Grades will be based primarily on exams, Weekly assignments, and forum participation. The exams are designed to test your understanding of environmental science concepts. The current plan is to have two exams, a mid term and a final exam. In addition, chapter assignments will be given each week, along with an expectation of forum participation. You must frequently check the online Class Schedule and Class Announcement Page for weekly reading assignments, class announcements and exercises. Completed assignments will be submitted via email to the instructor, and you must participate in the Electronic Forum a minimum of two times per week. Students will be able to view their grades via a Class Grade Link.

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