Human Biology
Online Syllabus
Changing Lives in the Global Community through Excellence in Education
Fall 2011
Instructor:
Jacki Houghton, DC
E-Mail:
Houghton_jacki@smc.edu
Course Day:
Asynchronous
Office Hours:
Th – Sat 8am – 11am online
Course Time:
Asynchronous
Online Learning: Class material and lectures will be presented in a variety of formats including
powerpoints, mp3s, Word documents and online exercises using the textbook’s website. Often students
new to online learning perceive and expect online courses to be easy and involve little to no work on their
part. This is a misperception and in fact, online courses may be more demanding than a face-to-face
course depending on the learning style of the student. Online courses are not recommended for all
students. This course is NOT self-paced. You will have weekly assignments with weekly due dates.
Textbook: Human Biology, by Sylvia Mader, 12eth edition., ISBN: 978-0-07-352546-4 You must have
McGraw-Hill ConnectPlus Biology. This code will come with your book or you may purchase it online as
well as the etextbook and mobile app.
Note: Additional required and recommended readings may be assigned by the instructor throughout the course.
Withdrawal From Class: You are responsible for your credit and enrollment status. Any student withdrawing
from class must inform the admissions office of this decision. Students failing to follow the correct
procedure for withdrawals will receive a grade of “F” for the semester. Be sure to check with the
admissions office for drop deadline dates.
I. COURSE PREREQUISITES
There are no prerequisites for this course. However, you must have enough English skills to properly complete this
course. Those requirements are as follows: NOTE: It is imperative that you have the required English skills
to participate in this class. You must qualify to take English 1. You must have excellent comprehension
of the written word and writing skills to present intelligent responses to discussion groups, answers to
essay questions and research papers. If you have not taken the ESL placement exam, you may access it
here: http://www.smc.edu/apps/pub.asp?Q=55&B=2
Grammar, spelling and style will be taken into account when grading written assignments including
discussion topics, group projects and essay questions on exams! Please check your spelling and
grammar BEFORE submitting your work. You are expected to use proper English grammar. IM, chat,
and email slang and abbreviations are not acceptable forms of communication in this course. Please do
not use them in any of this coursework.
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Fall 2011
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Your grade is dependent upon your communication skills! I advise you to drop this class and take
English if you think that you will have a problem.
II. COMPUTER SKILLS
Skills in computer keyboarding, competency in Microsoft Word, email, including sending and receiving
attachments, the Internet using a Web Browser. You must take the eCompanion Tutorial at
www.smconline.org Sign in and you will see the tutorial.
III. CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
Transfer: UC, CSU
IGETC AREA 5B (Biological Sciences non-lab)
This survey course explores the principles of biology using humans as examples. It includes introductions to the
scientific method, cell biology, heredity, evolution, human ecology, behavior, and the major concepts of structure,
function and pathology of most organ systems. The course may serve as an introduction to the future study of
biology, including anatomy and physiology, or stand by itself as a non-lab life science course for general education
students.
IV. COURSE DESCRIPTION
This human biology course explores the principles of biology using humans as examples. It includes an
introduction to the scientific method, cell biology, heredity, evolution, human ecology, behavior and the
major concepts of structure, function and pathology of most organ systems. The course may serve as an
introduction to the future study of biology, including anatomy and physiology or stands by itself as a
non-lab life science course for general education students.
V. COURSE OBJECTIVES
This course will:
Objective #
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Objectives
Correlate and understand the general biological concepts
Describe the scientific method
Describe the mechanisms of the human body functions as they are organized around the central
dogma of homeostasis
Develop a better understanding of science
Understand the principles of critical thinking and be able to apply them
Use biological terms and names appropriately
Exhibit factual knowledge about major human biological systems
Show appreciation for the role of human life in the larger framework of global ecology and the
evolutionary history of life on earth
VI. COURSE FORMAT / INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS
Four primary instructional methods will be used in the course: (1) critical discussions (2) experiential virtual online
exercises; (3) reading (4) weekly reflection of concepts learned. Each chapter has an outline, a powerpoint
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presentation, an mp3, a learning module and a quiz. This should be enough different methods available to you to
obtain the learning desired.
VII. STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
Student learning for this course:
1
Identify the exact steps which are involved in scientific discovery and be able to arrange these
steps in their proper order. Identify the dependent and independent variable in an experiment
and also be able to name and identify the “control” and “experimental” groups from a biologic
experiment
2
Identify the basic human biologic systems and their primary functions. Provide current examples
from our environment, nutrition and medicine, which can affect these biologic systems and then
predict possible health outcomes associated with these specific examples.
Student Learning Outcomes
Identify the exact steps which are
involved in scientific discovery and
be able to arrange these steps in
their proper order. Identify the
dependent and independent
variable in an experiment and also
be able to name and identify the
“control” and “experimental”
groups from a biologic experiment
Identify the basic human biologic
systems and their primary
functions. Provide current
examples from our environment,
nutrition and medicine, which can
affect these biologic systems and
then predict possible health
outcomes associated with these
specific examples.
VIII.
Method of Assessment
Course Participation
Students will participate in
Group Projects based on
the SLOs to assess
understanding of each of
the outcomes. Students
will also take objective
quizzes and exams to
determine level of
understanding.
COURSE ASSIGNMENTS, DUE DATES & GRADING
Weekly Assignments
1) Week 1
Learn Smart Study Module Chapter 1
Quiz Chapter 1
Weekly Journal Entry
Post on discussion board your understanding of student
pledge
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Fall 2011
Point Value
Due Date
20
10
5
9/4/11
midnight
% of
Final Grade
2
1
.5
Page 3 of 11
Point Value
Due Date
% of
Final Grade
2 )Week 2
Learn Smart Study Module Chapter 2
Quiz Chapter 2
Weekly Journal Entry
20
10
5
9/11/11
midnight
2
1
.5
3) Week 3
Learn Smart Study Module Chapter 3
Quiz Chapter 3
Weekly Journal Entry
Discussion 1
20
10
5
15
9/18/11
midnight
2
1
.5
1.5
9/25/11
midnight
2
1
.2
8.8
10/2/11
midnight
2
1
.5
10/9/11
midnight
2
1
.5
1.5
10/16/11
midnight
2
1
.5
4.4
10/23/11
midnight
2
1
.5
8.8
10/30/11
midnight
2
1
.5
1.5
Weekly Assignments
4) Week 4
Learn Smart Study Module Chapter 4
Quiz Chapter 4
Weekly Journal Entry
Exam 1 Chapters 1 - 4
5) Week 5
Learn Smart Study Module Chapter 5
Quiz Chapter 5
Weekly Journal Entry
6) Week 6
Learn Smart Study Module Chapter 6
Quiz Chapter 6
Weekly Journal Entry
Discussion 2
7) Week 7
Learn Smart Study Module Chapter 7
Quiz Chapter 7
Weekly Journal Entry
Group Project 1
8) Week 8
Learn Smart Study Module Chapter 8
Quiz Chapter 8
Weekly Journal Entry
Exam 2 Chapter 5 - 8
9) Week 9
Learn Smart Study Module Chapter 9
Quiz Chapter 9
Weekly Journal Entry
Discussion 3
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Weekly Assignments
Point Value
10) Week 10
Learn Smart Study Module Chapter 1 0
Quiz Chapter 10
Weekly Journal Entry
11) Week 11
Learn Smart Study Module Chapter 11
Quiz Chapter 11
Weekly Journal Entry
12) Week 12
Learn Smart Study Module Chapter 12
Quiz Chapter 12
Weekly Journal Entry
Discussion 4
Exam 3 Chapter 9 - 12
13) Week 13
Learn Smart Study Module Chapter 13
Quiz Chapter 13
Weekly Journal Entry
14) Week 14
Learn Smart Study Module Chapter 15
Quiz Chapter 15
Weekly Journal Entry
15) Week 15
Learn Smart Study Module Chapter 18
Quiz Chapter 18
Weekly Journal Entry
Group Project 2
Due Date
% of
Final Grade
11/6/11
midnight
2
1
.5
11/13/11
midnight
2
1
.5
11/20/11
midnight
2
1
.5
1.5
8.8
11/27/11
midnight
2
1
.5
12/4/11
midnight
16) Week 16
Learn Smart Study Module Chapter 21
Quiz Chapter 21
Weekly Journal Entry
Final Exam Chapters 13, 15, 18 and 21
2
1
.5
12/11/11
midnight
2
1
.5
4.4
12/18/11
midnight
Final Due
12/20 at
midnight
2
1
.5
8.8
Each of the major assignments is described below.
Learn Smart Study Module
You must sign onto the Textbook’s “Connect” website and enter our class. Instructions: go to:
http://connect.mcgraw-hill.com/class/j_houghton_fall_2011 Here you may buy direct access or use the code in
your textbook. You also have the option of buying the etextbook. They also have mobile options.
These learning modules are worth 20 points each.
Due: These modules are due on the Sundays at midnight in the week in which they are assigned.
This assignment is in place to assure that the student is exposed to the assigned material and is assessed.
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Quizzes:
The quizzes are also on the “Connect” website. They are all encompassing (uses all of the material presented), are
10 questions in length and are worth 1 point each or 10 points total.
Due: These quizzes are due on the Sundays at midnight in the week in which they are assigned.
This assignment assesses understanding on different Bloom levels.
Exams:
We will be using ExamGuard on all exams. You must go to exam 1 during week 1 and download the examguard
software and test it. WARNING: if you use another computer to take an exam, you will have to download
examguard on that computer which may take time and may not work. You are responsible for having a
computer on which examguard works. I have supplied a few practice quizzes for you to test the software.
Exams will be a combination of M/C, T/F, fill-in, short answer and essay.
Weekly Journal Assignment.
On the top menu bar in your eCompanion Course is a link called “Journal”. When you click this link, you will be
presented with a page which allows you to place text into a box. Here you will write the following:
Each post will include and are worth 1 point each:
1 point: 1. Which topics studied are you most interested in? Which resources did you use this week? (ppt,
outline, practice quiz, mp3, textbook website, discussion board etc)
1 point: 2. How did you like the Discussion topic of the week?
1 point 3. What would you do to help a student learn the concepts presented this week?
1 point: 4. Describe the work you did on your Group Project.
1 point: 5. Tell me about one particular piece of information that you learned this week that you will remember
forever.
Due: These entries are due on the Sundays at midnight in the week in which they are assigned.
Discussions: Discussion topics are posted every week. Please take these assignments seriously because 1
point can change your grade. A Rubric appears on all discussion pages to help you with your posts.
Group Projects: Directions for completing the Group Project are on the Course Home Link. This is a
difficult effort for it requires the cooperation of your group members.
IX. Academic Dishonesty READ CAREFULLY!
Santa Monica College is strongly committed to the promotion of high ethical standards. Such standards
can best be accomplished in an environment where honesty and integrity are practiced. For this reason
the College strongly condemns academic dishonesty. Academic dishonesty includes cheating, plagiarism
or other improper appropriation of another’s work as one’s own and falsifying records to advance one’s
academic standing. Cheating includes but is not limited to copying answers, stealing and/or
disseminating tests or answer keys, using your textbook, other books, internet, cell phone or any other
source while taking exams, using someone else’s data in preparation of reports or assignments, and
assisting others in such practices. Plagiarism involves the presentation of another person’s words, ideas,
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Fall 2011
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or work as one’s own. It includes but is not limited to copying any material (written or non-written)
without proper acknowledgement of its authorship.
X. Consequences of Cheating or Plagiarizing
If you are caught cheating or plagiarizing on an assignment or exam, you will receive a zero on that
assignment. You will also be reported to the campus disciplinarian for review. Any further infraction
will result in you being dropped from the class.
I am well aware of cheating rings, websites that give answers to exams, students allowing someone else
to access their course and completing coursework for them etc. I strongly advise you not to engage in
these activities as they may lead to a record of dishonesty which may prevent you from transferring to a
University. Your future depends upon your honesty. I also am aware that students post information
about classes and instructors and the activities that are expected in them. Beware of using these
resources. Classes are changed each semester to prevent students from stealing information from a
prior semester. I am here to assure that you receive the best education while watching over your moral
activities.
XI. Course Expectations and Guidelines
Students are expected to contribute to the development of a positive learning environment and to demonstrate
their learning through all assignments and through active class participation in discussions and group projects. This
participation should consist of thoughtful, respectful, and meaningful contributions based on having completed
required and independent readings and assignments prior to posting.
Expectations:
1.
2.
Students are expected to do the assigned readings and assignments weekly.
Students are expected to follow the Student Pledge:
DISTANCE EDUCATION STUDENT PLEDGE
The following pledge will help you exercise academic integrity as a distance
education student and avoid possible violations.
1. I will not divulge my username or password in order that a student/person could be represented as me during
an online exam or course assignment.
2. I will not divulge my username and/or password for paid internet websites that may have answers or essays to
use as my own work.
3. I will not refer to my textbook, notes, internet, cell phone, person or any other resource while taking an online
exam or assignment.
4. I will not divulge the content of an online exam or access another student's coursework in order to complete
assignments or exams.
5. I will not copy and/or provide another student with test questions or answers AT ANYTIME!
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6. I will not copy any material without properly footnoting or citing according to my Instructor's citation preference
(see Citing Sources link on the Course Home Page)
7. I will not provide answers to another student during an exam, such as using an online communication tool to
send/receive answers.
8. I will not take an exam for another student.
9. I will not purchase any academic paper and submit it as my work.
10. I will not allow anyone to know my username and password to eCompanion
11. I will not email the class or any student asking for answers to questions at anytime!
12. I will not use the cell phone while taking an exam!
13. I understand that cheating and plagiarism are egregious offenses and are not tolerated at SMC.
14. I understand that there is a NO TOLERANCE policy at SMC and if I am caught cheating or plagiarizing, I may
receive a zero on the assignment or exam, I may be dropped from the class and/or I may be expelled from the
college.
15. I have read the syllabus completely and agree to all statements.
16. I have read STUD101 Student Rules & Regs located on the Course Home Page and agree to it's covenants.
17. I have read the Student Code of Conduct on the Course Home Page and agree to it's covenants.
18. I understand that if my English is insufficient to understand the nuances of these documents, I am still obliged
to obey them.
If there are any words that you do not understand, or and of the above rules are unclear, you MUST post them on
the board and I will answer them.
Netequette Rules: These rules are in place to remind you that we are all real people and should be treated with
the utmost respect.
Rule 1: Remember the Human Being who you are addressing
Rule 2: Adhere to the same standards of behavior online that you follow in real life
Rule 3: Know where you are in cyberspace
Rule 4: Respect other people's time and bandwidth
Rule 5: Make yourself look good online
Rule 6: Share expert knowledge
Rule 7: Help keep flame wars under control
Rule 8: Respect other people's privacy
Rule 9: Don't abuse your power
Rule 10: Be forgiving of other people's mistakes
For further information on each rule, go to: http://www.albion.com/netiquette/corerules.html
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XII. EMAIL PROTOCOL
In this age of texting, proper English has been ignored. No texting language will be accepted! This is
college and I insist that you follow the following protocol when emailing: You must begin with Hello or
Dear Dr. Houghton. You must sign your email with your real name. I will accept NO email from a
private email address. All email sent to me must be sent from the eCompanion website! All other
email will be ignored.
XIII.
GRADES
Grades are written in stone! Under NO circumstances are you to email me in the last week or after
the course has ended and ask me how you can raise your grade! You must earn your grade as you go
along. Take all assignments seriously! Grades are 90%+ = A, 80-89 = B, 70-79 = C, 60-69 = D, <60 = F
Assessment
Exams
Modules
Quizzes
Discussions
Group Projects
Journal Entries
XIV.
Number
4
16
16
4
2
16
Points
100
20
10
15
50
5
Total
400
320
160
60
100
90
1130
%
35
28
14
5
9
8
100
COMPUTER PROBLEMS
It is a requirement of this class that you have a working computer and internet connection. Computer
related problems are never a valid excuse for not completing or submitting an assignment on time,
therefore it is advisable to complete the assignments early enough to take into account any problems
that may occur. Late assignments will NOT be accepted, unless for a reason deemed valid by the
instructor. If you have a problem during an exam, you must immediately take a screenshot which
includes the time stamp in the lower right corner of the computer screen. Then you must email this
screenshot to tech support (link at top of page) and cc me with the email which details your problem. I
will make my assessment as to whether or not to give you more time based on following this protocol
exactly!
For all other problems you can email the helpdesk at the link at the top of the page and be sure to cc me so that
I can know what is going on.
While taking an exam you MUST hit the SUBMIT button when you are finished with the exam or you will not be
able to view your results! Leave enough time to do this. If the exam closes before you submit, you will NOT be
able to see your responses and the correct answers!
XV. HOW TO GET AN A IN THE CLASS
You can earn an A in this class! Here is the procedure: sign into the class at least 3 times a week to read
the discussion board, view powerpoint presentations, check announcements, go to your Group Project
Discussion Board and complete all assignments as given. Participate in your group project. Take the
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exams by the assigned dates. Download and listen to the mp3s. If you need further clarification, refer
to your textbook and the textbook’s website. An A student is responsible and diligent!
XVI.
MY COMMITMENT TO YOU
As your instructor, I take this responsibility very seriously. I promise to be responsive to your needs as
students and adult learners. I Promise the Following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
To communicate with you via the discussion groups at least 2 times per week.
To provide extra learning’s if you are challenged by a subject.
Exams will be graded on the Monday following exams
Discussions will be graded on Mondays
Group Projects will be graded in the week following submission
Journals will be graded after the semester ends. All entries are dated. No late entries accepted.
XVII.
WITHDRAWAL FROM CLASS
You are responsible for your credit and enrollment status. Any student withdrawing from class must inform the
admissions office of this decision. Students failing to follow the correct procedure for withdrawals will receive a
grade of “F” for the semester. Be sure to check with the admissions office for drop deadline dates.
Any student requesting academic accommodations based on a disability is required to register with Disability
Services and Programs (DSP) each semester. A letter of verification for approved accommodations can be
obtained from DSP. Please be sure the letter is emailed to the instructor as early in the semester as possible.
XVIII. STATEMENT ABOUT INCOMPLETES
The Grade of Incomplete (IN) can be assigned only if there is work not completed because of a documented illness
or some other emergency occurring after the 12th week of the semester. Students must NOT assume that the
instructor will agree to the grade of IN. Removal of the grade of IN must be instituted by the student and agreed to
be the instructor and reported on the official “Incomplete Completion Form.”
XIX.
POLICY ON LATE OR MAKE-UP WORK
You may NOT submit late work. If a serious problem arises, you must email me IMMEDIATELY with the
circumstances. I will advise on an individual basis what to do. If you have a problem while taking an exam, you
must immediately take a screenshot which includes the time stamp. Then, immediately click the tech support link
at the top of the page and email tech support with the details of your problem. Cc me with your email. Wait for
our responses. THIS IS THE ONLY METHOD TO USE TO BE GRANTED ADDITIONAL TIME TO COMPLETE YOUR
EXAM!
XX. POLICY ON CHANGES TO THE SYLLABUS AND/OR COURSE REQUIREMENTS
It may be necessary to make some adjustments to the syllabus during the semester in order to respond to
unforeseen or extenuating circumstances. Adjustments that are made will be communicated to students in writing.
XXI.
COMPLAINTS
If you have a complaint or concern about the course or the instructor, please discuss it first with the instructor. If
you feel you cannot discuss it with the instructor, contact the chair of the department.
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XXII.






TIPS FOR MAXIMIZING YOUR LEARNING EXPERIENCE IN THIS COURSE
Be mindful of getting proper nutrition, exercise, rest and sleep!
Come to the virtual class.
Complete required readings and assignments BEFORE posting.
Participate in class discussions.
If you don't understand something, ask questions! Ask questions, during office hours, and/or through
email!
Keep up with the assigned readings and assignments.
Don’t procrastinate or postpone working on assignments.
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