BIO 1000
THE GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT

TEXTS | ORGANIZATION | REQUIREMENTS | POLICIES | GRADE | STRATEGIES

TEXT

• Cunningham & Cunningham, Environmental Science (current ed, older editions are OK, please ask)

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.
  • Red Alert!
  • Candidate Profile
• 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 4.
  • note: If you have taken the first exam, I will withdraw you only if you request it. Failure to request a drop or complete the course will result in a grade of "F."

  • You have the ability to initiate a withdrawal from classes. By completing the form in the Records Office or through the form located within WebAdvisor, you are authorizing IVCC to remove you from the course. Entering your student ID number serves as your electronic signature. IVCC has the right to rescind a withdrawal in cases of academic dishonesty or at the instructor’s discretion. You should be aware of the impact of a withdrawal on full-time status for insurance purposes and for financial aid. It is highly recommended that you meet with your instructor or with a counselor before withdrawing from a class to discuss if a withdrawal is the best course of action for you. More detailed information is available at www.ivcc.edu/admissions and selecting the menu item for Withdrawals on the left side of the page.

• 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.
  • Nothing may be turned in after Thursday, December 5.
• ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: You are encouraged to discuss class and homework with other students; however, all assignments must be your original work in your own words.  If you engage in Academic Dishonesty, your grade may be lowered or you may be given a zero on the assignment in question.  In addition, you may be required to have a conference with me (and, in some cases, the Division Dean). IVCC’s Student Code of Conduct should be consulted for details and definitions.
• 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.

• PLEASE NOTE: All students will be responsible for checking their IVCC email. All electronic college correspondence will only be sent to the IVCC email. For information on accessing this account, go to http://www.ivcc.edu/studenthelpdesk.aspx?id=16712.

• 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 & Service Learning: Several geological field trips and service learning opportunities will be announced over the course of the semester. Extra credit will be given for participating and writing a short paper describing what you did and discovered.  Follow this link to field trips & service learning.

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.