BIO 1000
THE GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT

TEXTS | ORGANIZATION | REQUIREMENTS | POLICIES | GRADE | STRATEGIES

TEXT

• Kaufmann and Cleveland, Environmental Science

ORGANIZATION

• The course is divided into topic sessions each of which covers two class periods. Each session will begin with a short description of the topic highlighting key points. This will be followed by small group discussions and time for questions. Each student will write a one page summary of the discussion and submit it for a grade.
• You should complete the reading assignments prior to date the assigned topic will be discussed so you can ask questions and participate in the class discussion. I will also be available during my office hours to guide you through the assignments and answer your questions. You are encouraged to work with others from the class; however, you should always submit your own work in your own words.

REQUIREMENTS

TEXTS | ORGANIZATION | REQUIREMENTS | POLICIES | GRADE | STRATEGIES

• CLASS PARTICIPATION: In order to check your understanding I will ask you questions about the material being covered. "I don’t know" is commonly a favorite response to questions, but it is not acceptable in this course. I expect an honest attempt at an answer, even if it is incorrect
• HOMEWORK: Homework assignments should be submitted as indicated on the course schedule.
  • Topic Summaries: After each topic discussion has been completed, you will write a one page summary of the discussion and your conclusions, including any relevant citations.
  • Candidate Profile: You will choose a presidential candidate and research their positions on selected environmental issues. You will turn in a 2-5 page brief describing their positions, including relevant citations.
  • Choice Topic Request: You (or a small group) will submit a proposal for a topic to be covered during the final 1/3 of the semester. You will need to describe the topic and why you think it should be covered, and you will provide references to support you proposal and to provide material for the discussion. The requests will be presented to the class and the class will help select the topics to be covered.
• DISCUSSION: You will be asked to discuss class material. A description will be provided in class.
• EXAMS: Exams will cover the material in the text and lectures. The exams will be a combination of multiple choice and short answer.
• ASSESSMENTS: I will occasionally ask you to assess my exams and instruction and your preparation and progress. These assessments will not affect your grade.
• READ THIS OUTLINE AND REFER TO IT DAILY. This handout includes homework assignments, reading assignments, exam dates and a study guide. You are responsible for the material covered in this outline. Not knowing that there is an exam will not excuse you from having to take it.

POLICIES

TEXTS | ORGANIZATION | REQUIREMENTS | POLICIES | GRADE | STRATEGIES

• ATTENDANCE: You are expected to attend all class sessions. You should notify me prior to missing class (in person, by voice mail, or by e-mail).
• Withdrawal: I can withdraw you from the course at your request or at my discretion. I may withdraw you for three unexcused absences or failure to complete one exam. The last day to withdraw from the course is  November 7.
  • note: If you have taken the first exam, I will drop you only if you request it. Failure to request a drop or complete the course will result in a grade of "F."
• LATE POLICY:
  • Exams must be made up within one week and will be essay or oral exams. You must notify me prior to missing the exam.
  • Homework must be turned in prior to the date indicated on the schedule. Five points will be subtracted for each day late.
• ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: You are encouraged to discuss class and lab work with other students; however, all assignments must be your original work in your own words. If you cheat on an exam, you will be given a failing grade for the exam and will be required to have a conference with me and the Division Chair.
• CONTACT ME: If you have conflicts, concerns, scheduling problems, study difficulties, test anxiety, a learning disability, or anything else that may interfere with your success in this class or if you have questions about the college, geology, your career path, or just about anything else, please stop by my office or send me an e-mail. I will do my best to help you.
• The student handbook and the college catalog should be reviewed to become familiar with all IVCC policies.

GRADE

TEXTS | ORGANIZATION | REQUIREMENTS | POLICIES | GRADE | STRATEGIES

• Grammar & Spelling are worth 10% of all assignments and exams. Answers should be in complete, grammatically correct sentences. All words should be correctly spelled. If you need help you should ask me, an English instructor, or the Reading, Writing, and Study Skills Lab (in LRC-B) for assistance.

EXTRA CREDIT:

• Research Paper: You may apply the concepts learned in the class by writing a research paper discussing a topic in greater detail than presented in the class. You must have the topic approved by me. Points will be assigned based on the depth of knowledge expressed in the paper. You are expected to cite all references. The term paper must be typed, and proper English and spelling must be used. If you are assigned a paper in another course and you choose a topic related to this course, you may be able to submit the paper to me as well (just ask).  Writing term papers: http://www.mtsu.edu/~cdharris/term-paper-guide/
• Field Trips: The Chemistry Club will test the water quality of the Little Vermillion River north of LaSalle three times over the course of the semester. Extra credit will be given for participating and writing a short paper describing what you did and discovered.
  • River testing: TBA (Saturday morning 8:45 to 12:00, meet in front of IVCC)

STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS

TEXTS | ORGANIZATION | REQUIREMENTS | POLICIES | GRADE | STRATEGIES

• Attend all class sessions (and pay attention).
• Take notes.
• Read the assigned chapters prior to attending class.
• Work on the assignments prior to class.
• Ask questions about the material. Talk to other students and to me.
• Stop by my office.
• Get to know some of your classmates and work on homework and the study guide with them.
• Visit me in the lab.
• Ask more questions.
• Type all assignments (required).
• Use proper English and spelling on all assignments (worth 10% of all homework).
• Don't rush through the assignments.
• Seek assistance at the Tutoring Center.