ENV 1150.

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Introduction to Environmental Science Lecture – Spring 2024

ENV 1150 – INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE SYLLABUS

Instructor: Dr. Matthew Heard

Office: Ayers 3018
Email: matthew.heard@belmont.edu
Phone: 615-460-6566
Office Hours: 10:00AM-12:00PM Mon/Wed; 11:00AM-12:00PM Tues/Thur; 1:00-3:00PM Tuesday
Class Time: Tue/Thur 9:30-10:45 AYRS 2096

Required Reading Materials

 Sherman, D.J. and D.R. Montgomery. 2024. Environmental Science and Sustainability (2 nd Edition), Norton & Company

Course Description
An introduction to the basic principles of environmental science. This course provides exposure to the central themes of environmental science
through an interdisciplinary approach. Three hours lecture per week. Co-Req ENV 1155.

Course Objectives
By the end of the semester students will be able to: 1) Understand and use some of the tools that environmental scientists employ to explore
questions and problems relating to environmental change and human impact 2) Understand the basic tenets of science and how research and
applied work are conducted, 3) Examine and explain scientific principles and how they can be used to solve environmental issues, 4) Explain the
interdisciplinary nature of environmental science, 5) Communicate about environmental issues of local and global concern through written and
oral work, 6) Become involved in activities to improve the local environment.

Course Grading & Expectations

 Four Exams (70 points For Each Exam) 280
 Short Answer Questions (10 Total @ 10 points each) 100
 In Class Discussions & Activity Participation (6 Total @ 20 Each) 120
 Final Project 70
TOTAL POINTS 570

Grades will be determined as: A=93%, A-=90-92%, B+=87-89%, B=83-86%, B-=80-82%, C+=77-79%, C=73-76%, C-=70-72%, D+=67-69%,
D=63-66%, D-=60-62%, F=0-59%
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Lecture Exams – There are four exams in this class. Each exam will consist of several types of questions including multiple choice, matching,
short answer, essay, and identification. There will be NO make-ups for the exams unless you are on official university business or have a doctor’s
note. If you will miss an exam due to official university business, then an arrangement to take the exam must be made in advance of your
absence.

Chapter Reading Questions – There will be 10 sets of questions associated with the book chapters and the lectures to help you keep up with the
materials. These will be completed in class or completed on Canvas depending on the material.

Discussions – There will be three points in the semester in which we have readings outside of the textbook. To be prepared for class those days,
you will be required to complete an activity at the beginning of class that assessing your understanding of the materials.

In Class Discussions/Activities – Attendance at these six events is required and there are no make-up assignments. All students will be expected to
attend and participate in discussions/activities.

Final Project – All details for this project will be given in class on Feb 1st

Attendance
Attendance in lecture is vital to your understanding of the material. More than 4 absences from lecture for any result will in a grade of FN (see
current Belmont University Undergraduate Catalog for the University policy). You are responsible for getting handouts and notes from your
classmates for any days missed.

Diversity & Inclusion Statement

One of the things to understand about environmental science is that it is an innately human discipline. As such, it is critical to recognize that this
discipline can include and be limited by the biases, prejudices, and issues that we face in society when it comes to diversity, equity, inclusion, and
justice. Throughout the course we will talk about complex and challenging subjects and we will see how environmental issues differentially
impact people. In addition, we will visit different areas and talk about subjects including gentrification, environmental change, and environmental
justice. If at any point, you are uncomfortable with the things we discuss, I am happy to talk with you about this. It is my goal to make this course
interesting, accessible, and most importantly – welcoming to everyone. Furthermore, I would like to make sure that we have a learning
environment that supports your diverse thoughts, perspective, experience, and that honors your identity (including your race, gender, ethnicity,
class, religion, ability, sexuality, etc.)
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Honor Code
Some of the in-class work will be done in groups; you are encouraged to share ideas and actively engage in discussion with each other both inside
and outside of class. It is your responsibility to make sure that you know how to properly cite other people’s ideas and references in your papers
and presentations (using APA style). The following is Belmont’s official Honor Code statement:

The Belmont community values personal integrity and academic honesty as the foundation of university life and the cornerstone of a
premiere educational experience. Our community believes trust among its members is essential for both scholarship and effective
interactions and operations of the University. As members of the Belmont community, students, faculty, staff, and administrators are all
responsible for ensuring that their experiences will be free of behaviors, which compromise this value. In order to uphold academic
integrity, the University has adopted an Honor System. Students and faculty will work together to establish the optimal conditions for
honorable academic work. Following is the Student Honor Pledge that guides academic behavior:

“In affirmation of the Belmont University Statement of Values, I pledge that I will not give or receive aid during examinations; I will not
give or receive false or impermissible aid in course work, in the preparation of reports, or in any other type of work that is to be used by
the instructor as the basis of my grade; I will not engage in any form of academic fraud. Furthermore, I will uphold my responsibility to
see to it that others abide by the spirit and letter of this Honor Pledge.”

Special Needs and Accommodations

If you have a learning or physical disability, or if you learn best utilizing a particular method, please discuss with me how I can best accommodate
your learning needs. I am committed to creating an effective learning environment for all learning styles. However, I can only do this
successfully if you discuss your needs with me in advance of exams, presentations, etc. I will maintain the confidentiality of your learning needs.

In compliance with section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act and Americans with Disabilities Act, Belmont University will provide
reasonable accommodation of all medically documented disabilities. If you have a disability and would like the University to provide reasonable
accommodations for the disability during this course, please notify the Dean of Student Affairs office (460-6407) as soon as possible.

On-Campus Support
Take advantage of the on-campus support for students:
 Library (https://www.belmont.edu/library/),
 Science/Math and writing centers (JAAC 1036, 1023, https://www.belmont.edu/learning-centers/index.html ),
 GPS (https://www.belmont.edu/gps/index.html ),
 Dean of Students (https://www.belmont.edu/campus-life/about/meet.html, 615-460-6407).
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 Counseling Services: During business hours (8:00 am-4:30 pm), call the Counseling Services office for assistance at (615) 460-
6856. For severe crises after hours, contact Belmont Security at (615) 460-6911. Counseling Services information is
at: http://www.belmont.edu/counseling/index.html.
 Looking for info about Belmont? AskBU: https://www.belmont.edu/askbu/index.html

The schedule, policies, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances. Changes will be
announced in class and posted on BlackBoard.
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11-Jan R Course Introduction & Syllabus Overview N/A

16-Jan T Ch. 1: Env. Science & Sustainability Read Ch. 1; In Class Quiz
18-Jan R Ch. 6: Human Population Read Ch. 6; In Class Quiz
23-Jan T Activity 1: Human Population Growth N/A
25-Jan R Ch. 16: Cities of the Future Read Ch. 16; In Class Quiz
30-Jan T Exam 1: Chapter 1, 6, 16 & Discussion N/A
1-Feb R Intro to Final Projects - Attendance Mandatory N/A
6-Feb T Ch. 12: Food Read Ch. 12; In Class Quiz
8-Feb R Activity 2: Diet & Food Waste Activity N/A
13-Feb T Discussion 1: Genetically Modified Foods Read Required Articles
15-Feb R Ch. 11: Climate Change Read Ch. 11; In Class Quiz
20-Feb T Discussion 2: Climate Change Read Required Articles
22-Feb R Activity 3: Climate Change Impacts N/A
27-Feb T Activity 3: Climate Change Impacts Cntd. N/A
29-Feb R Final Project Work Time Final Project Progress Report #1
5-Mar T No Class - Spring Break N/A
7-Mar R No Class - Spring Break N/A
12-Mar T Exam 2: Chapter 11, 12, Discussion, Activity N/A
14-Mar R Ch. 13: Fossil Fuels Read Ch. 13; In Class Quiz
19-Mar T Ch. 14: Alternative Energies Read Ch. 14; In Class Quiz
21-Mar R Final Project Work Time (No Class Meeting) Final Project Progress Report #2
26-Mar T No Class - Easter Break N/A
28-Mar R Ch. 7: Water Read Ch. 7; In Class Quiz
2-Apr T Ch. 8: Air Read Ch. 8; In Class Quiz
4-Apr R Exam 3: Chapter 7, 8, 13, 14 N/A
9-Apr T Ch. 15: Waste Read Ch. 15; In Class Quiz
11-Apr R Ch. 4: Life Read Ch. 4; In Class Quiz
16-Apr T Discussion 3: De-Extinction & Rewilding Read Required Articles
18-Apr R Final Project Work Time Final Project Progress Report #3
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23-Apr T Exam 4: Chapter 4, 15, Discussion N/A

2-May R Final Project Presentations Final Project Due Wed. May 1