Exploring Biology
Fall 2010
Phone: 408-855-5267
Office: SCI-130
Office hours: Wednesday 10:00 – 12:30 pm
& Friday 2:15 – 3:15 pm
Mailbox: Room SCI-131
Email: address for fastest response replicon@coastside.net
Syllabus online:
http://missioncollege.org/depts/biology/replicon/BIOSC8.html
How to contact me or get help:
-Email: replicon@coastside.net
-Post your question on Have a Question discussion forum on ANGEL
-Visit during office hours
Student
Learning Outcomes:
Course information:
This online class is self-guided and requires a lot of reading and assignments. It is designed for the student who can work independently.
This course requires basic computer skills and ready access to a dependable computer system with internet access. Since computers are known to sometimes undependable, please have a back up plan if your system were to go down. Your class work is stored on ANGEL and can be accessed on any computer that is connected to the internet.
It is often difficult to feel in touch with other classmates and the instructor. Use the Have a Question discussion forum to share your ideas with one another, comment on course material, and post questions for the instructor. Students often have similar questions. Posting your questions allows everyone to benefit from the response instead of just emailing the instructor. Feel free to answer each otherıs questions to help out one another.
Required Text and Supplemental Materials:
Essentials of the Living World (third ed.) by George Johnson and Jonathan Losos
(McGraw-Hill) 2008. (available in bookstore)
Cycles of Life:Exploring Biology, The Complete 2 DVD set
Coast Learning Systems (available in bookstore)
Reliable Computer Access
Two scantrons (882-E) and
No. 2 Pencil for midterm and final
Class resources:
ANGEL Class website access: http://wvmccd.angellearning.com
or by clicking Angel log in on the Quick link menu of Mission College home page.
Your
user name is your student ID # and your initial password is your 6 digit birth
date
Need help using ANGEL? See this helpful quick guide at
http://angelsupport.missioncollege.org/students/
Your class
materials are all available on ANGEL under following tabs:
The
COURSE tab has announcements and your overall grade
The
SYLLABUS tab has syllabus and class
schedule
The
LESSONS tab has folders with:
This Week in Class—start here: list of everything to do that week
Video podcasts : podcasts that correspond to assigned
reading
Class notes- pdf files that have all the slides from
the podcasts
Study questions – online questions to complete
that can be saved and re-accessed
Discussion forum- for you to participate in class online
discussions
Quiz- timed quiz for you to take
The COMMUNICATE tab- to access to your ANGEL email account
The REPORT tab-detailed and updated grade information
About the podcasts:
New podcasts for each chapter are being produced this semester and will be available both on ANGEL and the webhosting site, vimeo.com when they are ready.
Students may access them either way!
To access the video podcasts on ANGEL
· Go to Lectures folder. Open to find the Chapters listed. Find the Chapter you are interested in and click the link
To access the video podcasts on VIMEO
· Go to vimeo.com Enter jean replicon in the upper right corner search box. Click on any podcast it lists to view
Currently the podcasts are not password protected, but this may change. If it is requested, please use the password student
There is a download option available to anyone who joins Vimeo as a Basic user (itıs free). This download option available on the bottom right of the video and is visible only to users, below where it says ³About this video²
However, this is entirely optional and downloading is generally not needed by most students.
Textbook website: The text has many resources available
to students including chapter quizzes.
To reach these go to http://www.mhhe.com/esstlw3 and
click on Student Edition and proceed to the Chapter you are interested in.
NOTE: What the
website calls End
of Chapter Quiz is the same as the Self Tests in our textbook. You are
responsible for knowing these well for our class. There is a benefit to studying them online explanations are
given for any answers you miss.
Class
Policies:
You are expected to conduct yourself in a professional manner at all times. The College has a zero-tolerance policy toward any speech or behavior that disrupts the learning environment or prevents any student from achieving their educational goals. If inappropriate comments are made online, the instructor may delete the comments and report the student to the dean.
Do not post questions about your grades or other personal information on the message board. Please email me personally with any questions about your grade.
Weekly progress You can locate the study questions, discussions, and quizzes in the folder for the current week in the appropriately dated folder on the Lessons page of ANGEL. Items are due every week to keep you on track. Students who have not submitted items for grading for two weeks are automatically dropped from the class.
Penalties for cheating and plagiarism
Cheating
and plagiarism are not tolerated on any class assignment, quiz or exam.
ALL WRITTEN RESPONSES SUBMITTED IN THIS CLASS SHOULD BE IN THE STUDENTıS OWN WORDS.
Students submitting answers that
were not written by them personally will not be given credit for that
assignment (0 pts).
The following are examples of
cheating and plagiarism:
Anyone involved in cheating will
be penalized by receiving a zero points for that particular assignment, quiz,
exam, or extra credit. And so if two students are involved, both will be
penalized since it is impossible to prove who has copied from whom. Please be sure not to lend out your assignments to
avoid being implicated in cheating!
Students who cheat more than once on any quiz, exam or assignment
will be referred to the Vice President of Student Services.
You may ask yourself³So am I plagiarizing?²
There's a great website by Indiana University that discusses plagiarism, gives examples of plagiarized and non-plagiarized passages and tips on how to avoid plagiarism:
http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets/plagiarism.shtml
Description of Classwork:
Assigned questions
For each chapter covered, students are responsible for
answering the self test questions at the end of each chapter and supplemental
study questions provided by the instructor online (see ANGEL website). Together, these questions will help you
understand key concepts from the course and prepare you for lecture quizzes and
tests. In order to successfully
complete this course you will need to stay up-to-date and submit your responses
online by midnight of the specified due date. You will be inputting your answers directly online. Save
often to avoid losing your work. A Save and Continue Later button at the very
bottom of the page saves the file so you can continue immediately or return to
it later. You may wish to write up
your study question responses initially in a separate word document in case
ANGEL becomes unresponsive (this can happen!)
When you are all done and are ready to submit your assignment, click submit and it will be sent to me. ANGEL will indicate the assignment has been submitted and the date and time it was done. If you donıt see this information, then the study question responses were not submitted and will not be credited. In this situation you must email the instructor immediately and wait for further instructions.
Late assignments will be accepted but must be emailed to the instructor and are subject to point deduction penalties. The later the submission, the greater the value of points that will be deducted. To obtain points, late submissions should have the students name, class and assignment in the subject line of the email, for example:
Subject: Jan Smith BIOSC8 Quiz 2 Study questions
Study questions help is available!
The instructor will gladly help answering any of the textbook or study questions. Please email me with the question you would like to have answered. I will provide the answer as soon as possible on the Have a Question discussion forum so that everyone can benefit. You therefore may wish to check here often to read the answers to other studentsı questions as well.
Class Discussions involve posting your ideas on a specified topic where everyone can read your work. For each discussion, read the
directions and make two significant and meaningful postings about the topic prior to
midnight of the specified due date. At least
one of your postings should be a reply to another studentıs idea. Because of the interactive nature of discussions, your
postings must be made prior to the deadline so that others will have the
opportunity to read them. It
is for this reason that:
Postings
made to the weekly discussions after the stated deadline will receive no credit
(0 pts)
Start a discussion idea by
clicking New
Post. Respond to what others
have already posted by clicking Reply. Each of your
two posts should be at least a full paragraph in length and contain real substance and
original ideas relevant to the topic. You may wish to provide website links to
add to the discussion, explaining why you think your link is relevant.
Please be sure to be respectful of other people when you make your comments.
Quizzes will be taken online in ANGEL. Quizzes will be posted and can be taken one day prior to their due dates. Before the quiz, review assigned questions, video podcasts, instructorıs class notes, readings, and self-tests from your textbook. You may have these items handy.
Once you access the quiz, you will be forced to complete it, so choose a time when you can focus and will not be interrupted. Click on the quiz only when you are really ready to begin. There is a 40 minute time limit for quizzes. The quizzes are typically about 20 questions in a T/F, multiple choice or fill-in-the-blank format. Read each question carefully. Do not exit the quiz once you begin since you will not be able to re-access it. When you are done with all questions, click submit and you will automatically receive your grade. ANGEL should indicate that the quiz has been submitted and the date and time it was done. If you donıt see this information, then the quiz was not submitted and will not be credited. If this should happen to you, please contact your instructor immediately and wait for further instructions.
The correct answers to quiz questions will be available on ANGEL soon after its due date.
Again, any quizzes submitted
after the stated deadline will not receive credit
It is recommended that you review and understand any
questions you may have missed on the quiz because these same concepts may
reappear on future exams. If you
think that you got a quiz question correct and it was misgraded by the
computerized grader, please let the instructor know. Send an email referring simply to the Quiz #, question #,
your section # and ask that it be re-evaluated.
Exams will be taken on campus on the scheduled dates. If
absolutely necessary, alternate arrangements can be made, but this must be done
a full week in advance. Exams will be multiple choice, T/F, and matching
questions. You will need two scantrons, one for the midterm and one for the
final. Electronic translators, dictionaries, and any other study aids cannot be
used.
Grade
Assignment and Course Expectations:
Below are the components of your course grade:
|
|
|
Points |
Percentage |
|
Study questions |
7 @ 20 pts each |
= 140 pts |
14% |
|
Discussions |
7 @ 20 pts each |
= 140 pts |
14% |
|
Quizzes |
8@40 pts each |
= 320 pts |
32% |
|
Midterm |
|
= 200 pts |
20% |
|
Final |
|
= 200 pts |
20% |
|
TOTAL POINTS |
|
=1000 pts |
100% |
A= > 900 B= 800 to 899 C=700 to 799 D= 600 to 699 F= < 599
A= > 90% B= 80-89.9% C=70-79.9% D= 60-69.9% F= < 59.9%
This course may be taken
for Credit/No Credit. The instructor must be notified in writing by the 5th week of class if you wish to exercise this
option. Credit will be given to students who attain over 700 points.
Extra
credit opportunities
will be available. See details on
the Lessons page on ANGEL.
Seeing your grades. Student grades will be posted regularly on ANGEL.
A grade summary overview will be on the main course page. However you must click the refresh button to see the most current grade information.
Find your detailed itemized grade record by going to the Report tab. On this page you will be given options for which Category of report to choose. Simply select the Grades category and then click Run. A report of every score you have received in class will be listed and along with an overall score will posted at the top.
Dropping the
class If you decide not to complete this course, it is your
responsibility to drop. Important dates to know in order to drop the
course: 9/12/2010 is the last day to drop with refund, 9/17/2010 is last drop
date without refund and 11/19/2010 is last day to drop with ³W².
The instructor reserves the option to drop a student, if he/she fails to submit ten percent of the online assignments, discussions or quizzes.
Doing Well in Class Follow these recommendations to enhance your performance in
this class
1. Reread class syllabus and schedule
at home.
2. Do not delay in purchasing the
textbook and DVDs.
3. Get organized to start this
course. If you have a personal calendar, mark all of the course due dates onto
it. Late work is not acceptable.
4. Log onto ANGEL frequently and open
the folder for the current week. Each folder will indicate where to find the
material for the week and list any study questions, discussions or quizzes that
are due. Make sure to check the main page for announcements or any additional
class information.
5. If you have questions about the course material, consider
posting them to the Have a Question Discussion Forum
6. A large percentage of your grade is
awarded are through on-campus exams. Prepare well on these important closed
note exams by:
a. Keep up with all reading, study questions, and textbook
self-tests
b. Do all of your own work
c. Set aside
enough time to study
for the exam.
d. Know well the terms and concepts
that appear in your assigned questions and quizzes.
e. Spend time reviewing the questions
you missed on quizzes.
f. Arrive on time for your exams with
a picture ID, scantron and pencil.
7. If you realize you are not doing well
in the class, seek out the instructor to make arrangements to get further
personalized help.
School Policies and Services:
Cell phones must be turned off before any campus meetings, as ringing disrupts class and interferes with the learning process. Mission College is now a smoke-free campus; smoking is permitted only in parking lots.
The college has a recycling program. Please do not dispose of recyclable items into trash cans. Put paper and cardboard into paper recycling crates. Place plastic, glass and aluminum items into beverage recycling containers. If you are unable to locate these recycling containers, please do not hesitate to ask your instructor or college staff for assistance.
Free tutoring is available to all students on campus; contact the Tutoring Center, 2nd floor of the Campus Center (855-5371) http://www.missioncollege.org/depts/academic_skills/tutoring_center.html
Any student who feels s/he may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact me to discuss your specific needs. Please contact DISC (Disability Instructional Support Center) located in S2-201 (408-855-5085 or 408-727-9243 TTY) to coordinate reasonable accommodations for students with documentation.
If you have
a complaint or someone has shared information with you as a student or employee
that is unlawful discrimination or sexual harassment, contact the Director of
Human Resources at (408) 741-2060.
If the Director of Human Resources is not available, contact the
President of Mission College at (408) 855-5123.
Mission College is one of the safest campuses in California. However, earthquakes and other incidents have been known to happen. The college has developed an emergency procedures plan. A condensed version of this plan is in the form of an orange colored flip chart is posted along with other emergency information on the bulletin board in classrooms, staff offices and at various locations throughout the campus. In the event the school closure please log onto our class website on ANGEL for specific class information.
Evacuation Plan: In the event of an evacuation, the emergency assembly area for this classroom is in Parking Lot D. Take all of your belongings with you. While we will try to evacuate together as a group, if you get separated we will regroup at our assembly area in Parking Lot D. Do not leave campus or the assembly area unless instructed to do so by me or another responsible official (college administrator, police, fire, etc.).
Important phone numbers and location of emergency supplies
|
Student Health Services on campus |
x 5140 (408-855-5140) |
|
Safety Escort |
x 5435 (408-855-5435) |
|
Accessible campus phone |
x 5267 (408-855-5267) in my office SCI-130 |
|
Closest Public pay phone |
NE corner of main building |
|
Closest fire alarm: manual pull station |
In lab room SCI-230 |
|
Closest fire extinguisher |
Biology prep room SCI-210 |
|
Closest first aid kit |
In lab room SCI-230 |
|
A.E.D. (nearest Automatic External Defibrillator) !!!! Alarm will sound. CALL 911 !!!! |
Applied Science office W2-402 |
Week
|
Dates |
Topic |
Assigned
Reading & Questions |
Video Prog. |
Items due May be submitted
online anytime. Must be submitted by midnight of due date. |
|
|
1 |
Aug 30-Sept 3 |
Science of Biology |
Chap 1 |
1 |
Due
Thursday Sept 2 · Quiz 1 on syllabus |
|
|
2 |
Sept 6 - 10 |
Chemistry of Life |
Chap 2 |
2 |
Due Thursday
Sept 9 · Assigned Discussion |
|
|
3 |
Sept 13 - 17 |
Molecules of Life |
Chap 3 |
|
Due Thursday
Sept 16 · Study questions for Chap 1 - 2 · Quiz 2 on Chap 1 - 2 |
|
|
4 |
Sept 20 - 24 |
Cells Energy and Life |
Chap 4 Chap 5 |
3 |
Due Thursday
Sept 23 · Assigned Discussion |
|
|
5 |
Sept 27 - Oct 1 |
Photosynthesis |
Chap 6 |
4 |
Due Thursday
Sept 30 · Study questions for Chap 3 - 5 · Quiz 3 on Chap 3 - 5 |
|
|
6 |
Oct 4 - 8 |
Harvest Energy from Food Mitosis |
Chap 7 Chap
8 |
5 |
Due Thursday Oct
7 · Assigned Discussion |
|
|
7 |
Oct 11 - 15 |
Meiosis |
Chap
9 |
6 |
Due Thursday Oct
14 · Study questions for Chap 5-9 · Quiz 4 on Chap 5-9 |
|
|
8 |
Oct 18 – 22 |
Foundations of Genetics |
Chap 10 |
7 |
Due Thursday Oct
21 · Assigned Discussion |
|
|
|
On campus MIDTERM on Chap 1 – 9
is Tues Oct 19 7-9 PM in SCI-230 |
|||||
|
9 |
Oct 25 - 29 |
DNA |
Chap 11 |
8 |
Due Thursday Oct
28 · Study questions for Chap 10 · Quiz 5 on Chap 10 |
|
|
10 |
Nov 1 - 5 |
How Genes Work New Biology |
Chap 12 Chap
13 |
9 |
Due Thursday Nov
4 · Assigned Discussion |
|
|
11 |
Nov 8 - 12 |
Evolution, Natural Selection |
Chap
14 |
10, 11 |
Due Thursday Nov
11 · Study questions for Chap 11 -13 · Quiz 6 on Chap 11-13 |
|
|
12 |
Nov 15 - 19 |
Biological Diversity Evolution of Microbial Life |
Chap 15 Chap 16 |
12 |
Due Thursday Nov
18 · Assigned Discussion |
|
|
13 |
Nov 22 - 26 |
Evolution of Plants Evolution of Animals |
Chap 17 Chap 18 |
13 |
Due Wednesday
Nov 24 (day before Thanksgiving) · Study questions for Chap 14-16 · Quiz 7 on Chap 14 - 16 |
|
|
14 |
Nov 29 – Dec 3 |
Populations and Communities |
Chap 19 |
24 |
Due Thursday Dec
2 · Assigned Discussion |
|
|
15 |
Dec 6 - 10 |
Ecosystems Human Influence |
Chap 20 Chap 22 |
25 |
Due Thursday Dec 9 · Study questions for Chap 17 - 19 · Quiz 8 on Chap 17 - 19 |
|
|
16 |
Dec 13 - 17 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
On campus FINAL on Chap 11 – 20 and 22 is
Tues Dec 14 7-9 PM in SCI-230 |
|||||