Physical Science 1643
Summer, 1998

Science and Contemporary Social Problems

Course Objectives

Registration

Section 4425 - Noon-1:50 P.M., Monday through Thursday in NRG Room 2245

Prerequisite

Reading proficiency as proven by a passing score on ACC Assessment or TASP tests, or by exemption through transcripted hours from another college or appropriate ACT, SAT, or TASS scores.

Professor

Robert (Bob) H. Blodgett, Ph.D., Associate Professor

Office Hours

8:00-10:30 AM Monday and Tuesday, or by appointment, in NRG Room 2212

Communication

Office Telephone: 223-4892

Electronic Mail: rblodget@austin.cc.tx.us

Required Text

Brown, Lester R., et al., 1998, State of the World 1998: New York, W. W. Norton & Company,249 p., ISBN 0-393-31727-7.

Attendance

Students are expected to attend lectures and participate in class discussion. Work turned in late will be penalized two percentage points each day; however, it is better to turn an assignment in late than to receive no points for the work. Late work will not be accepted after a graded assignment has been returned. I will assume that assignments placed in my mailbox (Room 1107 / 1108) were turned in on the day I pick them up unless they have an earlier date stamped by the campus Provost's office.

Internet Exercise

During the first week of classes you will be given a set of questions for an Internet exercise. The exercise will focus on a contemporary social problem whose solution requires the application of science and technology. You can work on this assignment at home or on computers in the Learning Resource Services (LRS) Computer Center (Room 1203). Computers in the LRS Computer Center can be reserved in advance for your use. You may work with a classmate on this exercise, but the answers you write to the questions must be your own.

Team Project

During the first week of instruction the class will be divided into five teams. Each team will be responsible for making group presentations and leading the class discussion for two class periods. Your evaluation for this team project will be a combination of your individual effort, your ability to work with your group, and the overall success of your team in motivating your classmates to learn and discuss the topic. Each team will be self-directed and will choose their own team leader, design their own format (e.g., panel discussion, individual talks, debate) for making illustrated presentations (e.g., flip charts, overheads, chalkboard, PowerPoint computer software), and facilitate class discussion on their assigned days. Each individual will prepare an abstract that summarizes the important points of their presentation.

Examinations

Tests will contain questions drawn from lectures, team presentations, handouts, and reading assignments. Questions will emphasize an understanding of concepts and terminology. A closed-book final examination will be given on Thursday, August 13, 1998. No examinations will be given early for any reason. If an exam is missed, the final exam score will be given for the missed exam.

Course Grade

10% Internet Exercise
25% Mid-term exam
35% 

30%

Team Project 

Final exam

Grading Scale

A grading scale no more rigorous than the following will be used:
90-100%  - A
80-89%  - B
70-79% - C
60-69% - D
Below 60% - F

 

Classroom Etiquette

You are expected to be seated and ready for class on time. If you arrive late or need to leave early, please sit near the door. Please notify the professor if you have to arrive late or leave early on a regular basis. As common courtesy, do not interrupt the professor or classmates when they are speaking, and do not carrying on conversations during lectures.

Special Needs

ACC is an equal opportunity institution. If you have a disability or special need that may require accommodations in the classroom, please contact me outside the class to discuss your needs. Students who have a disability, or suspect that they might have a disability, should also meet with counselor Amber Kelley (223-4725) in the Office for Students with Disabilities. All information regarding your special needs is confidential.

Withdrawals

If you decide to drop this class, it is your responsibility to protect your academic record by withdrawing from it through the college. The last day to withdraw from this class is Friday, July 31, 1998.
 
 












Syllabus - Revised


 
 
 
Date
Topic
Text Chapters
July 7
Introduction and Global Systems
Forward & 1
July 8
The Atmosphere
-
July 9
Human Interaction with the Atmosphere
-
July 13
The Oceans
-
July 14
Marine Biosphere
-
July 15
The Land
-
July 16
Terrestrial Biosphere / Internet Exercise Due
-
July 20
Sustaining the World's Forests
21
July 21
Biodiversity and Extinction
-
July 22
Waste and Waste Disposal
-
July 23
MIDTERM EXAM
-
July 28 (Team)
Losing Strands in the Web of Life 
3
July 29 (Team)
Losing Strands in the Web of Life 
3
July 30 (Team)
Promoting Sustainable Fisheries 
4
July 31 (Team)
Promoting Sustainable Fisheries
4
August 3 (Team)
Struggling to Raise Cropland Productivity 
5
August 4 (Team)
Struggling to Raise Cropland Productivity 
5
August 5 (Team)
Recycling Organic Wastes 
6
August 6 (Team)
Recycling Organic Wastes
6
August 10 (Team)
Responding Threat of Global Climate Change
7
August 11 (Team)
Responding Threat of Global Climate Change 
7
August 12
The Land Ethic and Review
10
August 13
FINAL EXAM
-