Philadelphia University     

L314 Exploring Science Spring 2005

Instructors:            Dr. Anne Todd Bockarie

Office: 312 Search Hall Office Hours: TBA

Mailbox: 310 Search Hall

Telephone: 215-951-2877

Office Hours: Mon and Fri 12-1 pm

Email: BockarieA@philau.edu

Jeffrey Ashley, Ph.D.

Office:  304 Search Hall, Office Hours: TBA

Mailbox: 310 Search Hall

Telephone: 215-951-2779

Office Hours: Tues 1-2 pm; Wed 9-10 am; Fri 10-11 am

Email: AshleyJ@philau.edu

http://faculty.philau.edu/ashleyj

Class Times: 1 hr lecture/discussion and 4 hr field/lab/data analysis in Hayward 202. This unconventional course format is necessary to provide sufficient uninterrupted time blocks such that students can fully appreciate the various steps of the scientific mode of inquiry (e.g., conducting field collections, performing laboratory analyses, generating and evaluating data sets, preparation of dissemination packages, etc). In addition to this 4-hour time period allowing successful completion of these tasks, it would also accommodate travel time to and from field sites and the host environmental institution.  A 1-hour lecture/discussion slot per week will be reserved for conventional lectures, guest or host institution speakers, briefing about upcoming site collections and visits, post site visit assessments, and general group discussions.

Unsolved Scientific Issue Project:

Lead in Philadelphia: How much is too much? 

We go outside rain or shine so please come dressed for the weather so you aren’t

miserable and unproductive!

Readings:    There is no textbook required. Readings will be posted on blackboard throughout the semester and/or placed on reserve in the Gutman Library.

Course Description: L314 Exploring Science 1-4-3

This course explores the social, historical, political, economic and environmental aspects of unsolved scientific problems.  Hands-on field and laboratory sessions will focus on collecting, analyzing and presenting real scientific data to regional environmental agencies in the Greater Delaware Valley.  Prerequisite L121

Course Objectives: In this course we will be exploring unsolved, controversial scientific issues, analyzing how scientists collect and share information, and the relationship between scientific data and policy. We will evaluate everyday environmental issues, examine current regulations and develop critical thinking skills for analyzing the key issues.  We will develop skills for assessing personal, professional and public decision-making on environmental issues. My hope is that during this course you will question how we use the world’s resources and reflect on what impact that has on the environmental choices you make every day.

The three themes embedded in this course are:

Grading and Assignments:                                                                                                                 

                                                                                                                                                                        Scale

4-25 pt Discussion Boards                                            100 pts    90-100% A, 87-89 A-                     Excellent

2-50 pt Quizzes                                                                       100 pts    84-86 B+, 80-83 B, 77-79 B-          Good

4-25 pt Scientific Inquiry Assignments         100 pts    74-76 C+, 70-73 C, 67-69 C-   Satisfactory

Class participation                                            100 pts    64-67 D+, 60-63 D, <60 F              Unsatisfactory

Unsolved Scientific Project                               200 pts

                                    Total:              600 pts

The Unsolved Scientific Problem composes 30% of your course grade which means active participation in collection, analysis and presentation of data is a critical component of this course.

Class participation is earned by a series of exercises that reinforce learning throughout the semester and are announced in class only.  This is your opportunity to bring your grade up and strengthen your personal, professional and public engagement skills.  Class exercises are 17% of the final grade.

Attendance is mandatory: More than three absences for any reason will result in reduction of your final

course grade by ½ a letter grade for each additional absence.  Missing a single field/lab period is equivalent to

three absences.

General Policies: The goal is to provide sufficient structure and materials to encourage a learning environment. If there are any additional topics that you would like to cover, please feel free to suggest them and we will do our best to work them into the schedule.  We assume that you will conduct yourselves in a professional manner both in the classroom and when in the field or agency sites which means you will attend all classes, arrive on time, come prepared to actively participate in discussions, complete all assignments promptly, use library, computer, internet and other resources effectively and do your own work. 

A Reminder on the Student Code of Conduct:  The Faculty of Philadelphia University take academic integrity seriously. Instances of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated, and students violating the University’s academic integrity policy will be subject to appropriate sanctions. Plagiarism on any written assignments will not be tolerated.  You may turn in only your own work for writing and homework assignments (unless I inform you otherwise), and any references that you use must be fully documented (using MLA format).  As well, cheating on tests, final exams or quizzes will not be tolerated.  Once again, please familiarize yourself with the Student Code of Conduct as it appears in the Student Handbook for Philadelphia University (see http://www.philau.edu/studenthandbook).  

 
Tentative Schedule
         

Week    Discussion and Analysis                               Laboratory/Field