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NS 1021A: Introduction to Biology: Organisms and the Environment
Summer '08 Syllabus
Dr. Cindy Tolman, Instructor
Office: FAB 417, phone ext. 1640
Class meets Monday through Friday, 9 am - 12 pm, FAB 408
Office Hours: 8:00 - 9:00 am and 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, or as time permits, FAB 408.
Evening science/math support with Carolyn Fairchild: Sunday - Thursday, 6-10 pm, EAB 108.
Text: The Living World: Basic Concepts, George B. Johnson, McGraw-Hill, 2006
COURSE INFORMATION AND EXPECTATIONS
Course Description
Course Objectives
Skills Required
Master Notebook
Homework
Lab Reports
Late Work Policy
Exams
Case Studies
and Position Papers
Attendance
Student computer use aggreement
Student Code of Conduct
Grading
Course Description: This course is a survey
of biological properties and processes, including the broad categories of
genetics, evolution and biodiversity, and ecology.
Information will be presented using a variety of teaching methods including
lecture, demonstration, class discussion, hands-on laboratory work, and
individual and/or group student presentations. The process of science is one of questioning;
consequently, students are encouraged to ask questions and pursue the answers
both inside and outside of class time.
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Course Objectives: By the end of the course, students should have:
improved their questioning skills by learning what constitutes a good scientific question
Skills Required: Students will need to apply
their study skills including:
In addition, students must learn and apply science specific study skills including:
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Master Notebooks: Each student will keep
a master notebook for this course. Since this course is credit level, I will
assume students know how best to organize their notebooks to fit their own
learning style, however, one section must be set aside for lab notes.
I will not collect master notebooks. If, however, a student has difficulty
with the assignments or exams, I will require a conference including review
of the master notebook in order to work out ways of improving performance
in the class.
Homework: There will be homework assignments each day, usually involving questions based on reading from the textbook.
Lab reports: Reports will be required after the completion of each lab activity. Each student will be required to keep a lab notebook or a lab section of their master notebook for taking notes during labs. These notes will form the basis for the lab reports. Most labs will be done with partners, but each student must keep his or her own lab notes and turn in his or her own lab reports. Information on the organization of lab notes and lab reports will be given at the first lab session.
Late work policy: All work is expected to be turned in on time. Work other than textbook homework which is turned in one day late loses 10%. Work turned in more than one day late up to one week after it was due loses 50%. Work will not be accepted more than one week late. If you cannot get work completed on the day it is due, speak to the instructor before the due date to arrange an extension. Any extensions arranged on the day work is due will lose the 10% for one day late. Late homework from the textbook is 50% off whenever it is turned in.
Tests: There will be four unit tests during the summer term. These will include a short in-class test consisting of multiple choice and short answer questions, and several short take-home essays due on different days spaced out throughout the five weeks. Students who are unhappy with their in-class test scores may make corrections within one week of receiving their grade. Corrected questions will receive 1/2 credit and the points will be added to the exam total.
Case Studies and Position Papers: Throughout the term there will be case studies presented for the class to discuss. Case studies allow students to use their scientific knowledge to evaluate a current or historical problem. Students, working in groups, will be required to present cases to the class. In addition to case studies, several current issues which are related to biology will be presented for discussion in class. Students will be required to pick an issue and write a position paper on that issue, presenting the scientific background and any ethical or social considerations, and take a particular position using well reasoned arguments.
Attendance/participation: Please review the Landmark attendance policy as published in the Student Handbook. This is a participatory class. There will be frequent in-class activities, as well as class discussions. Students who are not in class obviously cannot participate in these aspects of the course, and other students lose the benefit of the absentee's input. Therefore, attendance in class is required.
The student's advisor will be notified after the second and each subsequent absence via the ISIS system. If a student misses 3 classes, he or she must write a letter explaining to the instructor why he or she should be allowed to remain in the class. Students who do not follow this procedure after 3 absences will be asked to withdraw as specified by Landmark policy.
Attendance is part of the grade for the course, and students who miss classes will lose points. If you must miss a class due to illness or other dire circumstances beyond your control, please let me know before class by phone (x1640), in writing, or via e-mail (ctolman).
It is the individual student's responsibility to get information missed
from any classes from which he or she was absent. Labs cannot be made
up if you miss one. Contact me ahead of
time if it is absolutely impossible (for example if you are on
your death bed) for you to attend a lab session.
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Student Computer Use: Students may use computers in the classroom for taking notes and for other legitimate course work. Students may not use their computers for personal email, Face Book, work on other courses, etc. during class time. If students are found to be using their computers inappropriately, they will be asked to close them the first time. If it occurs a second time, the computer will be taken by the instructor until the end of the period. Please read and sign the computer use agreement handed out in class.
Student Code of Conduct (from the Landmark College Student Handbook)
All students and staff of Landmark College are members of a unique educational community, whose goal is to enable each student to tap his or her full potential for success. Such a challenging goal requires tremendous individual effort on the part of each student and cooperative effort on the part of each member of the Landmark community. The guiding principles of the Landmark community include hard work, respect for others and oneself, honesty, personal accountability, and careful organization of time and materials. The following standards of conduct are examples and general expectations for all student members of the Landmark College community:
Honesty in academic endeavors and in all aspects of campus life.
Commitment to a safe, clean, congenial, and productive learning environment.
Commitment to an understanding of one’s own strengths and weaknesses, and to academic and personal growth.
Respect for the feelings, time, efforts, and physical well-being of others, and for their capacity for growth.
Respect for the property and materials of Landmark College and all members of the Landmark community.
Respect for the rules and regulations of Landmark College and its governing bodies, and the laws of the State of Vermont and of the United States.
40% tests, essays
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