Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Human Biology
Butte-Glenn Community College
3 units
Fall 2015
Instructor: Suzanne Wakim
Q & A:
The Q & A forum in Blackboard (the link is on the main menu in the
course) is the best place to ask course related information.
Asking questions here allows everyone in the class to benefit from the
answer.
Email:
Phone:
(530) 879-4319
I will answer my phone during office hours.
At other times leave your name, a number, and your question. I will
call you as soon as possible. If you have limited times to be reached,
please include that information as well. PLEASE SPEAK CLEARLY!
I will return your call by the next scheduled office hours.
Office:
Mailbox:
Monday
10 11 AM & 2 3
PM
Wednesday 9:30 11 AM & 2 3:30 PM
o I will be in my office at this time stop by and say hello
o I will also be available by email and phone.
Blackboard:
Time zone:
All posted times for the class are in Pacific Time (PT)
Required Materials
At least 9 hours per week.
This is a 3 unit course and will therefore require at least 9 hours of time per week.
Butte email
Be sure to check your Butte College email often or forward the messages to your
primary account. I will send important course information via email.
High speed internet connection.
You will be viewing animations and tutorials online. It is best if these are viewed over a
high speed connection
Proper browser configuration
Proper configuration of your computer and possible additional downloads for viewing
animations. Be especially sure you have popups enabled for Blackboard otherwise
you wont be able to take quizzes or participate in discussions.
The information on how to do this is given on the Blackboard login page and here
http://www.butte.edu/departments/distance/online_student_info.html.
Downloads
You will need to download: Adobe PDF reader and Flash player.
To download the Adobe PDF reader go here: http://get.adobe.com/reader/
These (and other) downloads can be found by clicking student support in our
Blackboard course shell
Folder for your assignments
You will be submitting most of your assignments as attachments. Therefore, you will
need a place to save them while you are working on them.
I would recommend a folder on your desktop (or a flashdrive) titled Bio 2.
To do this right click anywhere on your desktop and select New then Folder. When
this is first created its called New Folder. Type Bio 2 into the box.
When you download the assignment sheets you will want to save them to this folder.
Textbook:
The information necessary for this course can be found in a number of textbooks and
online sources. If these sources are accurate and cover sufficient depth, you could use
any you choose. However, I have vetted the following options that have the necessary
information for this course.
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My recommendation is to use both the paper textbook as well as the online textbook.
Many people have a difficult time reading online, and this online textbook cannot be
printed.
The standard paper textbook option.
Goodenough. Biology of Humans. 5th edition
Older editions are also acceptable, but realize that you will need to find the
correct pages on your own.
You can purchase either a hardcopy of an ebook through the Butte Campus
bookstore.
An online textbook.
This is a free online textbook (no need to log in). To find the book for this course:
1. Go to: http://oli.cmu.edu/
2. Select the Learn With OLI tab, then see our open and free courses
3. In the open and free menu select Introductory to Biology or Anatomy and
Physiology (depending on the course unit).
4. Select enter course
5. No need to sign in, just select enter course
Another online textbook:
This is another free online textbook.
1. Go to: http://openstaxcollege.org/books
2. Again, we will use chapters from different books; I will let you know which
ones are relevant.
You are free to choose a different option each unit. So, feel free to try out both and
settle with the one you prefer.
BUTTE COLLEGE ATTENDANCE POLICY SPECIFIC TO ONLINE COURSES
Participation required: Consistent participation is necessary if a student is to succeed
in an online course. That means keeping up with assignments from week to week. If a
student does not participate, or shows an unacceptable level of participation as
determined by the instructor, the student can be dropped from the course. This may
affect a student's participation in extracurricular activities, access to various student
service programs and eligibility for financial aid. The syllabus for an online course
provides the instructor's procedures regarding attendance and participation.
Attendance: (a) A student must access his/her online course within the first day of
class or he/she can be dropped as a "no show." (b) Regular and effective participation
is the only means to document attendance in an online course. If a student fails to
participate in a regular and effective manner, as determined by the instructor, the
student will be dropped for nonattendance during the first two weeks of regular term
courses in order to accommodate others seeking to add. An instructor may also choose
to drop a student by the end of the eighth week due to lack of participation.
Learning Strategies
Online classes are unlike other classes that you have taken. You will be expected to
complete the work and keep up with the assignments on your own. I am available to
help you, but you will need to contact me if you are having difficulties.
Are you ready for online classes? Click here to find out:
http://www.butte.edu/departments/distance/assess_online.html
Below is some excellent information to help you be a successful online student. This
information can also be found here:
http://www.butte.edu/departments/distance/online_student.html
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3. Accept critical thinking and decision making as part of the learning
process.
Critical thinking skills are an essential part of any learning process, but become
even more essential in an online course. The learning process in an online
course can involve discovery, critical thinking, synthesis of resources and
evaluation of knowledge.
4. Be willing and able to commit to at least 9 hours per week per 3-hour
course.
Online courses are not easier than the traditional educational process. Many
students will say it requires much more time and commitment. Though the
content of an online course is the same as its traditional counterpart, the delivery
method demands that the online student learn technology skills and conduct
most of their communication in written form.
5. Meet the minimum technology requirements for online courses.
Online courses require that you have access to the minimum technology
(computer with access to the Internet, a Web browser and an email account) as
well as basic proficiency with this technology. You may take a self-assessment
here.
6. Feel that high quality learning can take place without going to a traditional
classroom.
The learning outcomes for online courses are the same as their traditional
counterparts. The successful online student will view online courses as a
convenient way to receive their education - not an easier way. Online courses
are not for every student. Be prepared to accept the instructor as facilitator to the
class, as opposed to being a director of class activities. While your instructor is
certainly managing the instructional process, they will be less the "sage on the
stage" and more the "guide by the side."
7. Be willing to "speak up" if problems arise.
Many of the non-verbal communication mechanisms that instructors use in
determining whether students are having problems (confusion, frustration,
boredom, absence, etc.) are not possible in the online approach. If a student is
experiencing difficulty (either with the technology or with the course content), he
or she must communicate this immediately to the instructor.
8. Take advantage of Support Services.
As a Distance Learning student, you have access to many of the same services
that on-campus students have: Registration, Financial Aid, Advising, Library, and
the Bookstore are all available online for all students. Be sure to take advantage
of the range of services that Butte College provides. These services can be
accessed from the Butte College home page.
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9. Be willing to learn independently and in groups.
The online learning process is best facilitated when students interact not only
with the instructor, but also with each other. Your online instructor should be
encouraging group interaction as a part of the learning process. In addition, your
instructor may ask you to work in small groups, communicating with group
members via the class communication tools to complete group projects.
10. Preferred Learning Styles.
Not all students learn best in the same way. Online courses depend to a great
degree on a large amount of reading, writing and independent analysis. It is
important that as an online student, if you do not learn best this way, be willing to
both know your learning preferences and also stretch into new learning modes.
Be willing to accept that due to this, Internet-based courses may be more difficult
than their face-to-face counterparts.
Adapted in part from University of Illinois & the Illinois Online Network.
Follow trough with all assignments, and turn them in on time. They will help you with
the grade.
o Do not procrastinate-assignments can be time consuming.
o Follow teachers instructions thoroughly.
o Ask as many questions as necessary to clarify concepts.
o Study for the test-set up a quiet place to take the test.
o Manage your time wisely.
o Excel your own expectations.
o Enjoy the class, since you signed up for it!!!.
Take advantage of the web links. They are very informative and if you struggle
understanding the text the animations can clarify by giving you a visual example.
Also read the chapters, read it all! but break it up. I know my brain stops absorbing if
I sit for hours reading, its unproductive.
Advice that I would give to future students taking this class is to really make the time
to do the worksheets and study the review questions for the exams. I know first-hand
how busy and exciting life can be, but if you dont take a few hours out of your day or
weekend to study and complete assignments, your grade will suffer. This is such a
fantastic class and there is so much to learn, so if you fall behind, theres no going
back. If it is important to you, youll make the time.
Hmm.... for future students, the best thing I did this quarter was bought myself an
ethernet cable. After my wireless internet crapped out during a quiz. It was a hassle
which made me learn my lesson: if you have crappy wireless, just buy an ethernet
cable ^.~
Scientific Inquiry
Chemistry
Cells
Introduction to Humans
3. Human Systems II
A.
B.
C.
D.
Respiratory
Circulatory
Immune
Reproductive
2. Human Systems I
A.
B.
C.
D.
Musculoskeletal
Endocrine
Nervous
Urinary & Digestive
Inheritance
DNA structure & Function
Evolution
Ecology
The unit test will be due 1 week after the end of the unit to give you time to study.
However, the next unit will also be beginning at that time, so try to take it early if
possible.
The test will be worth 50 points.
You will have 1 hour to complete the test. You will only have one try, so be sure
you have an hour free of distractions and make sure you have a reliable internet
connection.
To prepare for the test
Study all 4 worksheets from the unit.
Be able to answer all of the questions on the review documents. There is 1
review document for each topic so study all 4 of them.
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My advice to future students taking this class consists of a few been there, done
that scenarios:
- DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE WORK LOAD. Online classes have to
compensate for classroom time, therefore more work than you may or may not
have anticipated. Designate time set aside and READ ALL MATERIAL given,
unless told otherwise.
- DO NOT PROCRASTINATE. You are cheating yourself of crucial valuable
knowledge and disregarding work the teacher has put into provide the content.
Procrastinating may prevent from reading all material and short cutting to
answers. Not worth it.
- REACH OUT TO ONLINE CLASSMATES AND THE TEACHER when you need
help. Questions are always answered on a timely manner.
Loved this class <3
Make sure you stay on top of the work and actually review the WS before you take a
test. It really helps.
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Grading
Each unit consists of the following points
Points
25 points each x 4 =
Worksheets (4)
Discussion
Original post
Responses
Revision
100 point
50 points
10 points
20 points
20 points
Unit test
50 points
*note: the points for the first unit are arranged differently but still add up to 200
A
B
C
D
F
720 800
640 719
560 639
480 559
< 480
800 points
points
points
points
points
points
GRADING
Each assignment, activity, and discussion will be graded according to the grading
criteria on the rubric for that assignment. You can find the grading rubric for each item
by clicking on the grading criteria or grade link in the instructions. I highly
recommend you look at the grading rubrics so you know how you are being graded on
the assignments.
ATTENDANCE / PARTICIPATION
Participation in class is an essential component of your success. If you do not
participate for 2 weeks without contacting me you may be locked out of the class until
you contact me and may be dropped or receive an FW. Participation in this course is
defined as submitting a gradable assignment.
Also, If you do not complete the syllabus quiz by the due date, you will not be able to
move on to unit 1 and may be dropped from the class.
Details on the Butte College Attendance and Academic Honesty policies are attached
as the next link in the module. Be sure to read those documents.
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DISCUSSIONS
The discussions will give you the opportunity to research topics in greater depth. For
each discussion, you will select a topic from a list and write a paper about that topic.
You will then give other students feedback on their papers. Finally, you will use the
feedback you received to revise your paper.
Discussion rules
Your paper will be posted to the discussion board:
1. You will select the topic from a list provided by the instructor. If you have a different
topic that relates to the unit that you would prefer to write about, please contact me. I
will likely approve it, but want to make sure all topics relate to the purpose of the
unit.
2. A maximum of 2 students can select each topic.
3. The title of your post should be the same as the topic you chose (eg: trans fats).
4. Discuss causes, treatments, interesting background, medical advances anything
you think is necessary to cover the topic. Imagine you are writing an article on this
topic what do you think the public needs to know? Quality is more important than
quantity. I estimate that these topics require at least 800 words for a meaningful
article.
5. When you post you must use references (either paraphrased or quoted) from the
reading or reliable resource. You should cite these references.
6. Your post should be well written, easy to follow and interesting to read.
You will respond to 3 other student papers:
7. When you respond to posts you must reference specific details/statements of the
writers post. That is, explain which part of the original post you are responding to
and quote it. Your responses must add something substantive to the discussion, just
saying I agree or good job is not enough.
8. Respond to students who wrote on a different topic than you did.
9. Your response should include:
A. A specific comment on what was done well in the post
B. A specific comment on how to review the post
C. A question that you have about the topic which the original poster can answer
D. Your post & responses must be respectful and well written:
10. All comments must be respectful. Focus on the topic, not the individual. It is difficult
to read tone in writing, so always be polite. Avoid sarcasm it doesnt translate well.
If someone posts something that might be considered offensive, I will remove the
post and discuss it with the individual. If someone posts something that is obviously
meant to be offensive or represents an overt personal attack that individual will be
blocked from the course until the issue is resolved. We will be discussing sensitive
topics in this course so please be polite.
11. Avoid profanity and write your thoughts in clear, coherent sentences. Do not use
text message abbreviations.
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Academic Honesty
READ THIS SECTION CAREFULLY! These are the rules you are expected to abide by
while taking this class.
Students of the College are afforded certain rights and privileges, in addition to the
freedom to learn However, these privileges carry with them an obligation to respect the
rights and privileges of others, as well as an obligation to abide by rules and regulations
set by the College, its various agencies, and its agents --Butte Catalog
Understanding what is and isnt allowed in each class can be challenging, particularly
for online classes.
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You must follow the rules of student conduct provided by the college. A document
summarizing these rules is provided at the end of the syllabus.
There are a number of outcomes that result from not following the codes of student
conduct and academic honest. These include:
Disciplinary actions may be taken. Additional disciplinary actions will be taken if:
o The incidence of plagiarism is blatant. For example: you copy or purchase
an entire paper.
o The incidence of plagiarism is chronic. For example: you receive a 0 on an
assignment because your work is too similar to another students or is copied
from another resource; and we discuss the situation but it continues to be
evident that you are not doing your own work.
I believe most people are honest. If you have any questions about what is and isnt
allowed, please do ask me. I am here to help you.
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Student Services
There are many services available to students through the college. If there is
something that is impeding your success as a student, there is likely a service the
school offers that can help you just ask me. These folks are here to help you! For
example:
Need more money
The financial aid office can help you get money for school. There are a LOT of
scholarships out there you probably qualify for at least one! (you never know if
you dont try!)
The career center has a listing of jobs.
The food pantry on campus can help you if you dont have enough money for
food.
Cant afford the textbook?
EOPS and TRiO can help you if you qualify.
EOPS is for educationally and economically disadvantaged students
TRiO is for disadvantaged students intending to transfer to 4 year schools
The financial aid office has book loans for those who are getting financial aid.
Are your classes too difficult?
The Center for Academic Success (CAS) provides academic support services to
Butte College students. It is located inside the Learning Resource Center on
main campus and in CHC 230 and 231 at the Chico Center. CAS is open
Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00, and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
on main campus. Hours for CAS at the Chico Center are Monday through
Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and Monday evening, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Free services include Tutoring, Computer Labs, Workshops, Group Study Rooms
on main campus, and TIP Sheets. Students may take a Critical Skills for College
Success -unit course through CAS. More information: www.butte.edu/cas.
Stressed?
The student health clinic has a therapist on staff that can help you.
The counseling center offers personal as well as academic counseling.
Health problems?
The student health clinic has a variety of services to keep you healthy.
Not sure what you want to do with your degree?
The career center has a variety of resources to help you determine the ideal
career track for you.
Need help NOW
Ask me for a VIP pass that allows you to be seen by service providers faster.
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DUE: 8/30
DUE: 9/2
DUE: 9/2
DUE: 9/9
DUE: 9/9
DUE: 9/16
DUE: 9/16
DUE: 9/23
DUE: 9/23
DUE 9/30
DUE 9/30
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DUE: 9/30
DUE: 10/7
DUE: 10/7
DUE: 10/14
DUE: 10/14
DUE: 10/21
DUE: 10/21
DUE 10/28
DUE 10/28
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DUE: 10/28
DUE: 11/4
DUE: 11/4
DUE: 11/12
DUE: 11/12
DUE: 11/18
DUE: 11/18
DUE 11/25
DUE 11/25
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DUE: 11/25
DUE: 12/2
DUE: 12/2
Week 3: Evolution
Read the introduction by the instructor & the textbook
o Use the review questions to guide your reading
Complete the Evolution Worksheet (25 pts)
Review 3 other student posts (20 pts)
DUE: 12/9
DUE: 12/9
Week 4: Ecology
Read the introduction by the instructor & the textbook
o Use the review questions to guide your reading
Complete the Ecology Worksheet (25 pts)
Revise your original paper based on comments (20 pts)
DUE: 12/16
DUE: 12/16
DUE 12/18