Dr. Anne Sturz, lecture and Monday Lab                                            Elizabeth Baker, Thursday Lab
Shiley Science 174                                                                             Shiley Science  266
Voice phone: 619 260-4096                                                               Voice phone:  619 260-6822
Email: asturz@sandiego.edu                                                                Email: ebaker@sandiego.edu
Office hours:   MW 11 AM - 1 PM; F 12:15 - 1:15                             Office hours:
     or by appointment                                                                                   or by appointment

Text:    Geosystems, 6th edition (Christopherson)

What is this course about?  ENVI 109 is an introductory course in Physical Geography.   We will have a comprehensive overview of the Earth and its component systems, with emphasis on the interactions among the atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere.  We will study the scientific method and its application in investigations of earth science and the global environment.  Specific areas of interest include:
             - the forces that shape the surface of the earth
             - types of landforms and theur origins
             - the dynamics of the atmosphere
             - distribution of climate systems
             -  the impact of landforms, surface processes and weather phenomena on human society
             - global issues related to environmental changes
             -  how to read and interpret maps and remotely sensed data
             - how to collect, tabulate, graph and interpret data relevant to earth systems science
We will use traditional lecture, class discussion, laboratory and field activities to build an integrated understanding of processes that shape our dynamic earth.

Who should take this course? ENVI 109, Introduction to Physical Geography, is designed as preparation for the Marine Science (MARS) major and minor and the Environmental Studies (ENVI) minor.  This course is also intended for students majoring in Liberal Studies who want to fulfill the Physical Geography with laboratroy requirement and students wanting to fulfill the Core Curriculum requirement for a physical science with laboratory.

Course requirements, exams and grading: You are required to attend and participate in all class meetings. Class meetings include lecture, lab and field trips. Participation in class meetings consists of being an ethical test taker, a respectful listener, involved in class discussions, involved in lab exercises and field trips and meeting all deadlines for outside-of-class assignments that must be turned in to your instructor. ENVI 109 has a required Saturday field trip. This semester the trip will be from 9 AM to 5PM  Saturday December 2nd.   This field trip will occupy your total attention for the entire day, so plan accordingly. You will not have time or energy to work on assignments for other classes during this time period. In addition to the field trip, you will have some shorter required field trips scheduled during lab class time.  

        Your grade in the class will be determined by the following:
        Lecture exams     60%
        Field trips, homework, lab assignments 33%
        Participation      7%

You receive one course grade for the lecture and lab combined. You must receive passing grades in both the lecture and the lab in order to pass the course. I expect the average grade for the class to be C or C+. All exams will be comprehensive and may include questions from concepts covered from the beginning of the course. Exams will cover material presented in lecture, assigned readings in the text, out-of-class assignments and field trips. No make up exams or field trips will be given without a valid excuse.  A valid excuse requires official written documentation of an illness or emergency.

Out-of-class assignments will consist of exercises accomplished outside of normal class time. Some assignments will take the form of internet explorations, practice calculations or lab write ups. Other assignments will include pre-lab exercises. Still others may be outside reading, in addition to reading in the required text.

     Attendance and participation in all lectures, labs and field trips are mandatory. Unexcused absences will result in a reduction of your grade. You will not be able to succeed in this class if you don't attend class regularly.

    Field trips: Field trips are an important part of this course. What you learn and experience on the field trips cannot be replaced by reading a book or writing a paper. No student can pass this course without participating in the required field trips. No alcohol, illegal drugs or firearms are permitted on the field trips.

        Academic integrity: Your are responsible for reading and understanding the meanings and expectations of academic integrity. Any violations of academic integrity will be referred to the Dean of Arts and Sciences, will result in a failing grade for this course, and may result in expulsion from this University. No probation or second chances will be given.

    Teaching Philosophy: I will do my best to facilitate your learning in this course. ENVI 109 is not an easy course. I will endeavor to make the class as interesting and educational as possible. I will help you lean in any way I can. The ultimate responsibility for your learning and your grade in the class rests with you. It is your responsibility to put in the time and effort. It is primarily your effort that will determine what you get out of this class and the grade you receive.