BIO 1000
THE GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT

TEXTS | ORGANIZATION | REQUIREMENTS | POLICIES | GRADE | STRATEGIES

TEXT

• Kaufmann & Cleveland, Environmental Science

ORGANIZATION

• The class will be discussion-based and will take place in the classroom (F2F) and on-line as follows:
  • topics will be introduced F2F
  • students will research the topics and discuss them on-line and in the classroom
  • the discussion will conclude F2F
  • students will submit written answers to the topic question.
• You are expected to work with others from the class; however, you should always submit your own work in your own words.

ATTENDANCE

Students are expected to attend all class sessions and participate in the on-line discussion.  The student should notify the instructor prior to missing class, if possible.  Missed exams will be made up as agreed upon by the instructor and student.  If you must miss an exam, you must notify the instructor prior to the exam date.

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.  All homework must be typed.
• WEB DISCUSSION: You will be expected to participate in weekly on-line discussions.
• EXAMS: Exams will cover the material from the homework and discussion.  The first two exams will be take home essay exams and should be turned in via e-mail.  The final exam will take place in the classroom.
• ASSESSMENTS: I will occasionally ask you to assess my exams and instruction and your preparation and progress. These assessments will not affect your grade.

POLICIES

TEXTS | ORGANIZATION | REQUIREMENTS | POLICIES | GRADE | STRATEGIES

• ATTENDANCE: You are expected to attend all class sessions (F2F and on-line). You should notify me prior to missing class (in person, by voice mail, or by e-mail).
• WITHDRAWAL: I may withdraw you from the course at your request or at my discretion. I will withdraw you for any of the following reasons:
  - failure to participate in the on-line discussion twice
  - failure to complete a missed exam within one week
  - failure to submit two homework assignments
  note: If you want to ensure withdrawal, you should request it. Failure to request a withdrawal or complete the course may result in a grade of "F."
  The last day to withdraw is November 7.
• LATE POLICY:
  • Exams must be submitted on-time (via e-mail), late submissions will lose 10 pts./day
  • Homework must be turned in prior to the date indicated on the schedule. Five points will be subtracted for each day late.
  • Late exams and homework will not be accepted after one week without a written excuse.
  • Nothing may be turned in after Wednesday, December 10.
• 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. 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.
• Homework must be typed.  All students at IVCC have a computer account (you have already paid for it as part of your fees).  You may use the computers on campus to prepare your homework and use the internet.

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 FAILURE

TEXTS | ORGANIZATION | REQUIREMENTS | POLICIES | GRADE | STRATEGIES

• Do not participate in the on-line discussion.
• Sit in the back row and chat.
• Leave your book at home.
• Don’t write anything down.
• Skip class often.
• Don’t open the book.
• Don’t ask questions about the material.
• Don’t turn in work.
• Schedule appointments during class time.
• Copy someone else’s work.
• Pretend like you already know the material.
• Take a vacation for a week while classes are in session.
• Come to class late.
• Avoid me.
• If you’re in the middle of a game of Euchre, finish the game, class can wait.
• Don’t talk to any of your classmates and do not study with them.
• Do not ask any questions, ever.
• Turn in your work late, if at all.
• Do not use proper English and spelling on any assignments.
• Do not e-mail me.
• Do make me your friend in Facebook.
• Avoid the Tutoring Center in LRC-D (244-0479)
• Do as little as possible.
• If you must stop by my office, check my schedule first, and stop by when I am in another class.
• Have no goals.
• Rush through the homework; use poorly thought out responses with no supporting information.
• Do not seek assistance at the Tutoring Center in B-325 (244-0479)

STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS

TEXTS | ORGANIZATION | REQUIREMENTS | POLICIES | GRADE | STRATEGIES

• Attend all class sessions (and pay attention).
• Participate in the on-line discussion.
• Read the resource materials.
• 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.
• 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.