Revised 01/10/2016
Fayetteville State University
College of Arts and Sciences
Department of Biological Sciences
Biology 499: Senior Capstone Experience
SPRING 2016
I. Locator Information:
Instructor: Shirley Chao
Course # and Name: Biology
Office Location: LS 329
Semester Credit Hours: 4
Day and Time Class Meets:
499: Senior Capstone Experience
Office hours: M:1-5PM, W: 1-4PM,
Office Phone: 910.672.1427
F: 1-4PM
Lab in LSA 226 (TH at 10-11:50AM)
Lecture in LSA 226 (W at 4:20-5:00PM)
Email address: schao@uncfsu.edu
FSU Policy on Electronic Mail: Fayetteville State University provides to each student, free of charge, an
electronic mail account (username@broncos.uncfsu.edu) that is easily accessible via the Internet. The university has
established FSU email as the primary mode of correspondence between university officials and enrolled students.
Information from FSU or FSU students pertaining to academic records, grades, bills, financial aid, and other matters of a
confidential nature must be submitted via FSU email. The student is responsible for ensuring the mailbox remains available
to receive notifications. FSU is not responsible for issues related to notifications that are not deliverable due to full
mailboxes. Inquiries or requests from personal email accounts are not assured a response.
Rules and regulations governing the use of FSU email may be found at
http://www.uncfsu.edu/PDFs/EmailPolicyFinal.pdf
II. Course Description: Biology
499: Senior Capstone Experience is a course involving guided
scientific research, field studies, and other special assignments. The course serves to give students
guided experience in scientific research. Students will be trained to critically review literature, design
and conduct experiments, and present their findings in a research paper and presentation.
Prerequisite: Senior status or Instructor Permission
III. Disabled Student Services: In accordance with Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ACA) of 1990, if you have a disability or think you have a disability to please contact the Center for
Personal Development in the Spaulding Building, Room 155 (1st Floor); 910-672-1203.
IV. Title IX – Sexual Misconduct
Fayetteville State University (University) is committed to fostering a safe campus environment where sexual misconduct —
including sexual harassment, domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking - is unacceptable and is not
tolerated. The University encourages students who may have experienced sexual misconduct to speak with someone at the
University so that the University can provide the support that is needed and respond appropriately. The Sexual Misconduct
policy can be found at the following link: http://www.uncfsu.edu/Documents/Policy/students/SexualMisconduct.pdf
Consulting with a Health Care Professional - A student who wishes to confidentially speak about an incident of sexual
misconduct should contact either of the following individuals who are required to maintain confidentiality:
Ms. Dionne Hall
Licensed Professional Counselor
Spaulding Building, Room 167
(910) 672-2167
dhall9@uncfsu.edu
Ms. Linda Melvin
Director, Student Health Services
Spaulding Building, Room 121
(910) 672-1454
lmelvi10@uncfsu.edu
Revised 01/10/2016
Reporting an Incident of Sexual Misconduct- The University encourages students to report incidents of sexual
misconduct. A student who wishes to report sexual misconduct or has questions about University policies and procedures
regarding sexual misconduct should contact the following individual:
Title IX Coordinator
Barber Building, Room 242
(910) 672-1141
Unlike the Licensed Professional Counselor or the Director of Student Health Services, the Deputy Title IX Coordinator is
legally obligated to investigate reports of sexual misconduct, and therefore cannot guarantee confidentiality, but a request
for confidentiality will be considered and respected to the extent possible.
Students are also encouraged to report incidents of sexual misconduct to the University’s Police and Public Safety
Department at (910) 672-1911.
V. TEXTBOOK & LABORATORY MANUAL
No textbooks will be required. The Instructor will hand out necessary articles and provide
textbooks as resources for students to use.
VI. STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon completion of this course, each student will be able to:
1. Demonstrate ability to interpret information and use the scientific method in problem
solving situations, specifically in designing experiments to test a hypothesis as assessed
through class discussions and laboratory exercises.
2. Apply the scientific method to appropriate problem situations by the use of observation and
experimentation as assessed through laboratory exercises.
3. Use graphical methods and statistical methods to organize, analyze, and interpret data
collected from experimentation as assessed through a research paper and presentation of
research project.
4. Communicate results obtained from experiments both orally through Powerpoint
presentations and in written form through a final research paper
VII. COURSE COMPETENCIES
An essential component of the capstone experience is to build on students’ knowledge of various
biological concepts such as molecular structures of macromolecules, cellular function/regulation, and
physiological functions in digestion, reproduction, the nervous system and development. The CLAU
criteria of assessment and evaluation will improve students’ critical thinking skills. In addition, cooperative
learning will be a key aspect of this course as skills related to teamwork continue to be stressed by industry.
Upon completion of this course, students will be better equipped to conduct research, analyze data, present
scientific knowledge as evidence rather than facts, and critically analyze primary literature validated by
peer review.
VIII. EVALUATION CRITERIA/GRADING
Evaluation will be based on two tests, one research paper, one oral presentation, one proposal,
and class/online assignments assigned throughout the semester as shown below. The method of
grading is subject to change with notice.
Item
number of items *
points/item
total points *
Revised 01/10/2016
Class/lab assignments
Research Proposal
Research Paper
Research Presentation
Online Assignments (CLAU)
Tests
4
1
1
1
4
2
25
50
100
50
50
100
___
100
50
100
50
200
200
___
700
MAKE-UP EXAM: There will be NO MAKE-UP EXAMS. However, a make-up exam may be given only
under special circumstances. IF YOU MISS THE FINAL EXAM, EITHER AN “F” OR INCOMPLETE
“I” WILL BE ASSIGNED.
EXTRA CREDIT: No extra credit will be given, and none should be expected.
STUDENT BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS: -The instructor will respect all students and will make every
effort to maintain a classroom climate that promotes learning for all students. Students must accept their
responsibility for maintaining a positive classroom environment by abiding by the following rules:
1. Students are expected to arrive to class on time, remain in class until dismissed by the instructor, and
refrain from preparing to leave class until it is dismissed.
2. The course involves conducting experiments in the laboratory therefore, students are required to follow
all safety guidelines set by the Department of Biological Science.
3. Students are not permitted to sleep in class.
4. Student/teacher relationships, as well as relationships among peers, must be respectful at all times.
5. Students are not permitted to wear headphones or other paraphernalia that may be distracting to the
classroom environment.
6. Students must refrain from any activity that will disrupt the class; this includes turning on cell phones
and pagers. Students will be asked to place all electronics at the front of the classroom to avoid distractions.
7. Students are not permitted to use profanity in the classroom.
8. Students should not pass notes or carry on private conversations while class is being conducted.
9. Student will not be permitted to enter into the class/lab if he/she is late more than five minutes.
Consequences for Failing to Meet Behavioral Expectations: The first time a student violates one of these
rules, the instructor will warn him or her privately, either after class or before the next class. The second
time a student violates the guidelines; the instructor may deduct as many as twenty points from the
student’s lab work/exam/presentation grade. If a student violates the guidelines three times, the instructor
will report the student to the Dean of Students for disciplinary action according to the FSU Code of Student
Conduct.
Academic Support Resources –The Learning Center in the H.T. Chick Building is available to assist
students with writing, mathematics, and reading.
IX. COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
As a student in this course, you are responsible for all work assigned, whether or not you are present.
You are, of course, also expected to complete your assignments on time. Work handed in or reported
late will receive a lower grade than that handed in on time. If you must be absent unavoidably, send
your paper via a friend and ask that person to get your assignment, take notes for you, and pick up any
handouts. You are also responsible for demonstrating (by means of make-up work or in class
discussion) an understanding of content covered in class on the day of the absence.
Revised 01/10/2016
Students are required to attend all classes regularly and to keep appointments when they are scheduled.
It is the responsibility of each student to be informed of the academic requirements of the instructor.
An absence, excused or unexcused, does not relieve the student of any course requirement.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Students are required to read the University attendance policy very carefully. It will be enforced in all
classes as follows.
Class Attendance:
Although attendance and punctuality are not normally used in the calculation of the grade (see course
requirements), there appears to be a direct correlation between these variables and final grades.
Students who attend all classes, are punctual, and sit near the front of the room where they can hear
and see better, tend to attain higher achievement than their peers. In this regard the more you can
become actively involved in the class (study with classmates, participates in class discussions, and ask
questions) the better you should do in the course.
Revised 01/10/2016
FSU Policy on Disruptive Behavior in the Classroom (Optional)
The Code of the University of North Carolina (of which FSU is a constituent institution) and
the FSU Code of Student Conduct affirm that all students have the right to receive instruction
without interference from other students who disrupt classes.
FSU Core Curriculum Learning Outcome under Ethics and Civic Engagement (6.03): All
students will “prepare themselves for responsible citizenship by fulfilling roles and
responsibilities associated with membership in various organizations.” Each classroom is a
mini-community. Students learn and demonstrate responsible citizenship by abiding by the
rules of classroom behavior and respecting the rights all members of the class.
The FSU Policy on Disruptive Behavior (see FSU website for complete policy) identifies the
following behaviors as disruptive:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Failure to respect the rights of other students to express their viewpoints by behaviors such as repeatedly
interrupting others while they speak, using profanity and/or disrespectful names or labels for others, ridiculing
others for their viewpoints, and other similar behaviors;
Excessive talking to other students while the faculty member or other students are presenting information or
expressing their viewpoints.
Use of cell phones and other electronic devices
Overt inattentiveness (sleeping, reading newspapers)
Eating in class (except as permitted by the faculty member)
Threats or statements that jeopardize the safety of the student and others
Failure to follow reasonable requests of faculty members
Entering class late or leaving class early on regular basis
Others as specified by the instructor.
The instructor may take the following actions in response to disruptive behavior. Students
should recognize that refusing to comply with reasonable requests from the faculty member is
another incidence of disruptive behavior.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Direct student to cease disruptive behavior.
Direct student to change seating locations.
Require student to have individual conference with faculty member. At his meeting the faculty member will
explain the consequences of continued disruptive behavior.
Dismiss class for the remainder of the period. (Must be reported to department chair.)
Lower the student’s final exam by a maximum of one-letter grade.
File a complaint with the Dean of Students for more severe disciplinary action.
Students who believe the faculty member has unfairly applied the policy to them may make an
appeal with the faculty member’s department chair.
Revised 01/10/2016
X. Academic Support Resources – Students who are earning less than a “C” average will be
encouraged to attend tutorial sessions provided free by various units and centers below.
. http://www.uncfsu.edu/univcoll/services.asp
http://www.uncfsu.edu/learningcenter/
http://www.uncfsu.edu/sss/
http://www.uncfsu.edu/cpser/tutorialservices.htm
Online tutoring is also available through Smartthinking:
http://www.uncfsu.edu/fsuretention/smarthinkingflyer.pdf
XI. COURSE OUTLINE WITH ASSIGNMENT SCHEDULE:
See attached assignment calendar.
XII. TEACHING STRATEGIES
The following strategies will be incorporated into the course: inquiry-based methodology, large
and small group activities, individual and group projects, lab observations, reflections, structured
overview, lecture-discussion, demonstration, discussion, case studies, and database research. The first
part of each class period will consist of an overview of the planned activities for the day. Using a
guided inquiry-based approach, students will be given a set of materials and given the task to make
observations and generate questions initially. Students will then formulate their hypotheses and given
opportunities to test, retest, and refine their hypotheses. The instructor will assist in guiding students
and providing materials to assist with experiments solely designed by the students.
Through inquiry and experimentation, students will learn how to apply the scientific method.
Students will also document and communicate their observations, findings, and conclusions as ideas
are generated and challenged by their peers. Questions will be asked and answered by both the
instructor and the student. Emphasis will be placed on student understanding of basic concepts and
principles of biology. Students will work in small groups when conducting laboratory activities but
will be expected to do their own assessment and submit final papers.
WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS (Writing-Across-the-Curriculum)
In order to emphasize the importance of writing in the learning process this course will require the
student to do a certain amount of written work. You will receive more information concerning this
aspect of the course from your instructor the first week of classes.
XIII. REFERENCES
All general biology students are encouraged to use the library and to do supplemental reading in the
biological sciences. The following science periodicals provide a source of current information in a
format appropriate for both the major and non-major biology student.
1. Discover
2. Science Digest
3 Scientific American
4. Science
5. Science News
6. Nature
7. Natural History
In addition students should use the internet to investigate topics of interest and to acquire pertinent
information.
Revised 01/10/2016
X. COURSE OUTLINE (with Assignment Schedule)
Week
Topic
Jan. 12-14 Introduction to the course
Jan.
19-21 Lab Safety Review and Exam
Jan.
26-28 Research Topics, Writing Proposals
Feb.
2-4
Feb.
9-11 Animal Models/Pilot Study Design
Feb.
16-18 Scientific Method, Experiment 1
Feb.
23-25 Experiment 2
Mar.
1-3
Mar.
8-10 MIDTERM BREAK: No class
Mar.
15-17 Online Assignments- CLA Pre-Test, Test 1
Mar.
22-24 Experiment 4
Mar.
29-31 Experiment 5
Apr.
5-7
Review of Biological Concepts/Group Assignments
Experiment 3
Analyzing Data, Writing/Presenting Scientific Information
Apr. 12-14 Research Paper/Presentations, CLA Post-test
______________________________________________________________________________
Apr. 19-21 Presentations
Apr.
26-28 Presentations
FINAL EXAM (TEST 2) May 5, 2016 at 10-11:50AM
____________________________________________________________________________________