INSTRUCTOR:
Karin Harper, OFFICE: Science Building Annex - Rm. 105
office #: 549-3474, departmental office #: 549-3740
e-mail: kharper@selu.eduwebsite:www.selu.edu/Academics/Faculty/kharper
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course is a study of the elementary principles of
biology. The objective is to introduce the student to the major processes
of life including: cell structure and cell theory, energy acquisition and
utilization, macromolecule synthesis, cell division, growth, and
differentiation, evolution, and the diversity of life.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
You are responsible for all material discussed in
lecture, and are expected to stay current with the reading assignments.
All students are required to take a minimum of four tests. There are no
exceptions or exemptions. If you area qualified student with a disability
seeking accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, you are
required to self-identify with the Office of Student Life, Room 202, Student
Union.
BLACKBOARD REQUIREMENTS:
Blackboard is an internet software application that
allows students to logon to access course documents and complete assignments. This
class will utilize Blackboard for Grade Reporting, Assignments,
Announcements, Notification of Test Dates, and Practice Quizzes. It is imperative that you become
acquainted with this program immediately.
Blackboard Computer Requirements: Internet Connection, Netscape or Internet Explorer 4.0 or higher.
Skills: Ability to use the Internet.
How to Access Blackboard-Establish an internet connection on your computer. In the address box of your browser, type http://www.roomie.selu.edu or click on this link.
Blackboard Login Procedures:
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Access during the first two weeks of the semester. ********** After two weeks, begin using the login procedures in the next column. |
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User name = student's "W" number Password = student's Birthday = S + MMDDYY To access your class: If you experience any problems logging into Blackboard, click here for help. or click on "Help" located on the right hand side of the Blackboard Login screen. |
The intra-semester tests will be announced in class and posted
on Blackboard, a minimum of one week prior to the actual test date and the
final exam will be given during its scheduled time slot. Four
intra-semester tests will be given. Every attempt will be made to have two
tests before the drop date. Tests are roughly 3 to 4 weeks apart.
The format of each test is primarily multiple choice. Generally 50
multiple choice questions worth two points each. Occasionally matching
and true/false may accompany the multiple choice questions. Tests are 100
pts. and typically are not cumulative in nature. However, an
understanding of the basic principles will be carried from one test unit to the
next.
The final exam is comprehensive with approximately 25% of
the material coming from each previous test unit. Taking the final exam
is optional, provided you have taken all four of the intra-semester tests. Taking
the final is NOT optional if you have missed one of the regular scheduled
exams. In other words, the final can be used to improve your grade by
adding another test score to your final grade computation. Make up exams
will be NOT be given. A missed exam mandates that you take the
comprehensive FINAL, failure to do so, results in a grade of zero for that
test. If you are missing a grade for a second intra-semester test, a
grade of zero will be averaged.
Remember you must take a minimum of four exams, all
test scores count, none of your test scores are dropped.
GRADING:Grades will be posted on Blackboard.
Grades are based on a ten-point scale. Individual
tests are not curved. Final grades will be posted on Blackboar, after
all scheduled final exams have been taken. The comprehensive
Final Exam will be given during the University Scheduled Exam week. To compute
your Final grade, add up all of your scores, then divide by the number of test
scores. If you have fewer than four grades, a zero will be counted as the
missing test score.
A =
89.5 -100, B = 79.5 -
89.4, C = 69.5 - 79.4, D
= 59.5 - 69.4, F = Below 59.5
ATTENDANCE:
The university policy regarding attendance and
cheating will be followed as outlined in the catalog. Roll will be taken
during each class period. Any student
participating in cheating, in any form, will receive a grade of zero for that
exam.
DROPPING THE CLASS: Check the University Calendar and
the Blackboard site for the last day to drop without penalty.
If you decide to drop the course, it is your
responsibility to contact the Registrar's office and fill out the necessary forms.
If you fail to officially drop the course, you will be carried on the roll and
receive a grade of "F" for the semester. You will not be
dropped automatically for failure to attend class. You will not be
permitted to attend class unless your name appears on the University's class
roster.
TEXT: Biology Life on Earth by: Gerald & Teresa Audesirk (fifth edition, Prentice Hall Publishing) -- available as a rental in the bookstore. The Instructor reserves the right to add, delete, or change the sequence of any material presented in the course.
SLU COMPUTER FACILITIES: Computers are available at Fayard Hall, Room 122, North Campus Basic Studies Building, Room 160, Nursing Lab in Mims Hall, 1st floor, North Campus Basic Studies Building Rooms 154,156,158 (through Registration only), and the St. Tammany Center in Mandeville
CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE: