Approximate schedule:

Text: GM Masters, Introduction to Environmental Engineering and Science, 2d ed.
Also recommended: Glover, TJ, Pocket Reference, 2d ed. This little book is crammed full of unit conversion factors and other nifty information.

This course will give you practice in using some of the skills from biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics that form the basis for environmental engineering. We will use a lot of algebra. A bit of calculus may be shown for illustration only, but you will not be required to use any. You will need to be able to convert from mass to moles (and vice versa) and to balance chemical equations, but I will review these skills in case you are rusty (or worse). You will need a good calculator for this class. I am familiar with the TI-82 and will often give detailed instructions on how to set up the problems on it. We will also spend some time looking at how to use Excel to solve problems.

A major portion of this course will be "word problems." I will give about eight homework assignments, consisting primarily of problem sets from the text. Start on these sets as soon as they are assigned, skipping the problems that don't make any sense yet. A good deal of class time will be spent on doing problems like the homework. You need to turn in your answers. Keep a copy of the homework that you turn in because you may need it for the quizzes. Neatness very definitely counts in all assignments. It is important for others to be able to follow your reasoning and recognize your answer. You are encouraged to work together on homework. Unless otherwise noted, you may not work together on quizzes or exams.

Quizzes will be take-home. I will drop your lowest quiz grade and double your highest. Exams will be in class, but you will be able to use a page of notes (formulas, etc.). If quizzes, homework, or other assignments are handed in late, they may be marked down or not marked. If you miss a class, please try to get the missed information from another student.

You will be expected to give a class presentation on some topic related to environmental engineering. A good project might be to visit a local business and examine some aspect of its pollution control, pollution prevention, or process control. Take pictures, talk to operators and do background research on the process or device in question. Take a look at http://environmentalet.org/env1100/explorations/ledyardlandfill.htm or http://environmentalet.org/grotonwpca/wpcaf.htm for some ideas. The best presentations will include some explanation of the underlying principles.

Your class grade will be based on the following point breakdown:

*Includes attendance, discussion, participation in special projects, tidbits of info (eg, news clippings) and courtesy toward your classmates & instructor.