Biology 102, Spring 2005

Section 001

Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays, 1:30-2:20 PM

Rm. G-15 LSB

Lecturer:             Dr. Jane Caldwell

Phone:                 293-5201 Ext. 31459

Office:                 3324-A LSB (3rd floor, in the General Biology labs suite)

E-mail:                jcaldwe2@mix.wvu.edu

Office Hours:       2:30-4:00 PM Wednesday and Friday, or by appointment

REQUIRED MATERIALS

Textbook:            Biology: Concepts & Connections, 4th edition
(© 2003, Benjamin Cummings)
(This textbook is required for both Biology 101 and 102.)

Websites:             Class Website:     http://www.as.wvu.edu/~caldwell/102.htm
WebCT Vista:     https://vista.wvu.edu/  (login & select Bio 102)
MIX:                   http://www.mix.wvu.edu (email & course links)

POLICIES FOR THIS CLASS

Attendance:      Attendance and participation counts for 10% of your grade.  You have two “no questions asked” (NQA) absence coupons for the semester, but you will need good notes from every class to pass your exams.  (Your notes should include what I write on the board AND what I say in class.)  Some homework and reading assignments will only be announced in class—please make sure you’re here!  If you miss a class, it’s up to you to get notes from a classmate.

Computers:       You will need to have access to your MIX and WebCT accounts.  I will send class announcements to your MIX account, and expect you to check your grade in WebCT frequently.  Please let me know about any problems early.  There are several computer labs on campus if you don’t have a computer of your own.

Homework:       Your homework assignments are on the attached syllabus.  Most of these are reading assignments you should finish before class, to make lectures easier to understand.  I recommend that you skim each section of the book before class, take good notes in class, and then read the assignment more carefully after class while taking notes. As part of your homework, you should review your lecture notes at least once per week—ideally after each class.  Some of your in-class participation points will depend on readings and lecture notes.

                        You have several online homework assignments for credit, which count for 5% of your grade.  These will be done in WebCT, and must be completed by the due date for credit—no exceptions.  You can re-do the assignments as many times as you like (before the due date) to get full credit.

                        Recommended homework problems will be listed on the class website; I expect you to do all these problems and check your answers in the back of the book and WebCT.  This will help you on tests:  I use or modify some of these homework problems for every exam. 

Getting Help:    If you are having trouble in class, with the readings, or on tests please come see me as soon as possible.  If you are willing to work, I am willing to help!  Other sources of free tutoring will be announced in class.

Tests:               You will have 3 tests (100 pts each) and a final exam (150 pts)—the schedule is attached here.  Tests will cover a combination of lecture and textbook material, and will be multiple choice.    I post a study guide on the website about one week before each exam; use it to review your notes from class and the book.  Students tell me these review sheets are most helpful if your lecture notes are complete and you finish the whole sheet.  Review sheets cover lots of material, so it’s a good idea to review lecture notes weekly—don’t wait until a week before the test!

Absences:         For regular class meetings, you may hand in a “NQA” coupon for up to two missed classes; this will let you receive the average participation points earned by others in the class that day.  These coupons apply for all types of absences, so please use them wisely.  If you have an extended illness or demanding athletic schedule that causes many absences please see me right away.

                        If you miss an exam, you will receive a zero.  If you have a a valid, verifiable excuse,** you must contact me within 24 hours to schedule a make-up test.  My voice mail is always available—please call rather than sending e-mail!  You must make up the exam in my office before or during my next scheduled office hour.  Your exam will be graded AFTER I verify your excuse.**

                        Athletes and others, take note:  If you are required miss an exam for a scheduled WVU event, please contact me at least a week in advance to arrange a make-up time.

**                    Only serious excuses are acceptable for absences, such as funerals of immediate family members, severe illness, injury, or similar serious issues.  If you are sick, your verifiable excuse does not have to be from a doctor or healthcare professional.  However, I expect you to find some reliable, trustworthy person to confirm that you could not possibly attend the scheduled exam.  I will check all excuses carefully.

Participation:    Class attendance and participation counts for 10% of your grade.  During class, you will use a remote control “clicker” to answer questions for credit.  These questions are based mainly on lecture notes and reading assignments.  Most questions can be discussed with your neighbors—this is supposed to be enjoyable and helpful for you. 

                        You will receive 60% of the points (a passing grade) for every question you answer whether your answer is right or wrong.  Please don’t use someone else’s clicker—I’ll be watching, and I do consider this cheating! 

                        The clicker number assigned to you will be posted in WebCT next week.  You are responsible for your clicker, so please handle it carefully.  (Remember, we’re providing clickers to save YOU extra expense!)  Plan to arrive a minute or two early to find your clicker and check it; if your clicker is broken, you must sign out a “loaner” clicker to receive credit.  Please return your clicker to the right slot before you leave each day, or you will lose participation points. 

Grading:           Your grade will be based ONLY on the points you earn during the semester.  There is no extra credit for individuals.  Semester grades must be within 0.5% to be rounded up.  This is the only way I can be fair to everyone, and I do not make exceptions—sorry!

                        Test 1                                  =    100 pts            Grading Scale¥:   90-100%   =  A

                        Test 2                                  =    100 pts                                         80-89%   =  B

                        Test 3                                  =    100 pts                                         70-79%   =  C

                        Final Exam                          =    150 pts                                         60-69%   =  D

                        Participation (10%)**           =   ~50 pts                                           0-59%   =  F

                        Homework (5%)**               =     ~5 pts            ¥(Low/high grades receive plusses/minuses.)

                        TOTAL                                =    500 pts

**                    The numbers above are approximate.  To calculate your current grade, you need to know your percentage scores for exams, homework, and participation (available in WebCT):

                        Grade = 0.1(% of Participation) + 0.05(% on Homework) + 0.85(% on Exams)

 

                        Example:         If you’ve earned 93% for participation, 90% for homework, and 78% on exams, your current grade is:

                                                   0.1(93) + 0.05(90) + 0.85(78) = 9.3 + 4.5 + 66.3 = 80.1%, or a B

                        I expect you to check your grade often in WebCT.  See the class website for instructions.  Please notify my immediately of problems.

Labs:                You are required to take Biology 104, a one-credit lab course with a separate grade.  You need to register for that course separately, or you may be dropped from Bio 102 without notice.

                        You are exempt from lab ONLY if you have already passed Biology 104 at WVU or another university, and have filled out a “Link Lab” form (due January 13th in Room 3324B LSB).

                        BIOLOGY LABS WILL MEET THE FIRST WEEK OF CLASSES!  Go to Room 3324B LSB right away if you think you have missed your lab.

Cheating:         Students who are caught cheating in any form and on any assignment, test, or participation exercise will receive an F for the course.  I may also give written notice of academic dishonesty to the Dean’s Office.  Don’t do it!

Evacuation:      In the case of a fire drill or actual emergency, collect your belongings and walk calmly to the nearest exit—there are several exits to this room.  Please take the nearest exit to go outside.  For your own safety: please avoid the building and parking lots; gather in the grass or across the street.  When possible, class will continue after the alarm has been turned off.

Social Justice Statement:

West Virginia University is committed to social justice.  I agree with this idea, and want to foster a nurturing learning environment in this class based upon open communication, mutual respect and non-discrimination.  Our University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, disability, veteran status, religion, sexual orientation, color or national origin.  I will listen very seriously to any suggestions for making our classroom a positive and open environment.

Please tell me as soon as possible if you have a disability and need special accommodations.  You will need a letter from Disability Services (293-6700).  Please see me at least one week before the first exam!  All information will be kept confidential, and arrangements will be made discreetly.