Course Meeting Times:
Tuesdays and Thursdays 1:00-2:15 in KRC 105
Final exam time is 12:00-2:00 on May 8th.

Instructors:
Dr. Mae Gustin
Office: FA 126
Phone: 784-4203
Email: mgustin@cabnr.unr.edu
Office Hours: By appointment.

Jelena Stamenkovic (official TA) Office: FA 119 Phone: 784-4966 Email: stamenkovic@cabnr.unr.edu Office Hours: By appointment.

Dr. Chris Eckley Office: FA 119 Phone: 784-4966 Email: ceckley@cabnr.unr.edu

Course description:
The objectives of the course are to synthesize information and evaluate major current environmental issues. Lectures and readings for each topic will encompass some background information, and relevant case studies. Student-led discussions will round off specific topics. The goals of these discussions are to review the topic and summarize the major issues, as well as critically consider various aspects of the topic and introduce new ideas and perspectives.

Prerequisites: BIOL 314, CHEM 122.

Course materials:
Given the variety of topics, there will be no single text for the course. Students are encouraged to seek sources besides those offered in class, such as journals, books, newspapers, online resources, etc. Readings for specific topics are listed at the end of the syllabus with this list being added to as the semester progresses. Readings have been selected to give a broader overview of the issues and different perspectives.

Information about the course, handouts, and other documents for the course will be posted on the following web sites:
http://www.ag.unr.edu/gustin/nres467/default.htm
http://www.unr.nevada.edu/~jelena/NRES467.html

Grades will be calculated based on the following exams and assignments:

Two Exams (75 pts each)	150 points
6 5 Written Assignments	150 points
Participating in 5 discussions (20 pts each)	100 points
Leading one class discussion (50 pts)	50 points
Total Points	450 points

Exams:
Exams will cover material from lectures, readings and discussions. The question format will be short answer and essay. Each exam is worth 16.7% of the final grade. If you have an emergency or are sick and find you may need to miss an exam you must contact the major instructor prior to the exam and have official documentation of the excuse.

Written Assignments:
Most assignments will be summaries, critiques and discussions of topics discussed in class. A good critique should include a brief summary of the major issues presented in class and reading materials, and include some independent sources with additional information, examples, problems with dealing with the issue, different views, etc. Written assignments should be 2-3 pages long (typed 1.5 pt space and with reasonable margins). Assignments will be evaluated on the basis of (1) level of understanding of the broad topic, (2) synthesis of major issues, and (3) research regarding at least one aspect of the issue not covered in class.
        assignment guidelines

Written assignments are to be handed in the class period they are due. Late assignments will not be accepted (no exceptions). If you find you will miss a class when the assignment is due you may email it to the major instructor. In order to get credit the assignment must be received before the class period is over when the assignment is due. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure the instructor receives the assignment if sent by email. Written assignments are 33% of the final grade.

Discussions:
There will be student led class discussions following select topics. A group of students will be assigned as discussion leaders/moderators for each topic the first week of class. Leading the class discussion accounts for 11% of the final grade so this assignment should not be taken lightly.
        discussion guidelines

Everyone in class is expected to be respectful and involved in the discussion. Students will be judged both on quantity and quality of their participation. Class participation during discussions counts for 22% of the final grade. This means that students should offer ideas and comment during the discussion. This is often hard for those that are shy however this is a necessary life skill so consider this practice for the real world.

Field Trips:
There are two required field trips for this class. One includes a two hour field trip to either the Ormat Geothermal Power Plant (11-Feb) or the Sierra Pacific Tracy Power Plant (21-Feb). The second field trip is to the Twin Creeks Gold mine (19-Mar, leave at 7:30 am and be back at KRC at 4:30 pm). The latter field trip will introduce the students to the business of mining, the environmental regulations the mine must adhere to and ongoing research at the mine.

Note about clothing: "Appropriate leather footwear shall be worn. Tennis shoes, open toed shoes or sandals are not considered appropriate footwear. Tank tops, sleeveless shirts and short pants are not allowed." Also it can be chilly and we are outside so you should have appropriate outdoor wear.. jacket, hat, etc.

Grading scale:

A	91-100%	405-450 pts
B	81-90%	360-404 pts
C	70-80%	315-359 pts
D	60-69%	270-314 pts
F	below 60%	< 270 pts

Disability Resource Center:
The Disability Resource Center (DRC) provides accommodations for students with verified disabilities. The will provide accommodations for students including alternative testing, readers, note takers, interpreters, etc. If a student requires the services of the DRC, it is the student's responsibility to contact the center (at TSS 107, 784-6044) and notify the instructor of special circumstances.

The Writing Center:
This course requires several written assignments, and students will be expected to have mastered at least the fundamentals of English composition. Students in need of additional support may wish to contact UNR’s Writing Center (784-6030, at EJCH 206).

Academic Dishonesty:
All students are expected to maintain a high standard of intellectual honesty. Anyone involved in academic misconduct (i.e. plagiarism, cheating) will receive no credit for that assignment. Any repeat offense will result in a failing grade for the class. Policies of the University of Nevada, Reno regarding academic dishonesty can be found at www.unr.edu/stsv/acdispol.html

Course Calendar:
This is a tentative schedule and a subject to change depending on the pace and student interests/needs.

Date	Day	Topic	Readings/Assignments	Instructor
22 Jan	T	Introduction to course	Video - Story of Stuff	MG/JS/CE
24 Jan	R	Population: growth factors and models	The tragedy of the commons Human domination of the Earth Rethinking Population, Improving Lives China, India, and the New World Order	MG
29 Jan	T	Population: carrying capacity, environmental impact	Arrow et al. 1995 What is sustainability, anyway?	MG
31 Jan	R	Urbanization and consumption	Rich in things, poor in time Video - Earth in the Balance	MG
5 Feb	T	Population: discussion	1-summaries due
7 Feb	R	Energy: principles	Gever et al. 1991 (Chapters 1 & 2), Lomborg 2001 (Chapter 11)	MG
12 Feb	T	Energy: fossil fuels/oil		MG
14 Feb	R	Energy: renewables/nuclear	Uncertainty underground Video - Earth in the Balance	MG
19 Feb	T	Climate change: natural variability	Climate shock Chaotic climate	JS
26 Feb	T	Energy / Field Trip: discussion	2-summaries due, submit via e-mail
28 Feb	R	Climate change: greenhouse gases	Zeng et al. 2008 Walker 2006, Ruttimann 2006 explore the PBS pages: what's up with the weather	JS
4 Mar	T	Climate change: environmental impact	climate experiment background, mechanisms, reporting, compliance of the Kyoto Protocol	JS
6 Mar	R	Climate change: discussion	3-summaries due
11 Mar	T	EXAM I
13 Mar	R	Mining	story of gold, mining dependence gold mining in Nevada, artisanal gold mining	CE
18 Mar	T	Mining	Video - Mine your own business	CE
20 Mar	R	Mining: discussion	4-summaries due
25 Mar	T	Spring Break
27 Mar	R	Spring Break
1 Apr	T	Water management in the West	Video - Cadillac Desert	MG
3 Apr	R	Water management	water readings: Barnett, Deacon, Postel, Reisner	MG/CE
8 Apr	T	Water: global issues/China	NYT article	CE
10 Apr	R	Truckee River		Guest Speaker
15 Apr	T	Water: discussion	5-summaries due
17 Apr	R	Environmental policy: introduction and timeline	policy readings, especially make sure to read: Chapter 7 from World Resources	JS/MG
22 Apr	T	Environmental policy: global governance	Reshaping global governance	JS
24 Apr	R	Environmental policy and trade	WTO and the environment International environmental crime	JS
29 Apr	T	Biodiversity, Invasive species	Laband 2001, Youth 2003, Dybas 2004 Video - Strange Days on Planet Earth, Part 1	JS
1 May	R	Radical environmentalism and eco-terrorism	Leader et al. 2003	CE
6 May	T	Environmental policy: discussion	6-summaries due (optional - will count instead of a missed or the-lowest-grade assignment)
8 May	R	FINAL EXAM: Noon - 2 pm	Study guide for the Final Exam

Readings:

Jump to...
    Population     Energy     Climate     Mining     Water     Policy     Biodiversity    

Population

• Arrow K, Bolin B, Costanza R, Dasgupta P, Folke C, Holling CS, Jansson B-O, Levin S, Mäler K-G, Perrings C, Pimentel D. 1995. Economic Growth, Carrying Capacity, and the Environment. Science 268: 520-521.
• Engelman R, Halweil B, Nierenberg D. 2002. Rethinking Population, Improving Lives. pp. 127-148 in State of the world 2002. Worldwatch Institute.
• Flavin C, Gardner G. 2006. Cina, India, and the New World Order. Chapter 1 in State of the World 2006. Worldwatch Institute.
• Hardin G. 1968. The tragedy of the commons. Science vol. 162, no. 3859: 1243-1248.
• Prugh T, Assadourian E. 2003. What Is Sustainability, Anyway? World Watch Magazine (September-October): 10-21.
• Sachs W. 1999. Rich in things, poor in time. Resurgence 196: online available online
• Vitousek PM, Mooney HA, Lubchenco J, Melillo JM. 1997. Human domination of the Earth. Science vol. 277, no. 5325: 494-499.

• Elam CC, Gregoire Padro CE, Sandrock G, Luzzi A, Lindblad P, Fjermestad Hagen E. 2003. Realizing the hydrogen future: the International Energy Agency's efforts to advance hydrogen energy technologies. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy 28: 601-607.
• Engelhaupt E. 2007. Biofueling water problems. Environmental Science & Technology 41: 7593 - 7595.
• Field CB, Campbell JE, Lobell DB. 2008. Biomass energy: the scale of the potential resource. Trends in Ecology & Evolution, in press.
• Gever J., Kaufmann, R., Skole, D., Vorosmarty, C. 1991. Beyond oil : the threat to food and fuel in the coming decades. University Press of Colorado. Chapters 1 and 2. electronic reserve
• Hunt SC, Sawin JL, Stair P. 2006. Cultivating renewable alternatives to oil. Chapter 4 in State of the World 2006. Worldwatch Institute.
• Larssen T, Lydersen E, Tang D, He Y, Gao J, Liu H, Duan L, Seip HM, Vogt RD, Mulder J, Shao M, Wang Y, Shang H, Zhang X, Solberg S, Aas W, Okland T, Eilertsen O, Angell V, Li Q, Zhao D, Xiang R, Xiao J, Luo J. 2007. Acid Rain in China. Environmental Science & Technology 40: 418 - 425.
• Lomborg, B. 2001. The skeptical environmentalist : measuring the real state of the world. Cambridge University Press. Chapter 11 electronic reserve
• Macfarlane AM and Ewing RC (editors). 2006. Uncertainty underground: Yucca Mountain and the nation's high-level nuclear waste. MIT Press. paper reserve

• Bard E. 2002. Climate shock: abrupt changes over millennial time scales. Physics today (December): 32-38.
• Broecker W. 1995. Chaotic climate. Scientific American 273: 62-69.
• PBS NOVA & Frontline website. available online
• Ruttimann J. 2006. Sick seas. Nature 442: 978-980.
• UNFCCC website. Kyoto protocol (background, mechanisms, reporting, compliance).
• Walker G. 2006. The tipping point of the iceberg. Nature 441: 802-805.
• Zeng N, Ding Y, Pan J, Wang H, Gregg J. 2008. Climate change - the Chinese challenge. Science 319: 730-731.
• Climate Change Experiment, BBC website. available online

• The Amazing Story of Gold. The Gold Institute, Washington DC.
• Sampat P. 2003. Scrapping Mining Dependence. pp. 110-129 in State of the World 2003. Woldwatch Institute.
• Solnit R. 2000. The New gold Rush - gold mining in Nevada. Sierra Magazine (July/August 2000). Sierra Club.
• Tarras-Wahlberg NH, Flachier A, Fredriksson G, et al. 2000. Environmental impacts of small-scale artisanal gold mining in southern Ecuador. Ambio 29: 484–491.

• Barnett TP, Adam JC, Lettenmaier DR. 2005. Potential impacts of a warming climate on water availability in snow-dominated regions. Nature 438: 303-309.
• Deacon JE, Williams AE, Williams CD, Williams JE. 2007. Fueling population growth in Las Vegas: How large-scale groundwater withdrawal could burn regional biodiversity. BioScience 57: 688-698.
• Postel S. 2006. Safeguarding freshwater ecosystems. pp.41-60, Chapter 3 in State of the World 2006. Worldwatch Institute.
• Reisner M. Cadillac Desert: The American West and Its Disappearing Water. electronic reserve
• Yardley J. Beneath Booming Cities, China’s Future Is Drying Up. New York Times, 28-Sept-2007. available online

• Chapter 7 in World Resources 2002-2004: International Environmental Governance. World Resources Institute, Washington DC.
• French H. 2002. Reshaping global governance. pp. 174-198 State of the world 2002. Worldwatch Institute.
• French H, Mastny L. 2001. Controlling international environmental crime. pp.166-188 in State of the world 2001. Worldwatch Institute.
• Leader SH, Probst P. 2003. The Earth Liberation Front and Environmental Terrorism. Journal of Terrorism and Political Violence 15: 37-58.
• Renner M. 2002. The Anatomy of Resource Wars. Worldwatch paper 162.
• Thacker PD. 2006. The Weinberg proposal. Environmental Science and Technology (May 1): 2868-2869.

• Dybas CL. 2004. Invasive Species: The Search for The Search for Solutions. BioScience 54: 615-621.
• Laband DN. Regulating Biodiversity: Tragedy in the Political Commons. Forest Policy Center Internal Working Paper Series.
• Van Schoik R. 2004. Conservation biology in the U.S.-Mexican Border Region. World Watch magazine (November-December): 36-39.
• Youth H. 2003. Silenced spring: Disappearing birds. The Futurist (July-August): 39-45.

Biofuels Deemed a Greenhouse Threat

a recent New York Times article reporting on greenhouse gas emissions associated with producing these fuels.

Redefining Progress

... we do not have to choose between a strong economy, a health environment, and social justice... Calculate your impact on the planet by taking the Ecological Footprint Quiz, or read up on a variety of topics.

mindfully.org

a non-profit alternative information source with interviews and articles on a variety of global issues.

NOAA

National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration site loaded with information. Check out their Climate TimeLine and Climate pages!

USEPA Climate Change

US Environmental Protection Agency page on climate change.

Hot Times in Alaska

PBS archive with segments from Alan Alda in Scientific American Frontiers video. Lots of excellent videos available in the archives, so if you have time to browse, bookmark the page and keep watching...

After the Warming

An old documentary about global warming (PBS Broadcast 1990), written and hosted by James Burke.

UN World Water Day page

The United Nations General Assembly designated 22 March of each year as the World Day for Water. Lots of interesting information, as well as the report on water scarcity (pdf file).

NatureServe

a non-profit conservation organization that provides the scientific information and tools needed to help guide effective conservation action. NatureServe and its network of natural heritage programs are the leading source for information about rare and endangered species and threatened ecosystems.

World Conservation Union (IUCN)

World’s largest conservation network. The IUCN Red List is the world's most comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status of plant and animal species. There are now 41,415 species on the Red List and 16,306 of them are threatened with extinction, up from 16,118 in 2006. The total number of extinct species has reached 785 and a further 65 are only found in captivity or in cultivation.

Millennium Ecosystem Assessment

Project to assess the consequences of ecosystem change for human well-being and the scientific basis for action needed to enhance the conservation and sustainable use of those systems and their contribution to human well-being.

Hotspots

Conservation International's page on world's biodiversity hotspots.

Trade and Environment

World Trade Organization page about trade and environment disputes and negotiations. Also, Doha environmental issues and some interpretations.

Environmental History Timeline

a non-profit educational web site with important events grouped by years, a good starting point for people who would like to learn more about the wide variety of environmental issues.