Welcome to Earth Science 100, Earth Sciences, an on-line, internet-mediated course at College of DuPage. Many of the students who enroll in this course do so to satisfy a laboratory-science general education requirement, some to fulfill state teaching certification requirements, and others for personal enrichment. Those who complete this course earn five quarter hours of college credit for a laboratory science.

Unlike a traditional Earth Science 100 course completed in a classroom environment, much of the learning process is driven by the student. You will be responsible for establishing a pace throughout the quarter which will allow you to complete your course work prior to the established deadlines. Generate a schedule for your work and adhere to it closely. Scheduling guidelines are built into this online course to encourage timely completion of each course element.

Students who have successfully completed similar self-paced courses in the past have tended to possess good reading comprehension and study skills, strong self-motivation, and excellent self-discipline. To achieve similar success, read all assignments and follow all instructions carefully, complete all course requirements thoroughly, and immediately communicate your difficulties with any component of the course to the instructor via e-mail, phone, or chat session.

This online approach to Earth Science 100 is presently undergoing field testing. Although every attempt has been made to ensure that your course work will progress smoothly, there may be occasional unforeseen obstacles during your learning experience. Therefore, you may have the opportunity to contribute to the course development process by providing valuable feedback with respect to the course materials. Please report any errors or confusing course components as soon as possible by e-mailing the intructor. Your reports will permit prompt adjustments to the course materials.

Because this is a course undergoing field testing, permits will be required by the Assessment and Testing Lab in order to complete an exam. These permits can be accessed on the exams page of this web site. Simply print the Test Permit page and present it to the Assessment and Testing Lab when you wish to take the exam.

Every attempt has been made to assure that your educational experience in Earth Science 100 is stimulating and fruitful. Enjoy your journey through the many fascinating realms of the earth!

NOTE: It is strongly recommended that you read the Course Info Page, followed by the Syllabus, and then the Course Handbook.