NDSU Geology 300 - Syllabus for Environmental Geology

Department of Geosciences
North Dakota State University
Geology 300:
ENVIRONMENTAL GEOLOGY
SYLLABUS
NDSU Time: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 11:00 to 11:50 a.m.
Instructor: B. Saini-Eidukat, office 129 Stevens Hall, ext. 1-8785
email: bernhardt_saini-eidukat@ndsu.nodak.edu
Text: L.W. Lundgren, Environmental Geology, 2nd ed., Prentice Hall
Web Site: http://www.ndsu.nodak.edu/instruct/sainieid/env/index.shtml

course schedule

( subject to change ):

Introduction (Ch. 1)

Motivation for Environmental Studies

Hazardous Earth Processes (Ch. 2 - 7)

Volcanism
Earthquakes
Landslides and Related Phenomena
Subsidence
River Flooding

Resources (Ch. 9 - 11)

Soil Resources
Water Supply and Use
Energy and Mineral Resources

Environmental Management (Ch. 13-15)

Soil and Water Pollution and Treatment
Solid Waste Management
Hazardous Chemical Waste Management
Radioactive Waste Management
Geology and Environmental Health
Global Change
The Earth's Atmosphere
Global Warming
Ozone
Acid Rain
Urban Air Pollution
Land Use
Site Evaluation
Environmental Law

Student Project Reports

Exam Dates:

	Exam 1			Feb. 2
	Exam 2			Mar. 2
	Exam 3			Apr. 2
	Final Exam		Tuesday, May 8, 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Intended Student Outcomes:

To understand the relation of humans to the physical environment, including soil stability, water use, and land use
To understand the occurrence of natural hazards and methods of hazard mitigation
To demonstrate the scientific method through examples in the environment
To demonstrate the use of mathematical reasoning to solve environmental questions
To prepare a geologic report on an environmental issue, and present results in oral, written, and electronic forms

Examinations and Grading:

Grading will be based on four exams (short answer, multiple choice and essay), occasional quizzes, approximately six homework assignments, and a term project and presentation. The final exam will be cumulative. Each person will undertake an independent class project on some aspect of Environmental Geology, and will present results as a class presentation, as a 10 page report, and as web pages.

	Three exams		45%
	Quizzes and homework	15%
	Term Project		25%
	Final Exam		15%

The final letter grade will be assigned based on the following table, unless the class average deviates significantly from 75%. In the latter case, a "curve" will be applied.
A = 90-100; B = 80-89; C = 70 - 79; D = 60-69; F = <60
"Borderline" cases will be judged individually, based on grade improvement, demonstrated effort, class participation, etc.

Special Needs:

Any Students who need special accommodations for learning or who have special needs are invited to share these concerns or requests with the instructor as soon as possible.

Academic Responsibility:

All work in this course must be completed in a manner consistent with NDSU University Senate Policy, section 335: Code of Academic Responsibility and Conduct (http://www.ndsu.nodak.edu/policy/335.htm).

B. Saini-Eidukat
Spring 2001
Environmental Geology
Geology 300