Lamar River Valley, Yellowstone National Park

Syllabus and Class Policies

Environmental Science Laboratory -- Fall 2023
ENVS 31L
CRN 73056 -- Hybrid

Fridays 2:10 to 5 pm -- Science 45
(and other rooms -- see CLASS page in weekly modules for location)

WELCOME!
Class officially begins Monday, August 28th
**you may have early access to CANVAS, but you cannot submit any assignments until the first official day of class

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THIS LATE-START, 16-WEEK, HYBRID CLASS REQUIRES 4.5 HRS/WEEK OF WORK.
The asynchronous components of this class (1.5 hrs/week) happen through Canvas.
The synchronous components (3 hrs/week) happen during a weekly class meeting:

Canvas will be the main platform for communication and engagement for all asynchronous components of the course, including lab warm-up assignments and wrap-up assignments. Please remember that completing the classwork online and in your lab manual is as important as participating in the synchronous meetings. Thus, you are expected to review the CANVAS course site regularly in order to check due dates and stay on top of course-related communications. 

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This lab class is a separate class from the lecture. You may take it concurrent with lecture, after you've passed the lecture, or not at all. However, please remember these are separate classes with separate requirements and materials.

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PROFESSORS: Part 1: Katryn Wiese | Part 2: Eliza Woo | Part 3: Hitesh Soneji

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Important Dates

• First day class opens for CANVAS work: Monday, August 28th
• First lab class: Friday, September 1st, 2:10 to 5 pm
• Last Date to drop with a refund: 
• Last Date to Drop without a W: 
• Last Date to Drop with a W: 
• Holiday or FLEX days (campus closed): Labor Day (Monday 9/4), FLEX day (Monday 10/9), Veteran's Day (Friday 11/10), Thanksgiving (Thursday and Friday 11/23 and 11/24)
  *FLEX day means instructors are unavailable so no in-person or zoom classes are held
• Last day of Semester: December 19

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Course Grade

Grading scale: A=90-100%; B=80-89%; C=70-79%; D=60-69%; F=0-59%.

Lab Assignments: 70%; Exams: 30%
*NOTE: We will drop 1 lab grade to handle emergencies.

Reference: help Calculating Your Total Course Grade

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Course Content and Outcomes

In this course we will cover a range of environmental science topics and skills, including human impacts on the environment in lab and/or field settings and application of qualitative and quantitative concepts and models to evaluate environmental problems and their proposed solutions. 

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs): Upon completion of this course a student will be able to:

1. Observe patterns, formulate questions, develop hypotheses and design methods of study relating to environmental problems and processes.
2. Collect data using a variety of laboratory and field tools and techniques and observing safety precautions.
3. Analyze and interpret biological, chemical, and physical indicators of environmental change and effectively communicate findings.
4. Apply qualitative and quantitative concepts and models to evaluate human impacts on the environment on a variety of scales.

(ENVS 31L Official Course Outline)

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Building Community

The heart of this class is the community we will build together. Each class, we will work collaboratively in the lab room or in the field to build an understanding of the class material. You will each bring your own expertise, experiences, and insights to the table and then learn from each other's contributions. You will have many opportunities this semester to learn from each other, and that will be improved through thoughtful collaborative interactions. 

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Prerequisites and Advisories

• Required pre/corequisite: you have completed or be co-enrolled in the Environmental Science lecture (ENVS 31L).
• This class assumes that all students are prepared for college-level math and English proficiency. 

Why?

You will need to be able to read and understand the LAB instructions and communicate effectively during assignments and exams in written form.

You will need to solve critical thinking and computational problems involving graphing, basic algebra, and ratios.

If you choose to stay in the class, and your math or communication/prereading skills are weak, you will likely need to put in more time than other students to be successful. Please take advantage of the discussion board and office hours for Q&A.

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Field trips

There will be a number of field trips during the semester. You will need to provide your own transportation to and from these field sites, all of which are within a 30-minute drive from campus. You're encouraged to coordinate with your fellow students to create carpools, but that will be your responsibility.

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Technology Requirements

To participate fully in this class, you will need to have consistent access to a working laptop or desktop computer and good internet connections. This technology will be required for completing some assignments and communicating outside class with class colleagues and instructors.

Be sure you set up your notifications to ensure you receive prompt information about the class; and plan to log into CANVAS to check for updates at least once a day. If you need help learning how to use these tools, please let us know and reference the support links below:

• Internet, browser, and computer sufficient for watching online videos and reviewing resources each week
  • Be sure you regularly update your browser.
  • Cell phones are good for access to some course materials. However, for taking quizzes, a desktop or laptop will be much better. And for some labs, you will be using Google Earth desktop version, which if you are accessing outside class, you will need to download onto your laptop or desktop. Chromebooks will not let you use this software (no downloads), so you'll have to create a workaround with instructor. If you have any concerns on technology, reach out to instructor ASAP to figure out a workaround.
• CANVAS access and familiarity
  • Navigating Your CANVAS Course
  • If you need help with the mechanics of Canvas, review CCSF's CANVAS Student Support Center
• Camera to take photos of some of your completed work and upload it to CANVAS. (Phone camera will work fine!)

If you anticipate any problem with the above requirements, contact us right away to see if we can assist.

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Class format

Expect to spend on average 4 hrs/week for lab work and homework:

• Completing preparatory tutorials
• Engaging in class discussion
• Completing lab assignment
• Reviewing and practice for exams

Note: Class and office hours will happen weekly at times that allow you to come get help from the instructor and fellow students on class-related content. The best way to succeed in this class is to work on your own first completing as much as you can, seek help with the questions you have, and practice the topics that are the most challenging.

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Class Resources

All course content and assignments are in CANVAS modules. To be successful in this class, you need to access content through the modules, which are designed to be completed IN ORDER. Please use the Modules to access all course materials.

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Lab assignments

The point of labs is to learn a set of lab skills. Your lab notebook is a place for you to practice lab skills and keep notes. I recommend that you use pencil in your lab notebook so you can easily erase mistakes and correct them. Exams questions come exactly from labs and ask you to complete the work without referencing your resources under a time limit. So use the lab assignments to practice sufficiently and prepare yourself for the exams. 

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Exams

There will be three exams / final projects, one for each third of the class. To do well on these exams, be sure you have mastered the skills and topics for the preceding labs, so you can successfully demonstrate that on your own. 

Review information on late policy and grading/feedback procedures.

What should I do if my computer fails during an online exam?

If you are taking an online quiz or exam, and your computer fails, restart your computer, log back into the class Canvas site, and resume taking the quiz (note, however, that the quiz timer will NOT restart). If you cannot resume the quiz or exam within a reasonably short time, contact your instructor ASAP. 

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Late Assignment and Exam Policy

No assignments or exams will be accepted late, but we do drop your two lowest assignments and quizzes to handle emergencies. For more details, review information on late policy and grading/feedback procedures.

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Attendance

Especially in a science class, each week's content assumes mastery of the material from the previous week. If you miss even one week, you will have to catch up quickly so you don't fall further behind. Be sure you have the time for this class this semester (if not, consider re-enrolling in a future semester).

Final note: We cannot keep students enrolled just for financial aid or student visa status or any other external requirement. To stay enrolled in this class, you will have to maintain your participation, which means keeping up with weekly assignments and quizzes and discussions. Please reach out right away if you are encountering any attendance difficulties, so we can collaboratively figure out the best option for you. 

Nonparticipation is marked by:

• Incomplete assignments for week 1 (must be completed by Friday night at the end of the first lab). 
• Throughout the semester: two weeks of missed labs.

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Seeking Help

We want you to feel supported this semester!

See Support for Students for more information on how to get help during class from your instructors, your fellow students, counselors, and other student support services.

For students who are registered with Disabled Student Programs and Services or who would like to register, please be sure to visit the DSPS website. If you have paperwork, please submit it to us as soon as possible so we can assist with accommodations.

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Collaboration and Standards of Conduct

You are encouraged to work with other students -- learning can be greatly improved by collaboration. Collaboration is encouraged for all assignments. But what does that mean? If you are working closely with friends or fellow students, it means each of you working first on your own and bringing your best work together to compare and discuss, and then putting answers down in your assignment that reflect your own thinking and words.

Be absolutely sure that your answers are your own and in your own words. Copying of homework in whole or in part will be considered an act of academic dishonesty. Any identical submissions will be given a 0, so be careful and reach out to your instructor right away if you have any questions or concerns. 

Also, remember that lab assignments and exams are individual effort only. Any indication that students have collaborated on these will result in a 0 for all parties.

Please avoid any indication of cheating by writing your answers in your own word and submitting your own work. See these links on Plagiarism:

• Encourage Academic Integrity and Prevent Plagiarism
• Citing Information Sources

Students who register in CCSF classes are required to abide by the CCSF Student Code of Conduct.. Violation of the code is basis for referral to the Student Conduct Coordinator or dismissal from class or from the College. See the Office of Student Affairs for more information. 

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Title IX Policy Addressing Sexual Misconduct, Harassment, and Assault

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Communication, Feedback, and Expectations

You will be most successful in this course if you meet the following expectations:

• Complete the assigned activities each week on time. Please let us know as soon as you can concerning difficulties that you may have in getting assignments in on time so we can figure out a solution together.
• Think critically about the weekly topics. Is something surprising? Is it new to you? How does it contrast with what you know about the topic from previous semesters, classes, or life experiences? 
• When you work with your fellow students, come together with your own best work already done and discuss and learn from each other. Be sure your work is your own.
• Review feedback we leave you: We put together a short video to explain how to access the feedback we give you on your assignments and quizzes. Please review if you're not sure how to see it:

You can communicate with us each week in multiple ways:

• Each assignment you submit has a space for assignment comments.
• You're also always welcome to email us at any time with feedback.
• Come to office hours!
• Schedule a one-on-one.

Here is what you can expect of us:

• We will respond to your email or message within 24 hours M-F (holidays excepted) unless we inform you otherwise.
• We will treat you and your ideas with respect.
• We will grade on-time assignments as soon as possible.
• We will keep the Canvas Gradebook current with your cumulative grade.
• We will check in periodically to the student Q&A boards to address any questions not already answered by a fellow student.
• We will work hard to make this a great class for you! :)