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PHYS-575/CSI-655 PHYS-575/CSI-655 DRAFT Syllabus:12/24/2012DRAFT Syllabus:12/24/2012Introduction to Physics and Chemistry of the AtmosphereIntroduction to Physics and Chemistry of the Atmosphere

Mondays, 7:20-10:00pm, Robinson Hall, Room B108Mondays, 7:20-10:00pm, Robinson Hall, Room B108Spring Semester, 2013Spring Semester, 2013Michael E. SummersMichael E. Summers

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PHYS-575/CSI-655PHYS-575/CSI-655Introduction to Physics and Chemistry of the AtmosphereIntroduction to Physics and Chemistry of the Atmosphere

Catalog description:Catalog description: Introduction to basic physical and chemical Introduction to basic physical and chemical processes that operate in the Earthprocesses that operate in the Earth’’s atmosphere. Emphasis on those s atmosphere. Emphasis on those concepts that provide a global description of the current atmospheric concepts that provide a global description of the current atmospheric state and those processes that relate to global change and state and those processes that relate to global change and atmospheric evolution. Topics include equilibrium structure, atmospheric evolution. Topics include equilibrium structure, radiative transfer models, thermodynamics of various atmospheric radiative transfer models, thermodynamics of various atmospheric layers, and the various processes defining these layers.layers, and the various processes defining these layers.

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PHYS-575/CSI-655Introduction to Physics and Chemistry of the Atmosphere

This course will focus on the physical and chemical This course will focus on the physical and chemical processes that control the processes that control the state, variability, and state, variability, and long-term evolutionlong-term evolution of the atmosphere. of the atmosphere.

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To provide the student with:To provide the student with:

1)1) an overview of the an overview of the physical and chemical processesphysical and chemical processes which which control the control the state and evolution of planetary atmospheresstate and evolution of planetary atmospheres..

2)2) an understanding of the an understanding of the key scientific discoverieskey scientific discoveries and and remaining unanswered questionsremaining unanswered questions in atmospheric sciencein atmospheric science..

3)3) an overview of the primary an overview of the primary scientific principlesscientific principles and and analytical toolsanalytical tools used in atmospheric science studies, used in atmospheric science studies, including both including both remoteremote and and in-situin-situ techniques techniques. .

PHYS 575/CSI 655Introduction to Physics and Chemistry of the Atmosphere

Specific Course Goals:

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PHYS-575/CSI-655Introduction to Physics and Chemistry of the Atmosphere

Topics will include an overview of the Topics will include an overview of the history of the history of the EarthEarth’’s atmospheres atmosphere, and the Earth, and the Earth’’s atmosphere in the s atmosphere in the context of context of comparative planetary atmospherescomparative planetary atmospheres. .

Topics Include:Topics Include:Atmospheric thermodynamicsAtmospheric thermodynamicsHydrostatics Hydrostatics Phase transformations of waterPhase transformations of waterRadiation transferRadiation transferSpectroscopy Spectroscopy Cloud physics Cloud physics Atmospheric chemistryAtmospheric chemistryAtmospheric motionsAtmospheric motionsClimate ChangeClimate Change

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PHYS-575/CSI-655Introduction to Physics and Chemistry of the Atmosphere

An overview of theAn overview of the long-term evolution of the long-term evolution of the atmosphereatmosphere, , including including forcing byincluding including forcing by natural natural and anthropogenic effectsand anthropogenic effects,, will be considered.will be considered.

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Class Class formatformat will consist of: will consist of:(1)(1) lectures covering material in the required text, lectures covering material in the required text, (2)(2) homework assignments designed to illustrate various homework assignments designed to illustrate various

aspects of topics encountered in the lectures and aspects of topics encountered in the lectures and readings,readings,

(3)(3) reading assignments both from the text and reading assignments both from the text and supplemental material, supplemental material,

(4)(4) group discussion,group discussion,(5)(5) and a term paper which focuses on a topic in and a term paper which focuses on a topic in

atmospheric science chosen by the student in atmospheric science chosen by the student in consultation with the instructor.consultation with the instructor.

There are no stupid questions!!There are no stupid questions!!

PHYS 575/CSI 655Introduction to Physics and Chemistry of the Atmosphere

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Required Required TextText::

Atmospheric ScienceAtmospheric Science, , An Introductory An Introductory Survey Survey

John M. WallaceJohn M. Wallace

Peter V. HobbsPeter V. Hobbs Academic Press, 2006Academic Press, 2006 ISBN 0-12-732951-XISBN 0-12-732951-X

All lecture notes will be available on Blackboard after the corresponding lecture.

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Grading Policy:Grading Policy: *Homework = 30%,*Homework = 30%, **Two in-semester exams = 30%**Two in-semester exams = 30% **Term Paper = 30%**Term Paper = 30% ***Class participation = 10%***Class participation = 10% *Homework mainly from end-of-chapter questions.*Homework mainly from end-of-chapter questions.**You are responsible for all material from text, and **You are responsible for all material from text, and

any additional assigned readings.any additional assigned readings.*** There will be material discussed in the lectures *** There will be material discussed in the lectures

that is not included in the on-line lecture notes. that is not included in the on-line lecture notes. You are responsible for this material on exams.You are responsible for this material on exams.

PHYS 575/CSI 655Introduction to Physics and Chemistry of the Atmosphere

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PHYS-575/CSI-655 ExamsPHYS-575/CSI-655 Exams

Tentative Exam Schedule:Tentative Exam Schedule: February 28 – Exam #1February 28 – Exam #1

March 11-15 - GMU Spring BreakMarch 11-15 - GMU Spring Break April 18 – Exam #2April 18 – Exam #2

Term Paper Presentations:Term Paper Presentations: May 13 - Final ExamMay 13 - Final Exam

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Instructor and Contact info:Instructor and Contact info:

Michael E. SummersMichael E. SummersScience and Tech I, Room 303BScience and Tech I, Room 303BEmail: Email: msummers@gmu.edumsummers@gmu.eduSPACS Phone: (703) 993-1280SPACS Phone: (703) 993-1280FAX: (703) 993-1269FAX: (703) 993-1269

Office Hours (Office Hours (with appointmentwith appointment))Tuesday: 3:00-4:00pmTuesday: 3:00-4:00pmOther times available, but please Other times available, but please confirm in advance.confirm in advance.

A picture on its way to Pluto

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Required Term Paper (30% of Required Term Paper (30% of grade)grade)

A term paper (or project) is required in this course. The topic is chosen by the student with close consultation with the instructor.

Generally, the term paper topic will be related to topics discussed in the lectures, but a fair degree of latitude will be allowed in the students’ choice.

I will be glad to help students pick a topic, to narrow its focus, and to help find reference materials.

Students are encouraged to choose a topic that fascinates them and to begin working on their paper within the first few weeks of the semester, and to give the class a brief update every 2-3 weeks.

Term papers are almost always the highlight of the course.

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Term Paper FormatTerm Paper Format

The term paper must follow standard guides for research papers, The term paper must follow standard guides for research papers, and have the following sections:and have the following sections:

TitleTitle AbstractAbstract Introduction & backgroundIntroduction & background Body of paperBody of paper - with a significant number (10-15) references - with a significant number (10-15) references

to primary literature and/or review articles. This may include to primary literature and/or review articles. This may include discussion of scientific theories, observations, and/or methods.discussion of scientific theories, observations, and/or methods.

ConclusionsConclusions Figures (& captions) Figures (& captions) are important in the body of the paper.are important in the body of the paper. Primary References (not Wikipedia)Primary References (not Wikipedia)

The paper must be typed, double spaced, and have ~ 15-25 The paper must be typed, double spaced, and have ~ 15-25 pages of text, not including figures, and at least 3 figures (may pages of text, not including figures, and at least 3 figures (may have more, include captions). Please number all pages.have more, include captions). Please number all pages.

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Suggested Term Paper Themes, Spring 2013Suggested Term Paper Themes, Spring 2013

Climate Change Climate Change Planetary AtmospheresPlanetary Atmospheres

(including extra-solar planets)(including extra-solar planets)

Term paper/project – important dates:

February 26 – Tentative title/topic dueMarch 19– Abstract (1 paragraph), outline, and key references dueApril 23 – 2 minute updateMay 13 – Final paper due, and a 10-15 minute oral presentation

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Tutorials Tutorials Tutorials serve as a brief review and/or refresher of focused topics that the students have likely encountered previously in their education, but usually in a different context. For example, most physics students have taken a course in Thermodynamics or at least have covered the key thermodynamic concepts in their Freshman Intro to Physics course. Yet I’ve found that almost all physics students remember very little in this area.

The Thermo tutorial reviews the Ideal Gas Law, State Variables The Thermo tutorial reviews the Ideal Gas Law, State Variables (like Temperature, Pressure, Internal Energy, Entropy, Enthalpy, (like Temperature, Pressure, Internal Energy, Entropy, Enthalpy, Gibbs energy) the First and Second Laws, Adiabatic and Diabatic Gibbs energy) the First and Second Laws, Adiabatic and Diabatic processes, the concept of a heat engine, heat capacities and their processes, the concept of a heat engine, heat capacities and their relationship to atomic/molecular properties, and phase changes. relationship to atomic/molecular properties, and phase changes.

Tutorials usually takes about half an hour or so and provides Tutorials usually takes about half an hour or so and provides enough refresher to then tackle the applications to the enough refresher to then tackle the applications to the atmosphere.atmosphere.

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Aeronomy of Ice in the Mesosphere (AIM)Aeronomy of Ice in the Mesosphere (AIM)Hampton University (Lead)Hampton University (Lead)

UAF, LASP/CU, SDL, NRL, GATS, UAF, LASP/CU, SDL, NRL, GATS, GMUGMU, BAF, NASA, BAF, NASA

http://aim.hamptonu.edu/index.html

Launched: April 25, 2007Noctilucent Clouds: Earth’s highest clouds (82 km!) Clouds at the “edge of space” Indicators of climate change?

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New Horizons Pluto MissionNew Horizons Pluto Mission Southwest Research Institute (Lead)Southwest Research Institute (Lead)

JHU-APL, Ball, Boeing, DoE, Lockeed-Martin, JPL, JHU-APL, Ball, Boeing, DoE, Lockeed-Martin, JPL, GMUGMU, , Stanford U, U. of Colorado-LASPStanford U, U. of Colorado-LASP

Launched: 17 January 2006 Pluto Flyby: 14 July 2015

04/21/23 18Mission Website: http://marsairplane.larc.nasa.gov/

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PHYS-575/CSI-655 TopicsPHYS-575/CSI-655 TopicsSpring Semester, 2013Spring Semester, 2013

Corresponds to Chapters in Wallace & HobbsCorresponds to Chapters in Wallace & Hobbs(1)(1) Introduction and Overview of the AtmosphereIntroduction and Overview of the Atmosphere(2)(2) The Earth SystemThe Earth System(3)(3) Atmospheric ThermodynamicsAtmospheric Thermodynamics(4)(4) Atmospheric RadiationAtmospheric Radiation(5)(5) Atmospheric ChemistryAtmospheric Chemistry(6)(6) CloudsClouds(7)(7) Atmospheric DynamicsAtmospheric Dynamics(8)(8) Weather – brief coverageWeather – brief coverage(9)(9) The Boundary Layer – brief coverageThe Boundary Layer – brief coverage(10)(10) Climate DynamicsClimate Dynamics

This will be a fast-paced course! It will be very This will be a fast-paced course! It will be very important to keep up with the chapter readings.important to keep up with the chapter readings.

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(1) Overview of the Atmosphere(1) Overview of the Atmosphere

The atmosphere as a complexThe atmosphere as a complex

physical systemphysical system Survey of major & minor gases Survey of major & minor gases Sources and sinks of gases Sources and sinks of gases

(biology, chemistry, (biology, chemistry, geochemistry)geochemistry)

Vertical T, P, N structure; Vertical T, P, N structure; Atmospheric layers: Troposphere, Atmospheric layers: Troposphere,

Stratosphere, Mesosphere, Stratosphere, Mesosphere, Thermosphere/ionosphereThermosphere/ionosphere

Survey of planetary atmospheresSurvey of planetary atmospheres

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(2) The Earth System(2) The Earth System

Atmospheric Structure & CompositionAtmospheric Structure & Composition External InfluencesExternal Influences Weather and climateWeather and climate Atmospheric development Atmospheric development and co-evolution of life.and co-evolution of life.

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Biogeochemical CyclesBiogeochemical Cycles

Life and the atmosphereLife and the atmosphere Biogeochemical cyclesBiogeochemical cycles Climate forcingClimate forcing Ice agesIce ages

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(3) Atmospheric Thermodynamics(3) Atmospheric Thermodynamics

Ideal gas lawIdeal gas law Hydrostatic balanceHydrostatic balance Parcel conceptsParcel concepts The dry lapse rateThe dry lapse rate Entropy, potential temperature, Entropy, potential temperature,

and available energyand available energy

• Moisture in the atmosphere• Saturated lapse rate• Clouds • The life of a raindrop

The Influence of Water

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(4) Atmospheric Radiation(4) Atmospheric Radiation Basic concepts, flux, Basic concepts, flux,

intensity of radiationintensity of radiation Blackbody radiation Blackbody radiation Radiative transfer Radiative transfer

equationequation The greenhouse The greenhouse

equationequation

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SpectroscopySpectroscopy

Absorption and Emission Absorption and Emission by moleculesby molecules

Heating ratesHeating rates Greenhouse effect Greenhouse effect Scattering by gases and Scattering by gases and

aerosolsaerosols

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(5) Atmospheric Chemistry(5) Atmospheric Chemistry Intro to chemical reactionsIntro to chemical reactions Thermodynamics of Thermodynamics of

reactions reactions Equilibrium versus non-Equilibrium versus non-

equilibrium chemistryequilibrium chemistry The sun and atmospheric The sun and atmospheric

chemistrychemistry

http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v442/n7099/images/442145a-f1.2.jpg

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Stratospheric OzoneStratospheric Ozone

Ozone chemistryOzone chemistry Catalytic cycles Catalytic cycles Chemistry and dynamicsChemistry and dynamics Ozone HoleOzone Hole

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(6) Cloud Microphysics(6) Cloud Microphysics

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(7) Atmospheric Dynamics(7) Atmospheric Dynamics

Conservation of massConservation of mass Material derivativeMaterial derivative Conservation of Conservation of

momentum (fundamental momentum (fundamental forces)forces)

Equation of motionEquation of motion

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Non-inertial Reference FramesNon-inertial Reference Frames

Effects of rotation Effects of rotation (apparent forces)(apparent forces)

Coordinate systemsCoordinate systems Geostrophy and balanced Geostrophy and balanced

flow (diagnostic flow (diagnostic equations)equations)

Pressure coordinatesPressure coordinates Thermodynamic energy Thermodynamic energy

equationequation

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(8) Weather Systems(8) Weather Systems Quantifying effects of rotationQuantifying effects of rotation Linearized equationsLinearized equations Quasi-geostrophyQuasi-geostrophy Atmospheric wavesAtmospheric waves Boundary layers, friction and Boundary layers, friction and

stressesstresses Turbulence and mixingTurbulence and mixing The planetary boundary layerThe planetary boundary layer Instabilities and wave breakingInstabilities and wave breaking

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(9) The Atmospheric Boundary (9) The Atmospheric Boundary LayerLayer

Turbulence The Surface Energy

Balance Vertical Structure and

Evolution Special Effects The Planetary Boundary

Layer

Stably stratified flow over a ridge (side view)

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(10) Climate Dynamics(10) Climate Dynamics

The Present Day Climate Climate Variability Climate Equilibria,

Sensitivity, and Feedbacks Greenhouse Warming Climate Monitoring and

Prediction

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Climate ChangeClimate Change

History of the AtmosphereHistory of the Atmosphere Future ChangesFuture Changes Global warming (short term, Global warming (short term,

buildup of greenhouse buildup of greenhouse gases)gases)

Global warming (long-term, Global warming (long-term, runaway greenhouse)runaway greenhouse)

Climate forcing (solar, Climate forcing (solar, orbital, internal)orbital, internal)

Ozone depletion and human Ozone depletion and human activityactivity

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Term Paper SuggestionsTerm Paper SuggestionsI.I. Related to the current EarthRelated to the current Earth

Atmospheric Phenomena:Atmospheric Phenomena: Weather systemsWeather systems Hurricanes, TornadoesHurricanes, Tornadoes Optics, Aurora, airglowOptics, Aurora, airglow Atmosphere – ocean effectsAtmosphere – ocean effects El Nino El Nino

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Term Paper SuggestionsTerm Paper SuggestionsI. Related to the current EarthI. Related to the current EarthGlobal Atmospheric Change:Global Atmospheric Change: Causes of climate change (e.g. solar forcing, industrial Causes of climate change (e.g. solar forcing, industrial

emissions)emissions) Ozone depletion and consequent biological effectsOzone depletion and consequent biological effects Greenhouse models and long-term predictionGreenhouse models and long-term prediction Regional effects of climate changeRegional effects of climate changeGlobal Atmospheric Stability:Global Atmospheric Stability: Ice agesIce ages The The ““runaway greenhouserunaway greenhouse”” Chaos in the climate systemChaos in the climate system DMS thermostatDMS thermostat Gaia hypothesis (homeostatic control)Gaia hypothesis (homeostatic control)

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Term Paper SuggestionsTerm Paper SuggestionsII. Related to the origin and evolution of the EarthII. Related to the origin and evolution of the Earth’’s Atmosphere:s Atmosphere:EarthEarth’’s early atmosphere:s early atmosphere: Source(s) of the early atmosphere (e.g. volcanoes, comets)Source(s) of the early atmosphere (e.g. volcanoes, comets) Greenhouse effect, i.e., role of COGreenhouse effect, i.e., role of CO2, H, H22O, CHO, CH44 on surface on surface

temperaturetemperature Faint Sun ParadoxFaint Sun ParadoxAsteroid and comet impacts:Asteroid and comet impacts: Effects of asteroid impacts on atmosphere and climateEffects of asteroid impacts on atmosphere and climate Escape of light gasses from top of atmosphereEscape of light gasses from top of atmosphere Formation of oxygen atmosphere from waterFormation of oxygen atmosphere from water Photosynthesis and oxygen; Ozone layer with low OPhotosynthesis and oxygen; Ozone layer with low O22 abundances abundances Stromatolites and atmospheric gassesStromatolites and atmospheric gasses

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Term Paper SuggestionsTerm Paper SuggestionsII. Related to the origin and evolution of the II. Related to the origin and evolution of the

EarthEarth’’s Atmosphere:s Atmosphere:Ice agesIce ages Iceline problem, unstable to both + and – solar changes.Iceline problem, unstable to both + and – solar changes. Runaway ice age and sensitivity to solar output.Runaway ice age and sensitivity to solar output.Snowball Earth and the effects on the AtmosphereSnowball Earth and the effects on the Atmosphere How fast can ocean and atmosphere freeze? Will thawing How fast can ocean and atmosphere freeze? Will thawing

overshoot and create a hot and violent atmosphere?overshoot and create a hot and violent atmosphere?Greenhouse effectGreenhouse effect Greenhouse effect at several points in EarthGreenhouse effect at several points in Earth ’’s history and futures history and futureAtmospheric shieldingAtmospheric shielding Early Earth and hot sunEarly Earth and hot sun Supernova, cosmic rays, effects and frequencySupernova, cosmic rays, effects and frequency Induced mutations and effects on surface lifeInduced mutations and effects on surface lifeBiogeochemical cycles (oxygen, carbon, nitrogen, sulfur)Biogeochemical cycles (oxygen, carbon, nitrogen, sulfur)

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Term Paper SuggestionsTerm Paper SuggestionsIII. Mars and VenusIII. Mars and VenusVenus: Venus: Runaway greenhouseRunaway greenhouse VolcanoesVolcanoes Surface chemistry & thermal chemistrySurface chemistry & thermal chemistry Cloud physics and chemistryCloud physics and chemistryMars:Mars: Stability of water on the surface, e.g. source of Stability of water on the surface, e.g. source of ““gulliesgullies”” Evolution of the atmosphereEvolution of the atmosphere WhereWhere’’s all the water?s all the water? Atmospheric dynamicsAtmospheric dynamics Atmospheric chemistryAtmospheric chemistry Dust stormsDust storms

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Term Paper SuggestionsTerm Paper SuggestionsIV. Outer solar system atmospheresIV. Outer solar system atmospheres

Jupiter:Jupiter: Atmospheric dynamics of bands and Atmospheric dynamics of bands and

zones, spotszones, spots Colors of clouds: role of chemistry Colors of clouds: role of chemistry

and cloud physicsand cloud physics

EuropaEuropa’’s Atmosphere:s Atmosphere: State of transient atmosphere. State of transient atmosphere.

Subsurface liquid water?Subsurface liquid water? Stability over long time periodsStability over long time periods

Io: supersonic winds:Io: supersonic winds: Atmosphere/plasma torus Atmosphere/plasma torus

interactionsinteractions Surface colors from atmospheric Surface colors from atmospheric

gasesgases

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Term Paper SuggestionsTerm Paper SuggestionsIV. Outer solar system IV. Outer solar system

atmospheresatmospheresTitan:Titan: Analog of early EarthAnalog of early Earth’’s atmospheres atmosphere Source of cloudsSource of clouds Surface/atmosphere/seas interactionSurface/atmosphere/seas interaction

Pluto and CharonPluto and Charon Stability of atmosphere on Pluto, Stability of atmosphere on Pluto,

Charon (& KBOCharon (& KBO’’s)s) Hydrodynamic escape of atmospheresHydrodynamic escape of atmospheres Low temperature atmospheric Low temperature atmospheric

chemistrychemistry Radiative/convective models.Radiative/convective models.

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First Assignment (Monday, Jan. 22, 2013)First Assignment (Monday, Jan. 22, 2013)

Read: Wallace & Hobbs, Chapters 1 & 2Read: Wallace & Hobbs, Chapters 1 & 2

Read: D. Bodanis article Read: D. Bodanis article ““ItIt’’s in the air…s in the air…””

Chapter 1 problems:Chapter 1 problems:

1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 1.17, 1.181.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 1.17, 1.18

Due: Monday, February 5Due: Monday, February 5

For Problem 1.6, write 1-2 sentence explanationFor Problem 1.6, write 1-2 sentence explanation

Please look at the problems by next Monday (1/29) to Please look at the problems by next Monday (1/29) to see if you have any questionssee if you have any questions..

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Suggested ReadingsSuggested Readings

The Physics of AtmospheresThe Physics of Atmospheres, John T Houghton, 2nd edition, , John T Houghton, 2nd edition, Cambridge,1986.Cambridge,1986.

An Introduction to Atmospheric PhysicsAn Introduction to Atmospheric Physics, , David G. Andrews, Cambridge University Press, 2000.David G. Andrews, Cambridge University Press, 2000.

Physics and Chemistry of the Solar SystemPhysics and Chemistry of the Solar System, 2, 2ndnd Edition, J.S. Lewis, Edition, J.S. Lewis, Academic Press, 2004.Academic Press, 2004.

Theory of Planetary AtmospheresTheory of Planetary Atmospheres, 2, 2ndnd Edition, J.W. Chamberlain, D.M. Edition, J.W. Chamberlain, D.M. Hunten, Academic Press, 1986.Hunten, Academic Press, 1986.

Photochemistry of Planetary AtmospheresPhotochemistry of Planetary Atmospheres, Y.L. Yung, W.B. Demore, , Y.L. Yung, W.B. Demore, Oxford, 1998.Oxford, 1998.

Earth: Evolution of a Habitable WorldEarth: Evolution of a Habitable World, J. I. Lunine, Cambridge, 1998., J. I. Lunine, Cambridge, 1998.

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Useful Websites:Useful Websites:American Meteorological Society:American Meteorological Society:http://www.ametsoc.org/http://www.ametsoc.org/

National Aeronautics and Space Administration:National Aeronautics and Space Administration:http://www.nasa.govhttp://www.nasa.gov

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration:National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration:http://www.noaa.gov/http://www.noaa.gov/

The Weather Channel:The Weather Channel:http://www.weather.com/http://www.weather.com/

The NASA Astrobiology Institute:The NASA Astrobiology Institute:http://nai.nasa.gov/http://nai.nasa.gov/

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Important Dates:Important Dates:

January 29 – Enrollment Deadline.January 29 – Enrollment Deadline. This is the This is the last day to add into a course. Students may not last day to add into a course. Students may not register into any section after this date. No register into any section after this date. No exceptions. This is also the last day to drop a exceptions. This is also the last day to drop a course without losing tuition money. course without losing tuition money.

February 22 – Drop Deadline.February 22 – Drop Deadline. This is the last This is the last day a student may drop a course. After this day a student may drop a course. After this date, students may withdraw from a course, date, students may withdraw from a course, but only according to strict university but only according to strict university guidelines. guidelines.

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Academic IntegrityAcademic Integrity GMU is an Honor Code university; please see the University Catalog for a full description of the code and the honor committee process. The principle of academic integrity is taken very seriously and violations are treated gravely.

What does academic integrity mean in this course? Essentially this: when you are responsible for a task, you will perform that task. When you rely on someone else’s work in an aspect of the performance of that task, you will give full credit in the proper, accepted form.

Another aspect of academic integrity is the free play of ideas. Vigorous discussion and debate are encouraged in this course, with the firm expectation that all aspects of the class will be conducted with civility and respect for differing ideas, perspectives, and traditions. When in doubt (of any kind) please ask for guidance and clarification.

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Students with Students with DisabilitiesDisabilities

If you are a student with a disability and you need academic accommodations, please see me and contact the Office of Disability Resources at 703/993-2474.

All academic accommodations must be arranged through that office.

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Other Useful Campus ResourcesOther Useful Campus ResourcesWRITING CENTER: A114 Robinson Hall; (703) 993-1200; http://writingcenter.gmu.edu

UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES “Ask a Librarian”http://library.gmu.edu/mudge/IM/IMRef.html

COUNSELING AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES (CAPS): (703) 993-2380;http://caps.gmu.edu

The University Catalog, http://catalog.gmu.edu

is the central resource for university policies affecting student, faculty, and staff conduct in university affairs.