INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

OFFICE HOURS

REQUIRED OR RECOMMENDED COURSE MATERIALS

Required text: Required or Recommended Course Materials:

Inquiry Into Life, 15^th ed., Mader & Windelspecht

ISBN  9781259426162

Required: NCTC Lab Manual for Biology 1408 (purchase at the book store)

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (From Academic Course Guide Manual/Workforce Education Course Manual/NCTC Catalog

COURSE REQUIREMENTS, EVALUATION METHODS AND GRADING CRITERIA

GRADING CRITERIA

90% of total possible points=A, 80%=B, 70%=C, 60%=D and below 60%=F

Final grades will be determined on the basis of exam performance in both lab and lecture.  The final is optional and may be taken to replace any grade of the previous three lecture exams.  If you take the final you will be committed to that grade (lower or higher).  The final is comprehensive.

Exams will be evaluated and grades determined as quickly as possible and posted on Canvas.  Grades WILL NOT be given out over the phone, nor will grades be discussed with any individual other than the student.

No leaving the exam once it has begun.  All electronic devices will be stored away during exams.  If you utilize any device during an exam or practical, you will be removed from the course.

All cellular phones must be turned off while in lecture or lab.  It is rude to other students and the instructor to have your phone disrupt the class. 

Inappropriate classroom behavior will not be tolerated.  It is assumed that adults in a collegiate environment will act accordingly.  The instructor retains the right to drop students who display inappropriate behavior.

Visitors and guests must be approved by the instructor.

Attendance is required.  Students are expected to attend class and lab regularly.  Nine hours of absence from class/lab may result in dismissal from this course. 

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

 COURSE SUBJECT OUTLINE (Major Assignments, Due Dates, and Grading Criteria)

Date                                                     Lecture                                              Lab

This is a tentative schedule which is subject to change.  Education is a multi-faceted process. Enrollment in this class and the assumption that you will simply attend lecture and lab and take examinations to receive credit for the course will get you credit hours in biology, but will not adequately enhance your learning experience.  To assure you of an enhanced education in biology, on December 6, you will have one hour to write an essay in class with the following title: "Faith, Fact, Intelligent Design and Darwinism".  No references of any kind will be allowed, therefore, you must mentally prepare your information for presentation beforehand.  The essay will be turned in at the end of the class period with no further work allowed.  A blue book will be required for submitting your essay.  Your essay will be evaluated in the following manner. (Syntax-15 points, Form/punctuation-15 points and Content-100 points)

The topic discussions on, September 18, November 13 and December 4, will be on subject matter to be announced.  They will consist of a typed one page referenced abstract paper (must have at least 3 references) to be turned in and class discussion.  Up to fifteen (15) points can be received for the abstract and 25 points for the class discussion.  Your paper will be graded on neatness, attention to detail and understanding of subject matter. References (at least 3) should come from reputable print media or online periodicals.  You may NOT use a discussion online reference such as "Wikipedia."  The topic discussion will be graded individually, not as a class.  You will be graded not on your opinion but on your knowledge of the subject matter. All papers should follow MLA format. 

Final for this class will be Monday December 11 at 3 pm.

No classes Labor Day, September 4.

Last day to Drop class with a W, November 9.

Thanksgiving Break November 22 after 3:00 – November 25.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Regular and punctual attendance is expected of all students in all classes for which they have registered.  All absences are considered to be unauthorized unless the student is absent due to illness or emergencies as determined by the instructor.  It is the student responsibility to provide documentation as to the emergency for approval and judgement by the faculty member.  Approved college sponsored activities are the only absences for which a student should not be held liable and only when provided by a college official ahead of the absence.  Valid reasons for absence, however, do not relieve the student of the responsibility for making up required work.  Students will not be allowed to make up an examination missed due to absence unless they have reasons acceptable to the instructor.  A student who is compelled to be absent when a test is given should petition the instructor, in advance if possible, for permission to postpone the exam.  Student will be dropped from a class by the Registrar upon recommendation of the instructor who feels the student has been justifiably absent or tardy a sufficient number of times to preclude meeting the course’s objectives.    Persistent, unjustified absences from classes or laboratories will be considered sufficient cause for College officials to drop a student from the rolls of the College. From Board Policy FC (LOCAL)

Last day to withdraw from a course with a “W” is ______November 9, 2017_______.

DISABILITY SERVICES (Office for Students with Disabilities)

The Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) provides support services for students with disabilities, students enrolled in technical areas of study, and students who are classified as special populations (i.e. single parents).

Support services for students with disabilities might include appropriate and reasonable accommodations, or they may be in the form of personal counseling, academic counseling, career counseling, etc.  Furthermore, OSD Counselors work with students to encourage self-advocacy and promote empowerment. The Counselors also provides resource information, disability-related information, and adaptive technology for students who qualify.

If you feel you have needs for services that the institution provides, please reach out to either Wayne Smith (940) 498-6207 or Yvonne Sandman (940) 668-3300.  Alternative students may stop by Room 170 in Corinth or Room 111 in Gainesville.

CORE CURRICULUM FOUNDATIONAL COMPONENT AREA (For classes in the Core)________     

          Communication

          Mathematics              

X          Life and Physical Science

          Language, Philosophy & Culture

          Creative Arts

          American History

          Government/Political Science

          Social and Behavioral Sciences

          Component Area Option

REQUIRED CORE OBJECTIVES (For classes in the Core)

X             Critical Thinking

X             Communication

X          Empirical and Quantitative

X             Teamwork

             Personal Responsibility

             Social Responsibility

COURSE TYPE

X             Academic General Education Course (from ACGM but not in NCTC Core)

X          Academic NCTC Core Curriculum Course

          WECM Course

STUDENT HANDBOOK

Students are expected to follow all rules and regulations found in the student handbook. http://nctc.smartcatalogiq.com/en/2016-2017/Catalog/North-Central-Texas-College-Student-Handbook

COURSE INFORMATION

Participation                    

An important element of learning is participation. "Learning" is an active verb. This involves taking an active part in the learning process demonstrated by responding appropriately on a regular basis. No late work will be accepted. Any work not submitted on or before the due date will result in no credit given for the assignment.

STUDENT HANDBOOK

Students are expected to follow all rules and regulations found in the student handbook and published online.

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

Scholastic dishonesty shall include, but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, academic falsification, intellectual property dishonesty, academic dishonesty facilitation and collusion.  Faculty members may document and bring charges against a student who is engaged in or is suspected to be engaged in academic dishonesty.  See Student Handbook, “Student Rights & Responsibilities: Student Conduct ([FLB(LOCAL)]”.