GSCI 115E
Earth Systems, Cycles and Human Impact
Spring 2004

Today is Friday, February 10, 2012


Science news stories courtesy of ABC Science Online.
[Click on any headline for the full story].

Description: Earth Systems science views the earth as a single system consisting of processes operating at time scales from seconds to the age of the Earth. Much like the human body is a single entity with numerous other systems that operate (e.g. pulmonary system, digestive system, and immune system) the Earth Systems viewpoint is that our planet is also composed of systems.

In this course we will investigate how aspects of geology, meteorology, oceanography, and biology (including humans) interact to make up the Earth System.

It is my goal that you will find that the Earth Systems perspective a vital tool for understanding the relationship between the Earth and "us" (humans), since we are a part of the Earth, dependent upon it, impacting it, and responding to its variability.

Instructor: Steve J. Baedke
Office: Miller 234

Phone: 568-6156
email: baedkesj@jmu.edu

Class Meets: T TH 2:00 - 3:15
Office Hours: T TH 3:15 - 4:15 and by appointment

Note: Please arrive to class on time. If you "HAVE" to be late, please come in quietly. Beverages and snacks are allowed in class, but do not leave to visit the vending machines during the class.

Class Announcements:
Visiting Scientist Presentation 03/23/04: Dr. Claire Parkinson


Lecture Notes

Grading:
Test 1: 26.6%
Test 2: 26.6%
Final: 26.7%
Quizzes and Homeworks: 20%

Notes:

  1. The Final Exam will not be cumulative. Exams will include material from lectures (including diagrams drawn and discussed), and material from the text readings. In short, it will be difficult to do well if you do not come to class, and if you do not read the text.
  2. If you have questions about any aspect of the course I prefer to be reached by email.
  3. You are encouraged to: A.) Keep your tests until you receive the final grade and feel that the grade reflects the scores you received on the tests. B.) When test questions are returned to you review them to insure that no mistakes were made in grading or in tabulating your score.
  4. Make-up exams will be given provided I receive a valid WRITTEN excuse at least 1 week prior to the exam.

This page has been accessed 1 times since 1/12/03.

This page last modified 1/13/04 SJB

The Earth System in the News

  • Earthquake Hits Colima Mexico (01/23/03)

  • A crust from the past (01/12/03)

  • Severe floods target nearly every continent (8/23/02)

  • Dry August adds to drought woes in South (08/16/02)

  • El Nino wreaking havoc across Asia (08/10/02)

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