Syed E. Hasan Professor of Geology & Chair Dept. of Geosciences University of Missouri-Kansas City...
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Transcript of Syed E. Hasan Professor of Geology & Chair Dept. of Geosciences University of Missouri-Kansas City...
Syed E. HasanProfessor of Geology & Chair
Dept. of GeosciencesUniversity of Missouri-Kansas
28th among top 50 metropolitan areas
1.8 million (2000) 2 states and 10
counties Highest freeway lane-
mile/capita 78% White; 13% Black; 5% Hispanics; 2%
Asian
An urban university Private university
(1929); became part of the state-supported University of Missouri system (1963)
13 schools/colleges; several professional (One of 26 in the
nation in the range of degree programs)
Course: Intro. to Environmental Science 200 level course; reqd. of Environmental
Science/Environmental Studies majors Offered each spring Enrollment: 40 Pre-requisite: EnvSc 110, Understanding
the Earth (five spheres; hazardous processes; resource, energy, waste, environmental health…)
Relatively new course (5 yrs) Course Description: Explores important
environmental issues such as air and water pollution, water supply, climate change, agriculture and food supply, environmental health, ecosystem disruption, environmental management, environmental ethics, and energy resources. Topics may vary depending on current event.
Challenge: What topics to include in the syllabus?
No syllabus given on the 1st day of class
Students asked to suggest topics All topics listed on the white board Duplications eliminated Discussions on relative importance of
various topics Select 8 out of ~16 topics based on
students’ consensus Includes a class project
Advantages Better engaged Feel important Sense of ownership Raised level of interest in the course Results in regular attendance and
participation in discussions Learn to work in groups
Waste issues common theme; expertise area
Always include environmental justice
Global climate change
Geology and health
MAJORS (N=152) ACADEMIC STANDINGEnvt’l Sc/Studies 66Humanities/SS 37Business 26Sciences 10Professional 6Undecided 7
Freshmen 11%Sophomore 26Junior 51Senior 30
GENDERMale 48%Female 52%
Average Age 25.5 years
Search library and internet resources
Write - Project report
- Persuasive letter to law makers Prepare PowerPoint presentation Make presentation to the class
- Develop critical thinking and analysis skills - Ability to synthesize information
gleaned from various sources- Sharpen writing skills- Learn to work in groups- Develop oral communication skills