PUAF 741

Global Environmental Problems

Description

The primary goal of this course is to use the basic principles of natural science to understand and assess human influences on the global environment. We begin by reviewing relevant concepts in chemistry, physics, math, and earth systems. Using these concepts, we then explore a range of topics, including human population growth, climate change, acid deposition, ozone depletion, and biodiversity loss. In each area we explore what is known and what is unknown or uncertain and how scientific information has been used in the policy process, and we review actual and proposed policy responses. A second goal is to help non-scientist environmental policy analysts and managers be more intelligent consumers of scientific information and analysis.

As the subject matter is unavoidably technical, knowledge of calculus, chemistry, or physics at the first-semester-undergraduate level is very helpful. Do not worry if you do not have this background, but be prepared to work harder than students who have this preparation. You might also find the recommended book by Turco helpful.

Class

Wednesday, 4:15 - 6:45 pm, 1207 Van Munching Hall

Grading

The course grade is determined as follows: problem sets, 30%; quizzes, 30%, final exam, 40%. There will be about ten problem sets. We will review the solutions at the beginning of class when they are due. Students will grade their own problem sets, for review by the instructors. There will be three 30-minute quizzes and one final exam. Quiz and exam questions will be similar in nature to those on the problem sets, and must be answered without access to books or notes (except for one sheet of paper). Quiz and exam retakes and incompletes will be granted only in exceptional circumstances (illness, or death in your family).

Readings

Required: John Harte, Consider a Spherical Cow (Mill Valley, CA: University Science Books, 1988).

Recommended: Richard P. Turco, Earth Under Siege: From Air Pollution to Global Change, 2nd edition (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2002).

Additional readings for selected topics are posted on the web page.

Instructors

Steve Fetter has been a professor at the School of Public Policy since 1988, and has taught various versions of this course since 1990. He is often in his office (2101G VMH) and available to help students. You are also welcome to contact him by telephone (301.405.6355) or email (sfetter@umd.edu).

Yukari Fukui, a second-year MPP student, will serve as teaching assistant. She will be available to help students with problem sets and a time and place to be determined. Contact Yukari at yukari@umd.edu.