http://www.umpi.maine.edu/~mccartnk/oilandcc.htm

Note: This is a draft syllabus for a
new course being designed
The prosperity we have known up to the present is the consequence of rapidly spending the planet's irreplaceable capital.

- Aldous Huxley


The danger is that global warming may become self-sustaining, if it has not done so already.

- Stephen Hawking


Syllabus: Gey (or Env) 186 (Fossil Fuels - Use and Effects), Fall, 2010?
Lecture: time, place

Texts (click for Amazon.com reviews):

Oil, Water and Climate, An introduction: Catherine Gautier

and

Oil 101: Morgan Downey

Costs new through Amazon are circa $40 and $31, respectively, with used books available at about $25 each.
Prerequisites:
Lab Science course (Geology, Biology or Chemistry)
ENV 110 (Introduction to Environmental Science) or ENV 120 (Energy)
Instructor:
Kevin McCartney (office: 302 Folsom, hours: 10:45-12:00)
office phone 768-9482; home phone 492-4766
email: kevin.mccartney@umpi.edu


Grading
Above table is is an early draft idea for this course.
No make-up exams unless a valid excuse is given before the missed test.
Tests grades
A = 90% (540 pnts)
Test 1 125 B = 80% (480 pnts)
Test 2 125 pnts C = 70% (420 pnts)
Test 3 125 pnts D = 60% (360 pnts)
Final (cumulative) 125 pnts F = below 60% (360 pnts)
Total Lecture 500 pnts 500 pnts total

A steady improvement in test scores may be used in revising grade upwards. Otherwise, grades will not be curved. Attendance can be taken into account in the case of borderline grades.

If you have a disability and need an accomodation or assistance in this course, please make an appointment to talk with me. If you prefer, you may contact Student Support Services, South Hall.


Below is a tentative schedule of Fossils Fuels lectures
(Fall, 2010?)

Click lecture for day´s quote
Assignments need to be read before class.
# date lecture title reading:
Gautier Downey
Part I - Energy and earth cycles
1 1/20 Introduction ch. 1:
2 1/22 Fossil Fuel and CO2 ch. 2:
3 1/27 Carbon Cycle ch. 3:
1/28 Last day to Drop a class
4 1/29 Ocean Cycles ch. 4:
5 2/3 "Peak Oil" ch. 5:
6 2/5 Energy Use by Sectors ch. 6: handouts
7 2/10 Consumption and Emissions by Transportation Sector ch. 6:
8 2/12 continued 1-6:
February 16 - 23 V A C A T I O N
9 2/24 TEST 1
Part II - Extraction and Use of Fossil Fuels
10 2/26 History of Oil Resources ch. 1:
11 3/3 Components and Chemistry of Oil 3:
12 3/5 Geology of Hydrocarbon Fuels handouts
13 3/10 Exploration and Production 6:
14 3/12 Refining and Petrochemicals 7 & 10
15 3/17 Alternatives to gasoline
(ethanol, methanol, hydrogen)
8: ?
16 3/19 Solid Fuels for electricity and heat handouts
March 21 - 29 S P R I N G B R E A K
Geological Society of America,
Northeast section meeting, at UNH
17 3/31 Geology and Production of Coal
18 4/2 Test 2
Part III - Climate and Change
19 4/7 Water Cycle 9:
4/8 University Day
20 4/9 Urban and Rural Needs 10:
21 4/14 Rivers, Aquifers and Dams 11:
22 4/16 Contamination of Water 12:
23 4/21 Atmospheric Effects 15: handouts
24 4/23 Geologic History of Climate Change handouts
25 4/28 Climate Change in 21st century
26 4/30 Test III
27 5/5 Economics of Oil 17:
28 5/7 Economics of Climate Change
Final Exam: date, time

University of Maine at Presque Isle
Statement of Commitment

As a member of the university, I pledge to
Pursue academic excellence,
Support open inquiry and civil expression,
Listen respectfully to the viewpoints of others,
Participate responsibly in the life of the community,
Conserve and enhance the beauty of the campus, and
Help members of the university realize their potential.


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