Download EV280Syl03

EV280 Environmental Science (Health)
Mon. Wed. Fri. 8:00 – 8:50 in ERC 110 Fall 2003
Alan Rossner
Telephone 268-6470
Office: Room 157 Science Center
[email protected]
www.clarkson.edu/~rossner/Courses
Office Hours: MW - 9:00-10:00
MTu - 1:00-2:00
Wed. - 1:00-3:00
Fri. - 9:00-11:00
Text: Environmental Science, Earth as a Living Planet, 4th edition, Editor Botkin, D.B.and Keller,
E.A., Publisher John Wiley & Sons.
* Additional reading material will be provided in class or on the Web.
http://www-unix.oit.umass.edu/~envhl565/
User ID: ulearn
Password: mar99
Environmental science can be considered the science of complex interactions that occur among the
terrestrial, atmospheric, aquatic, and anthropological environments. It is a multidisciplinary field of
study that includes, biology, chemistry, toxicology, ecology, sociology and regulatory. In this course
we will define environmental science as the study of the air, water, and living systems, and how they
are affected by technology. The course is designed to present a broad view of the many
environmental issues we currently face in the modern world and the science behind theses issues.
While some over lap may occur with other biology courses, this course is intended to compliment
courses such as ecology.
The environment we live in has been irreversibly affected by technology, as result, how technology
has been and can be used to improve our environment rather than damage it will be examined in
detail. The impact of anthropogenic activities on atmospheric, aquatic and the biosphere will be
examined using a systems approach. Understanding the complex natural systems will allow for the
design of sustainable development and stewardship over our natural resources. The course will
cover the broad policy issues such as how to balance our present needs with out compromising future
generation’s needs as well as the scientific details of the chemical reactions behind global warming,
acid rain and ozone depletion. This mix of broad prospective and in depth analysis should provide
the students with an understanding of a systems approach to studying the complex systems of
environmental science.
While this course is the introductory course for environmental science majors, it is also an excellent
course for all science and engineering students. The material presented in this course can be
beneficial to individuals in many different career paths. It should be emphasized that an integrated
group of professionals are necessary to solve the complex health, safety and environmental problems
we currently face.
Course Objective:
Prepare the students to qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate complex environmental hazards,
with an emphasis on the physical and biological sciences as a basis for environmental issues.
Out come Competencies: Upon completion of the course the students should:
1)
Have a basic understanding of natural systems
2)
Discuss and describe the basis for sustainable development.
3)
List and explain the factors influencing environmental disease. Explain the major reasons
associated with emergence of diseases.
4)
Discuss the various methods of exposure and absorption of toxic materials as well as doseresponse curves.
5)
List and understand the major components of federal environmental laws.
6)
Discuss the key issues associated with water use, pollution and treatment. .
7)
Understand the key principles of air pollution and basic atmospheric chemistry associated
with air pollution.
8)
Discuss and explain the issues associated with hazardous and solid waste disposal.
9)
Understand the engineering control technologies used to control environmental hazards.
10)
Understand the key elements of environmental risk assessment.
I encourage all students to participate in class with questions. Also, I do expect all students to
complete the assigned reading. Do not hesitate to see me for assistance if you have questions
concerning the course material or your grades. I will be in my office or lab during office hours. You
are welcome to stop in during other times, however, if I am preparing for a lecture I may request you
come back at a later time.
Grading:
There are three exams: two hourly exams (80 points each) given in class and a cumulative final (130
points) given during finals week. Several homework and writing assignments will be given during
the semester. Class attendance is mandatory and will count for 8% of your grade. If you miss a
class it is your responsibility to get all handouts or notes. You must contact me prior to any exam
you cannot attend. Assignments handed in late will be penalized 15% per day.
Points add up as follows:
Exam I
Exam II
Project
Final
Homework
Participation/Attend.
Total
80 (16%)
80 (16%)
60 (16%) Groups of three Students
130 (25%)
120 (20%)
30 (8%)
500
Additional reading material in the Clarkson Library:
Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics from air pollution to climate change, Editors Seinfeld, J.H.,
2
Pandis, S.N., Wiley and Interscience Publications, 1998
EV280 SYLLABUS
DATE
LECTURE TOPIC
Aug. 25
Introduction-Environmental Science course outline
READING ASSIGNMENTS
Web page,
Article “Sustainability”
Aug. 27
Critical Thinking, Review Article Class Project: Define Chap. 1, 2,
Assignment: HW #1 Environ. Article - Critical Thinking Due Aug. 29
Aug. 29
Overview of Environmental systems, Biochemical Cycles Chap 3, 4
Assignment: HW # 2 Chapter 3 Questions Due Sept. 1
Sept. 1
Sept. 3
Fate and Transport
Mass and Energy Transfer
Assignment: HW #3 Handout Due Sept. 8
Sept. 5
Mass and Energy Transfer
Sept. 8
Toxicity and Toxins and Environmental Disease
Chap 4
Handout (Ch 1 Masters)
Chap. 15
Emerging Diseases
HTE – chap 69-79
(West Nile virus, House dust mites, Lyme disease)
Assignment: HW # 4 Chap 15 Questions & IRIS Summary Due Sept 15
Sept. 12
Toxins Continued - Dioxin & PCBs, Lead, Asbestos
EPA-IRIS
Web page
Sept. 10
Sept. 15
Energy: Some Basics
Chap 16
Sept. 17
Energy: Some Basics
Chap 16
Sept. 19
Fossil Fuels
Chap. 17
Assignment: HW # 5 Lit. Review on Energy and the Environ. Due Sept. 26
Sept. 22
Alternative Energy and the Environment
Chap. 18
Sept. 24
Nuclear Energy and the Environment
Chap. 19
Sept. 26
Atmosphere , Climate, and Global Warming
Chap. 22
Sept. 29
Fall Break
3
Oct.
1
Air Pollution
Oct.
3
Exam I
Oct.
6
Atmospheric Chemistry - Gases and Vapors in the atm.
Assignment: HW # 6 Chap. 22 & 23 Due Oct. 10
8
Ozone and Particles in the atmosphere
Oct.
Oct.
Oct.
Chap. 23
Handout
Chap.25
10
Indoor Air Pollution & Air quality standards
Chap. 24
Assignment: HW # 7 Lit. Review on Atmospheric Pollutants/warming Due Oct. 17
13
Water supply, Use and Management
Chap. 20
Oct. 15
Water chemistry
Handout
Oct. 17
Water pollution
Chap. 21
Oct. 20
Water pollution
Assignment: HW # 8 Lit. Review on water Pollution/use Due Oct. 24
Oct. 22
Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act
Oct. 24
Solid Waste
Chap. 28
Oct. 27
Hazardous Waste
Chap. 28
Oct. 29
Hazardous Waste
Assignment: HW # 9 Chap 28 & 29 Due Nov. 3
Chap 29
Oct. 31
Minerals and the Environment
Chap 29
Nov. 3
Case Study- Solid and Hazardous waste
Handout
Nov. 5
Exam II
Nov. 7
Risk Assessment
Chap. 15
Nov. 10
Risk Assessment
Handout
Nov. 12
Risk Assessment
Nov. 14
Planning for Sustainability
Nov. 17
Project Presentations
Nov. 19
Project Presentations
Chap 30
4
Nov. 21
Sustainability and Industry Ecology
Handout Graedel 2& 3
Assignment: HW # 10 Questions from Chapters 2& 3 Due Dec 1
Nov. 24
Sustainability and Industry Ecology
Nov
26
Thanks giving Recess
Nov. 28
Thanks giving Recess
Dec.
1
Industry Ecology Case study – Take backs
Handout
Dec.
3
Handout
Dec.
5
Industry Ecology Case study – Discussion
Green Business Article
Review
Dec
8-12
Final Exam (Cumulative)
5