User Name
and Password:
You must use a user
name and password after the first week of class to access the
lessons. The discussion board and quizzes cannot be accessed without your
username and password.
The format of your username and password are clearly posted on the main page
of your course. If you still need assistance with your username and password
please go to this page and read the instructions:
http://www.bcconline.com/orient/password.htm.
In the box below
please explain your understanding of user names and passwords, including how
you expect to receive your user name and password for this class:
I. Course Description
Interaction of man with the living world around him. Biological effects of
the environment on him and his effects on it. Problems of over-population and
environmental deterioration. Degree Applicable. UC/CSU.
II. Required Text
Miller, G. Tyler Jr. and Scott E. Spoolman. 2009. Living in
the Environment: Concepts, Connections, and Solutions. Sixteenth edition.
Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole Publishing Company.
In the box below type, I have my textbook for BIOL 1 or I will
have it by the end of the first week of class.
Email Updates
One of the primary
methods of contact in an online course is email. Your college is capable of
extracting student names and email addresses from our registration system.
The purpose of extracting this information is two fold. The information will
be used by the instructor to remain in contact with the class in order to
provide information necessary for the students' academic success. The
information will also be used to send emails to the students from the
college administration. The emails sent by the college administration will
consist of links to course surveys which will be used to improve our online
courses, important announcements for students, and links to college surveys,
which will be used to satisfy requirements placed on the college by the
California Community College Chancellor's Office. The college will not use
this information to advertise any products and will not share student email
addresses with any other organization.
In the box below type the following information:
As a student I understand it is my responsibility to ensure my email address
is up to date in the registration system, and that failure to do so can
seriously impact my ability to successfully complete my courses. Further, I
consent to receive email communication from my instructor and from the
college administration. This consent will remain in force until it is
revoked in writing or I am no longer taking classes with the college. Upon
submitting the syllabus, I agree to enter the registration system, check my
email address and change it if necessary. I understand a tutorial is
available to assist me with this procedure. I also understand I can contact
760-252-2411 x7236 to receive additional assistance if I encounter any
difficulties when attempting to change my email address.
III. Course Objectives
Having successfully completed the course, the student will be able to:
Understand
and explain basic principles of physics and chemistry that are fundamentals in
the development and operation of the modern biosphere. Included here would be
elementary astronomy, atomic structure, thermodynamics, and organic chemistry.
Understand
and explain basic biological topics that have an important bearing on the
function of the biosphere. This will cover genetics and DNA structure,
ecology, and bioenergetics.
Describe
comprehensively the interrelationships of these physical and biological
principles in the ebb and flow of life and energy on Earth and discuss in
detail the environmental impact of human life on the planets and its systems.
Demonstrate
via a term paper the ability to identify and analyze a particular
environmental problem or situation, describe its physical, biological and/or
sociological ramifications, and draw some conclusions as to what can or should
be done about the situation.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES (SLO):
Define Learning Outcomes of this Course
Having successfully completed the course, the student will
be able to:
1. Students will be able to demonstrate orally, and in
written form, understanding of the processes of science, the scientific
method, and the relationship between scientific research and established
knowledge.
-
Assessment method: (a) recognize the way in which
research leads to generally accepted conclusions and the integration of
new research data building scientific knowledge, and/or (b) demonstrate
critical thinking skills shown by the analysis of data sets and the
synthesis of information to draw conclusions, and/or (c) produce essay
explaining biological processes in clear and concise terms.
-
Much of the assessment of these skills will be classroom
based. Term papers, student led discussion, guided discussion, and/or
creative projects will allow students to demonstrate understanding of
the processes of science such as data analysis, problem solving ability,
and critical thinking skills.
2. Students will be able to demonstrate content knowledge
and test taking skills when completing essay and/or objective exams.
-
Assessment method: (a) demonstrate problem solving
abilities in the major content areas of biology, and/or (b) analyze the
logic of objective questions, and choosing the correct answers, and/or
(c) writing clear concise responses to essay questions.
-
Much of the assessment of these skills will be classroom
based. Performance on exams will demonstrate content knowledge and test
taking skills. Other written work, such as reports and projects will
provide multiple measures of content knowledge.
3. Evaluate biological data, draw reasonable conclusions,
recognize the ethical implications of these conclusions, and apply these
conclusions to personal, community, or scientific problems.
-
Assessment method: (a) research and clearly express
logical conclusions based on biological data, and/or (b) relate how
biological information is relevant to personal and community issues,
and/or (c) recognize the ethical implications of biological research and
the responsibility to use knowledge wisely.
-
Much of the assessment of these skills will be classroom
based. Term papers, exams, discussion sessions, and/or creative projects
will allow students to demonstrate data analysis, use of information
tools, problem solving ability, and critical thinking skills.
In the box below type the one objective and SLO that interests you the
most from the list above and one reason why you took this class.
IV. Methods of Instruction
This course will be taught entirely on-line. The student will have access
to all assignments, lecture notes, quizzes, and other course material through
home computers with Internet access or by internet-ready computers in one of
the college labs. A version 4.x or greater browser (Netscape or MS explorer)
capable of displaying frames and having Java-script enabled should be adequate
for completing all required course work. AOL and CompuServe users may have to
use version 5 or greater.
All students will be required to have an e-mail account. Your e-mail
address is to be submitted to the instructor with your syllabus for the
class. You should also notify the instructor immediately if you change your
e-mail address during the class session.
The textbook is the foundation for the topics to be covered during class
sessions, with lecture notes primarily used to present the topics scheduled
for each week. The instructor will reference the pertinent pages of the
textbook for each topic.
Discussion group assignments take the place of classroom conversation and
debate. All students are expected to participate. The instructor will post a
weekly, subjective question to which each student will be required to post an
answer. In lieu of classroom debates, the students are to respond to at least
several
other student's write up. The students will also
have the ability to post their own questions about their current work
assignments to which the other students may respond.
In the box below type, I understand the methods of instruction
and agree to abide by them. Then type a summary of the methods of
instruction as you understand them.
V. Meeting with the Instructor
There will be no on-line orientation meeting with the instructor. All
information specific to Biology 1 will be posted on-line in the syllabus and
course schedule page or on the discussion broad. All work required by the student, will be conducted on-line or via e-mail, including the
quizzes, midterm and final examinations. If the student needs help with the BCCOnline website, tutorials are
available here: http://www.bcconline.com/orient/.
The instructor also strongly encourages all online students to complete the
online orientation found at http://www.bcconline.com/orient/.
On-line office hours are 6:30 to 9:00 pm on Fridays.
However, you may find me at any time on-line, and may contact me regardless of
the time or day.
Contacting the instructor: The instructor can be
contacted at: gwalker@bcconline.com.
In the box below type, I understand I can receive help for using the website from the
Orientation area at BCCOnline. Finally I understand the time frames
specified for both assignment and question replies from the instructor.
VI. Course Content and Schedule
Biology 1 will be conducted over a 9-week period, with two lessons presented
each week. The following is a tentative course outline. Chapters refer to the
text: Living in the Environment by Miller. Each lesson plan will typically reference
appropriate page numbers or chapter sections for the students to read and
comprehend.
Lesson 1: Environmental Issues, Their Causes, and Sustainability (Chapter 1)
Lesson 2: Environmental History (Supplement 5)
Lesson 3: What is Science, and Lessons in Chemistry (Chapter 2;
Supplements 1, 2, and 6)
Lesson 4: Lessons in Physics (Chapter 2)
Lesson 5: Lessons in Ecosystems (Chapters 2, pages 38 - Cells;
Chapter 3, and Chapter 5)
Lesson 6: Population Dynamics (Chapters 5, 10, and 11)
Lesson 7: Evolution and Biological Diversity (Chapters 4 and 9)
Lesson 8: Biogeography, Climate, and Terrestrial/Aquatic
Biological Diversity (Chapters 7 and 8)
Lesson 9: The Human Population and
its Impact (Chapter 6)
Lesson 10: Food and Water Resources (Chapter 12, pages 275-293;
and Chapter 13)
Lesson 11: Geologic Resources and Energy Efficiency (Chapters 14, 15,
and 16)
Lesson 12: Air Pollution (Chapter 18)
Lesson 13: Climate Change and Ozone Depletion (Chapter 19)
Lesson 14: Water Pollution (Chapter 20)
Lesson 15: Pesticides and Pest Control (Chapter 12, pages
293-300)
Lesson 16: Solid and Hazardous Wastes (Chapter 21)
Lesson 17: Sustaining Human Societies; Epilogue (Chapters 22,
23, and 24)
In the box below type, I understand and agree to abide by the
course schedule listed on the syllabus.
VII. Quizzes and Tests
There will be a quiz at the end of the second lesson of each week beginning
with week 1, except for week 6 and week 9, when the
mid-term and final examinations will be given. The quizzes will be taken on-line, cover material
presented for that week only, and the students will be able to see their test
results right after submitting the quiz for grading.
The quizzes will be activated on either Wednesday or Thursday
of the week they are due, and deactivated after the due date. It will not be possible to take a quiz once it has been
deactivated. If you have any conflicts that would prevent you from taking a
quiz during the week it is due, you must inform the instructor by email in advance to avoid
missing the quiz and receiving no credit. Online quizzes will
typically be posted 3-4 days before the due date, which will be the following Monday
at midnight. Again, there will be no quizzes administered for the sixth and ninth
weeks in lieu of the midterm and final exams.
The midterm and final examinations must be taken during the
6th and 9th weeks; due dates are on the front page of the course web page.
Both tests will be proctored and taken online. For those within the
commuting distance of Barstow College, the computer lab will proctor both
tests. Both tests may also be proctored by the College's office staff at Ft.
Irwin and Miramar Naval Air Station. For others not within the commuting
distance of Barstow College, you may request that the tests be proctored by
a school administrator, librarian, or education officer. A proctor form
(front page of the course web page) must be filled-out completely by the
student and submitted to the instructor for review and approval no later
than the 3rd week of the course. Both exams are open book and open notes,
but access to the internet to look up answers while taking either exam is
not allowed.
The midterm exam will cover lessons 1 through 11, and the final exam will
cover lessons 12 through 17. Late exams will not be accepted for grading
without prior approval of the instructor, and then only for
extenuating circumstances beyond the control of the student.
In the box below type, I understand and agree to
abide by the quiz and test schedules listed above. Further, I know the dates for
taking the midterm and final exams, and that these tests must be proctored by
either the College's computer lab, the College's offices at Ft. Irwin and
Miramar Naval Air Station, or by a proctor of my choosing and approved by the
instructor. I understand I must complete these exams during the scheduled times
without exception, and that I cannot pass the course without taking and passing
both tests.
VII. Other Assignments
Term Paper
Each student will be required to research and write an original term paper
on a topic of their choosing, within the fields of the physical, biological,
or sociological sciences, and that is relative to some environmental problem
encountered in the world today. The paper will be due
no later than Monday of the ninth week, and is to be posted on
the www.Turnitin.com website
(instructions for enrolling in the website will be posted in the discussion
board.
Late term papers will not be accepted.
Each student is to submit the proposed topic of his or her term paper to the
instructor, for approval, no later than the end of
the third week of the course. The term paper is worth
40 points or 1/10 of the course grade.
Introduction: Identify your
topic, why you chose it, and discuss its relevancy to
environmental education.
Problem: Discuss the
existing situation, its history or how it came about, and what are the
problems it is causing in the environment. Include its impact on quality of
life, life expectancy, health, etc. What are the future implications if the
problem is not addressed and remedied.
Solutions: Discuss what is
being done today to remedy or address the problem. Are these actions
working, adequate to remedy the problem. Are there other solutions? Why
aren’t they being implemented?
Summary: Summarize the
problem, its effects, and solutions. Express your personal perspective in
this part of the paper and how you think the situation should be dealt with,
including what actions you could personally take, if appropriate, to work
towards a resolution.
Bibliography: You should
have a minimum of 5 references. Only three of your references may be
Internet sites.
MLA (Modern Language Association) writing
format is to be followed. Instructions for using MLA format should be posted
in the computer lab, but can also be found at the following website:
http://www.ccc.commnet.edu/mla/index.shtml
In the box below type I understand that I will
have to write a term paper for this course. Further I understand the
instructor must have approved my topic prior to the end of the third week of the
course.
Discussion Board
Each student is required to participate in
the weekly discussion board by posting a response to the instructor’s
question, and responding/interacting to other student’s postings. Discussion group
postings must be done on schedule, as late postings will not be
accepted for grading. Each week’s assignment will be given in the first lesson of the
week, and your response to the assignment must be posted
no later than the following Monday by midnight.
Each student is expected to participate in the group discussions and respond/interact
to other student’s postings (each assignment is worth 10 points towards the
final grade); failure to participate in the discussion group can result in
the instructor dropping the student from the class. The discussion group
takes the place of classroom discussion and debate, and is considered an
integral part of the course content. The discussion group can also be used
by student’s to post questions about their current assignment, lecture
notes, or text content. Other students are encouraged to respond to such
postings, and the instructor will monitor the discussion group to make sure
the student’s answers are correct, as well as to respond to any unanswered
questions.
VIII. Grading
The following point system will be used to evaluate and assign each student a
letter grade:
|
Quizzes
|
10 points each
|
7 quizzes
|
70 points
|
|
Discussion Group Assignments
|
10 points each
|
9 assignments
|
90 points
|
|
Midterm and Final Examinations
|
100 points each
|
2 exams
|
200 points
|
|
Term Paper
|
40 points each
|
1 research paper
|
40 points
|
|
|
|
Total Points
|
400 points
|
Final grades will typically be assigned based on the following ranges, with
minor modifications made for spreading the grades on a curve.
A 90-100%
B 80-89%
C 70-79%
D 60-69%
F below 60%
In the box below type, I understand and agree to abide by the
grading schedule listed above.
Course Policies
Instructor's Area: It is important that each
student weekly check the "instructor area" on the Main Discussion Group page.
This is where I will post various assignments, upcoming due dates for
assignments, and changes to the course schedule or syllabus. To access the
instructor’s area, log into the BIOL 1 discussion group. The top link is the
instructor’s link.
Make-Ups: All assignment due dates and
examination dates are final. Although there will be no make-ups allowed, I will
recognize rare or extenuating circumstances such as sickness, hospitalization,
or military service, but only if the student has contacted me before the due
date or exam date to make the necessary arrangements.
Cheating: In accordance with Barstow Community
College’s Student Academic Policy, any student caught cheating on an exam or
plagiarizing on a paper or project will receive an "F" in the course, and
notification of such activities will be forwarded to the appropriate
administrative office for disciplinary action. Such action may include
suspension or expulsion from the college.
Plagiarism: The act of plagiarism
(presenting the work of another as your own work) is a crime punishable by
failure, expulsion, and possible legal action. It is the student’s
responsibility to learn how to give proper credit for the materials taken from
other sources. It is understood that ignorance is not a defense to plagiarism.
An excellent presentation on what constitutes plagiarism is found at:
http://www.ccc.commnet.edu/mla/plagiarism.shtml .
All students should read the sections under Student Rights
and Responsibilities in the current Student Handbook. Pay particular attention
to the sections on Cheating, Plagiarism, and Student discipline.
All students must do their own work. Teamwork is not allowed
for assignments or quizzes in this class. However, study sessions for obtaining
general knowledge and clarity of course material are encouraged.
Dropping from the Course: If you elect to
withdraw from the course, it is your responsibility to drop yourself from the
class (contact the Admissions/Registration Office for further information).
Although the instructor may drop you from the course for non-participation,
failure to participate in the class exercises and complete assigned work can
result in an "F" grade, unless the student processes a drop form with the
Admissions Office. Please review the Barstow College Class Schedule.
In the box below, type: I understand the course policies and
agree to abide by them.
IX. Syllabus Disclaimer
A syllabus is a general guideline for students to use in planning their
time for a particular class. The instructor reserves the right to make
modifications to the syllabus with reasonable time allowances for students to
adjust to the changes.
In the box below type, I understand a syllabus is a general guideline for students to use in planning their
time for a particular class. The instructor reserves the right to make
modifications to the syllabus with reasonable time allowances for students to
adjust to the changes.
Disability Statement:
If you have a disability which may impact
your success in this course, you may contact the Office of Student Support (OSS) to arrange any reasonable accommodations and
supports to which you are entitled. It is the responsibility of the
student to initiate these procedures. The OSS department can be contacted
by calling 760-252-2411 x7225or 760-252-6759 TTY/TDD or emailing
oss@bcconline.com.
In the box below type: I understand that if I have or
suspect I have a disability I can contact the OSS program at the number or
email address listed above and request reasonable accommodations. Further I
realize it is my responsibility to contact the OSS department.
After filling out this form, copy the confirmation page and
send it via email to
gwalker@bcconline.com.
