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GE TQF3 –1/2014 Course Specification Institution Assumption University Campus/Department/Faculty Hua Mark and Suvarnabhumi Campuses Department of General Education Faculty of Arts Section 1 General Information 1. Course code and title GE 1301 Environmental Science 2. Total credits 3 (3-0-6) 3. Program and type of course General education course offered as a required course. 4. Responsible faculty member (Coordinator) Dr. Rungsri Wongvitavas Teaching faculty members: Dr. Suchada Chunsanit Dr. Rungsri Wongvitavas A. Khin Saw Mon A. Watcharee Numprasert A. Sasiluk Srisutraporn A. Wutthipol Wutthiworapong A. John Stampe A. Saw Nardar 5. Semester/year of study Semester one/first year 6. Prerequisite (If any) None 1 GE TQF3 –1/2014 7. Co-requisite (If any) None 8. Learning venue Assumption University Suvarnabhumi Campus 9. Latest date of course specification development or modification: May 14, 2012 2 GE TQF3 –1/2014 Section 2 Aims and Objectives Aims of the course By the end of the course, students should be able to: 1. 2. 3. 4. understand the interrelationship of human beings, science, technology and the environment be aware of environmental problems analyze the causes and effects of environmental problems apply the fundamentals of environmental science to realize the importance of local and/ or regional environmental problems through conservation activity Section 3 Course Characteristics and Implementation 1. Course Description General science, scientific approaches, understanding the interrelationships of the nature, identification and analysis of environmental problems, application and alternative solutions for preventing and solving the environmental problems. 2. Number of hours/semester Lecture Tutorial 45 hours none Practice/Field Experience/Internship Self-directed Learning none 90 hours 3. Number of hours provided for academic advice and guidance to students Students can request for academic advices prior, during, or after class hours Students can make appointment to stop by the faculties’ office during the specified advising hours (18 hours per week). Students can request academic advices through the e-mail of faculty members. 3 GE TQF3 –1/2014 Students can access course materials from the LMS system. Section 4 Development of Student Learning Outcomes 1. Ethics and Moral The course aims to develop students to have morals in their daily life and also be environmentally responsible citizen. Students should understand ethics and code of conducts-ecosystem approaches in their daily activity. 1.1 Ethics and Moral to be developed Value honesty and personal responsibility 1.2 Teaching Methods Check attendance Lecture with questioning to encourage students to participate, and share ideas in class Apply case study/ class work scenario to discuss and learn about ethical code of conducts regarding environmental issues Assign students to create and conduct environmental conservation activity(community voluntary project) in the community Apply the rules and regulations of the university as of classroom’s management 1.3 Evaluation Methods Record of class attendance and assignment submission Observe students’ manners and behaviors during group/ class discussion on how they respect or accept others’ ideas and opinions as well as the rules and regulations of the university 4 GE TQF3 –1/2014 Evaluate students’ environmental conservation activity (community voluntary project) and their contribution to the community. 2. Knowledge The course aims to develop students to understand the concepts of the subject matters. Students also have to understand the interrelatedness between human life and the environment from a scientific perspective. The students are able to apply the related concepts in their daily life and also in their professional career in the future. 2.1 Knowledge to be acquired Associate a wide variety of knowledge areas with other related subjects 2.2 Teaching Methods Lecture with questioning to encourage students to participate, and share ideas in class Apply case study/ class work scenario to discuss and learn about current and emerging environmental issues Apply related research findings to update and expand their point of views on particular environmental issues Apply environmental film/ clip video and then discuss or reflective writing to improve the students’ interest, criticism and communication skills Assign students to create and conduct environmental conservation activity (community voluntary project) in the community to promote self-directed learning on regional environmental problems 2.3 Evaluation Methods Observe students’ participation during lecture Observe and reflect students’ criticism and discussion in small group and/ or whole 5 GE TQF3 –1/2014 class Evaluate students’ class work assignments, reflective writing and environmental conservation activity (community voluntary project) Assess overall knowledge of subject matter by testing midterm and final examination 3. Cognitive Skills The course aims to develop students’ thinking skills in terms of -reasoning, logical, critical, and creative thinking; initiative skills, and problem solving skills to investigate and understand environmental issues together with initiate appropriate approaches; and meta-cognitive skills to promote students’ intellectual life. 3.1 Cognitive Skills to be developed Develop competence in critical thinking, such as problem-solving, decision-making, and analytical reasoning 3.2 Teaching Methods Apply case study/ research finding/ class work scenario to discuss and learn about current and emerging environmental issues Apply online interactive exercise (ecological footprint calculator) to update and expand their point of views regarding the impacts of students’ lifestyles has on the environment. Apply environmental film/ clip video and then discuss or reflective writing to improve the students’ interest, criticism and communication skills 3.3 Evaluation Methods Observe students’ conservation behaviors in class Observe and reflect students’ criticism and discussion in small group and/ or whole 6 GE TQF3 –1/2014 class Evaluate students’ class work assignments, exercise, reflective writing and environmental conservation activity(community voluntary project) Assess overall knowledge of subject matter by testing midterm and final examination 4. Interpersonal Skills and Responsibility The course aims to develop students’ interpersonal skills, accountability and responsibility. Students can work effectively and cooperatively as a leader, a member in team and also to be ready for workforce with high order responsibilities in multidisciplinary settings. 4.1 Interpersonal Skills and Responsibility to be developed Participate effectively in group activities Develop responsibility in completing given assignments and tasks 4.2 Teaching Methods Provide opportunity for students to learn how to critique others creatively and valuably. 4.3 Evaluation Methods Observe and reflect students’ criticism and discussion in small group and/ or whole class Evaluate students’ class work assignments, reflective writing and environmental conservation activity(community voluntary project) and presentation 5. Numerical Analysis, Communication and Information Technology Skills The course aims to develop students’ quantitative analysis skills and also how to apply IT to access essential information to accurate and elucidate comprehensive understanding of the course. Students are able to communicate effectively. 7 GE TQF3 –1/2014 5.1 Numerical Analysis, Communication and Information Technology Skills to be developed Solve problems using quantitative, logical, and computational approaches Search for and make proper use of information from various sources Develop communication skills with the use of ICT tools 5.2 Teaching Methods Assign students to present their environmental conservation activity (community voluntary project) to promote students’ team work and also communication skills 5.3 Evaluation Methods Observe and reflect students’ quantitative analysis and decision making in small group and/ or whole class discussion Evaluate students’ class work assignments, reflective writing and environmental conservation activity(community voluntary project) and presentation Section 5 Teaching and Evaluation Plans 1. Teaching Plan Lecture 1 Topics No. of Hours Teaching & Learning Faculty Activities, Members Instructional Media Unit I: Understanding Our Environment 3 Lecture, Discussion The Nature of Environmental Science An Ecosystem Approach Environmental Ethics and Attitudes 8 Dr.Rungsri and Team GE TQF3 –1/2014 1. Teaching Plan Lecture 2 Topics No. of Hours Teaching & Learning Faculty Activities, Members Instructional Media Unit II: Understanding Human Population 3 Lecture, Discussion 3 Lecture, Discussion, Dr.Rungsri Ecological and Footprint Team Calculator 3 Lecture, Discussion, Dr.Rungsri and Film Team Past and Current Human Population Growth Dr.Rungsri and Team Factors that Influence Human Population Growth Biological Factors Social Factors Economic Factors Political Factors 3 Unit II: Understanding Human Population (continued) Population Growth Rates and Standard of Living Measuring The Environmental Impact of Population Ecological footprint 4 Unit III: Understanding Science, Living Systems and Biodiversity Ecological Concepts 9 GE TQF3 –1/2014 1. Teaching Plan Lecture Topics No. of Hours Teaching & Learning Faculty Activities, Members Instructional Media 3 Lecture, Discussion Dr.Rungsri and Team 3 Lecture, Discussion Dr.Rungsri and Team 3 Lecture, Discussion, Dr.Rungsri Presentation and Team Environment Limiting Factors Habitat and Niche 5 Unit III: Understanding Science, Living Systems and Biodiversity (continued) Community and Ecosystem Interactions Major Roles of Organisms in Ecosystems Energy Flow through Ecosystems 6 Unit III: Understanding Science, Living Systems and Biodiversity (continued) Community and Ecosystem Interactions Nutrient Cycles in Ecosystems Human Impact on Nutrient Cycles 7 Unit III: : Understanding Science, Living Systems and Biodiversity (continued) Biodiversity issues Protecting Biodiversity Mid-Term Exam 10 GE TQF3 –1/2014 1. Teaching Plan Lecture 8 Topics No. of Hours Teaching & Learning Faculty Activities, Members Instructional Media Unit IV: Energy Resources 3 Lecture, Discussion, Dr.Rungsri VDO and Team 3 Lecture, Discussion, Dr.Rungsri VDO and Team 3 Lecture, Discussion, Dr.Rungsri VDO and Team 3 Lecture, Discussion, Dr.Rungsri and Film Team Global Energy Consumption Non-renewable Energy Conventional energy Nuclear Power 9 Unit IV: Energy Resources (continued) Renewable Energy Energy Conservation 10 Unit V: Global Pollution and Climate Change Overview of Global Climate Global Environmental Concerns Air Quality Issues and Climate Change Photochemical Smog 11 Unit V: Global Pollution and Climate Change (continued) Air Quality Issues and Climate Change Acid Deposition 11 GE TQF3 –1/2014 1. Teaching Plan Lecture Topics No. of Hours Teaching & Learning Faculty Activities, Members Instructional Media 3 Lecture, Discussion Dr.Rungsri and Team 3 Lecture, Discussion Dr.Rungsri and Team 3 Lecture, Discussion Dr.Rungsri and Team 3 Discussion, Presentation Dr.Rungsri and Team Ozone Depletion Indoor Air Pollution 12 Unit V: Global Pollution and Climate Change (continued) Global Warming and Climate Change 13 Unit V: Global Pollution and Climate Change (continued) Water Issues Hydrologic Cycle Human Influence on Hydrologic Cycle Water Pollution and Management 14 Unit V: Global Pollution and Climate Change (continued) Solid Waste Management and Disposal 15 Unit VI: Regional Environmental Concerns Environmental Conservation Activity Final Exam 12 GE TQF3 –1/2014 2. Evaluation Plan Activity Learning Outcomes Evaluation Methods Week of the Semester Proportion of Evaluation (%) 1 1.4,2.5,3.3 Mid-term Examination Week 8 25 % Final Examination Week 16 35 % 2 1.4, 2.5, 3.3, 4.1, Class work assignment 5.4 Whole semester 20 % 3 1.4, 2.5, 3.3, 4.1, Evaluation of environmental 5.4 conservation activity 6-14 10 % 4 1.4, 4.1 Whole semester 10 % Record of class attendance and participation Section 6 Teaching & Learning Resources 1. Major Texts and Documents Enger, E. D. & Smith, B. F. (2013). Environmental Science: A Study of Interrelationships. 13th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Companies. 2. Essential Documents (Books, journals, websites and other documents essential for reading) None 3. Recommended Documents Brennan, S. & Withgott, J. (2005). Environment: The Science Behind The Stories. San Francisco: Pearson Education. Chiras, D. D. (2006). Environmental Science. 7th ed. Massachusetts: Jones and Bartlett Publishers. Cunningham, W. P. & Cunningham, M. A. (2008). Principles of Environmental Science: Inquiry & 13 GE TQF3 –1/2014 Application. 4th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill. Cunningham, W. P., et al. (2007). Environmental Science: A Global Concern. 9thed. New York: McGrawHill Companies. Miller, G. Tyler & Spoolman, Scott (2011). Living in the Environment, 17th ed., Brooks Cole. Odum, Eugene & Barrett, Gary (2004). Fundamentals of Ecology, 5th ed., Brooks Cole. http://www.mhhe.com/environmental_science http://wikieducator.org/ScienceMan http://ecogeek.org http://esa.un.org/unpd/wpp/index.htm http://climate.nasa.gov Section 7 Course Evaluation and Improvement 1. Strategies for Evaluation of Course Effectiveness by Students - Students’ feedback questionnaire is used to assess students’ satisfaction in terms of quality of course curriculum, quality of teaching and learning, and quality of instructors - Direct discussion with students 2. Strategies for Evaluation of Teaching - Peer observation is used to exchange knowledge, opinions and experiences among instructors - Class observation by committee 3. Process for Improvement of Teaching - Course meeting is used for discussion and sharing opinions among instructors in order to improve teaching and learning methodology 4. Verification of Standards of Student Achievements 14 GE TQF3 –1/2014 - Approval of exam papers and course materials by committee - Grading meeting by instructors - Grading approval by committee - Academic approval by committee (Internal and External Quality Assurance) 5. Process for Course Review and Planning for Course Effectiveness Improvement - Course meeting among team members every semester - Course specification review by course coordinator and instructors 15