AIDS Online An Internet-based Curriculum Spring 2006 Syllabus BIOL295A Source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/54/Aids_virus.jpg Course Title: Online Instructor: Phone: Fax: E-mail: AIDS Online Dr. Sharron Jenkins 219-785-5206 219-785-5483 sjenkins@pnc.edu Course Number: Office location: Office Hours: BIOL295A SWRZ 106 Mon. 1-3pm; Tues. 811am, 1- 3pm; or by appointment only; online communication via email Dr. Sharron K. Jenkins*Purdue North Central*1401 S HWY 421*Westville, IN 46391 Biology/Chemistry Office Secretary, Karen Palm, 219-785-5298, SWRZ 120, kpalm@pnc.edu 1 A. COURSE RATIONALE HIV/AIDS infection is on the rise among college students and minority communities. In fact, the rate of new HIV infections among college students is nearly 10 times higher than the rate for general U.S. population. Learning about HIV/AIDS is an essential part of the battle against the spread of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. “AIDS is the number-one killer of African Americans aged 25-44.” African Americans and Hispanics make up over 65% of all new AIDS diagnosis in the U.S. This is a course that uniquely integrates the relevant topics in AIDS education with the development of the scientific literacy necessary for general education studies. Students who can apply science to everyday life, learn to appreciate science and the science in the world around them. In addition, this course is designed to acquire statistical data for research and finally to inspire students to be well-informed members of society who are committed to themselves, their health and the welfare of community and world in which they live. B. PURPOSE The purpose of the “AIDS Online” course is to: 1. Offer students a science elective that integrates the science of AIDS with a comprehensive study of the origin, spread, history, transmission, prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS. 2. Give students an opportunity to engage in an independent learning process that allows each student the freedom and advantage of learning at his or her own pace. 3. Serve as a model for AIDS education and outreach initiatives for college students seeking sound and informative information about HIV 4. Assess students knowledge of HIV/AIDS and it’s impact on society and the world around them; and to evaluate the impact of HIV/AIDS online courses on HIV awareness, prevention practice/attitudes 5. Assess student opinion/attitude about online learning experience. C. COURSE DESCRIPTION This is a general education, online course that uses a multidisciplinary approach to provide students, the community, and health professionals with a comprehensive overview of HIV/AIDS, along with the impact of this disease on community and global health. This course uniquely integrates the biology of HIV/AIDS (~40% of course content) with its origin, spread, history, transmission, prevention, and treatment (~60% of course content). Students will explore basic principles in biochemistry, immunology, and virology as it relates to the biological progression of HIV disease. Ongoing internet-based research and interactive learning activities will be used to study the life cycle of HIV and the microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, and fungi) that cause the HIV-induced opportunistic infections. While much attention has been given to making this course a comprehensible, AIDS education and outreach initiative, a 2 great deal of objective, substantive scientific information about the science, spread, and prevention of HIV is provided. Learning about HIV/AIDS is an essential part of the battle against the spread of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases; thus, “AIDS Online” is a course designed to empower a community of people committed to their physical health and well-being, specifically as it relates to HIV/AIDS prevention. D. COURSE OBJECTIVES One of the main objectives of this course is to help students develop an appreciation for science education and the impact of the field science on society through the study of HIV/AIDS. Students should gain a better understanding of the scientific method of inquiry and how the field of science has contributed to humanity and our understanding the world around us—particularly human diseases like HIV/AIDS. Students will develop a deeper understanding of the basic HIV disease as they explore the basic foundations of the chemistry of life and the wonders the immune system that protects humanity from the world of microscopic organisms. In addition, after studying these course materials, students should be able to demonstrate by examination understanding of the learning objectives listed below. 1. Course Learning Objective(s) Students will be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of: a. The definition of HIV/AIDS b. History/Origin of HIV/AIDS c. HIV/AIDS Global Impact and Statistics d. HIV/AIDS in America e. HIV/AIDS vs Race/Ethnicity f. HIV/AIDS vs Homo/Heterosexuality g. HIV/AIDS Risk Factors h. Symptoms of HIV disease i. HIV Transmission and Prevention j. HIV Testing k. HIV Treatment and Antiviral drugs l. Chemistry of Living Things and HIV m. The stages of HIV/AIDS disease and AIDS diagnosis n. Opportunistic infections associated with HIV-disease o. Basic immunology and the immune response to HIV p. The Life Cycle of HIV q. Vaccines (how they work), Clinical trials and AIDS research 3 E. REQUIRED TEXTS/SUPPLIES 1. AIDS Update 2005, Stine, Gerald J., Benjamin Cummings, 2005 (ISBN: 0805373101). The text is available at Purdue North Central bookstore. You must have the book by second week of classes (January 16, 2005). Since this text may be slightly advanced for an introductory course, the text will be used to supplement online resources. 2. “And the Band Played On” (DVD), HBO Home Video, 1993 (ASIN: B00005AQMJ); 2 hour and 20 min video is available in the Purdue North Central bookstore. Must view video during first week of classes. 3. You will need a 1 inch 3 ring binder and access to a 3-whole puncher. The whole puncher will allow you to “whole punch” printed assignments and place them in your 3ring binder. An organized binder will be a necessary component of this course. F. COURSE PHILOSOPHY & STUDENT EXPECTATIONS AIDS Online is an online course intended to give you a sense of independence in your study of HIV disease. AIDS Online should inspire students to become "lifelong" learners who are committed to the health and welfare of not only themselves, but also the community in which they live. This course encourages students to make observations, ask questions, evaluate theories, voice their opinions and engage in independent research, teamwork and learning that is applicable to everyday life. Students are expected to be active learners, fully engaged in online activities and assignments. Students should expect at least 3 hours of weekly activities/assignments since this is a 3 credit hour course. Students are expected to read assignments carefully and follow instructions provided by the instructor each week. Use your instructor as your guide to self-motivated learning, so that you, the student, are committed to learning the material for your own personal growth. G. ONLINE INSTRUCTIONS/WEBSITE All course instructions, lectures, quizzes, exams will be executed through WebCT. Please note the following: 1. WebCT: Log-on to WebCT using your first initial + first 5 letters of your last name + 00. For example, Sharron Jenkins would log-on 4 using the password sjenki00. If your password is not working, call the helpdesk for help (219-785-5511). The entire course will be instructed through WebCT, so make sure you are able to logon during the first week of classes (Jan. 9th 2005.) 2. Students are responsible for obtaining their logon name and password for WebCT. This will not be the instructor’s responsibility. Call the helpdesk for help (219-785-5511) 3. You are required to check your email daily and you should check WebCT at the beginning of every week (Mondays). Assignments, quizzes, and lectures will be posted at the beginning of each week (Mondays by 8am). You will have one week to complete the weekly assignments. More information about weekly assignments is discussed throughout this syllabus. 4. Occasionally, Purdue (the campus) may experience temporary problems with Internet access (or offline computers). If this should happen, you should email the instructor immediately, and the material will be made available on the “I drive” in the “Jenkins” folder. H. COMPUTER ACCESS/AVAILABILITY This is an online course, so it is the student’s responsibility to make sure that he/she has access to a computer, printer, and the Internet (WebCT). These resources are available on Purdue North Central campus. Please note the following: 1. Some students have encountered problems accessing the Internet (WebCT, printing assignments, etc) from their home computers (off campus computers). It may be best to use campus computers. 2. Online quizzes or exams that are timed should not be done on computers with dial-up Internet access since this may slow down the testing process. I suggest using computers on campus for taking timed assignments (you will not be given extended time due to slower “dial-up” Internet access or “slow” computers). This is repeated under Section “Q” and “R”. I. COMPUTER PROGRAMS/DOWNLOADS 1. You should make sure you have access to the following programs: a. Microsoft Word b. Microsoft PowerPoint 2. Throughout the course, you will watch video clips and animations that may require one or more of the following downloads (most of the downloads are free or already available on campus computers): a. Flash b. Quicktime http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download /download.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash http://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/win.ht ml 5 c. Windows media player d. RealPlayer http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia /player/download/download.aspx http://www.real.com/ *Note: Any additional needed programs should be available on campus computers or available as a free download. J. Course Structure/Format This course is designed to allow you to learn at your own pace, but within the course guidelines and format. 1. This course will be designed to run through WebCT. 2. The course is designed to engage students in online discussions, research, and other interactive learning activities. 3. You will watch engaging animations and short video to aid your learning process 4. Since this is a 3 credit hour course, you should expect at least 3 hours of online activities (assignments, course work, etc) each week in addition to homework. Remember, this course is equivalent to a regular course, except it is all online. 5. There will be an online quiz once a week and 2 major online exams (midterm and final). 6. There will be one major project which simply involves keeping an organized 3 ring binder of all notes and assignments. 7. An online survey will be given at the beginning and end of course. This is a Research component and is not mandatory, but extra credit. The purpose of the questionnaire is to assess the impact of AIDS education courses on HIV awareness, attitudes and HIV prevention practices of participants. 8. The instructor will have regular office hours (see above); however, email is the best mode of communication. Weekly quizzes and assignments will be given online. Please stop by my office for help whenever you are having problems accessing or completing online material. K. PREREQUISITES Students registered for this online course must have a desire to learn and a strong sense of discipline and responsibility. You must be able to manage you time adequately to make sure your assignments are turn in on time. You should have some basic knowledge of how to use a computer, search the Web, check email, and use of WebCT. This course is intended for all students and has no prerequisites. The course is substantive, with a great deal of objective scientific information about HIV/AIDS prevention. Much attention has been given to making the information comprehensible and easy to read/understand. 6 L. DISABLED STUDENT ACCOMMODATIONS Purdue University North Central is committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 by providing equal access to the programs, services and benefits to qualified students with disabilities. This is done through providing reasonable accommodations based on documentation from a qualified professional. If you have a disability that should require an accommodation during the semester, please notify your instructor and Jodi James (Disability Services Coordinator, Student Support Services, L23) at 219-785-5374, jjames@pnc.edu. Make sure you notify the above or any accommodations (disabilities) prior to the start of classes (Jan. 9, 2005) or during the first week of classes. M. ONLINE COMMUNICATION, HELP & TUTORIALS All email communication should be sent to sjenkins@pnc.edu. You must always include “AIDS Online” as the subject heading or your email may be overlooked. Do not use WebCT email to communicate with the instructor, though your WebCT will be the instructor’s main mode of communication with students. Students may receive tutoring or help with online activities during my office hours (See above) or through email communications. You are strongly encouraged to get help as soon as you feel help is needed. The sooner you get help with a problem the sooner you will be able to understand the material and complete the assignments. Please do not wait until the day before an assignment to get help. N. GRADING The cumulative grade for this course will be based on the following: Exams Project Quizzes Assignments/Internet Activities O. Percentage Average Grade 40% 20% 20% 90.0-100 80-89 70-79 60-69 Below 60 A B C D F 20% THE POINT SYSTEM You can earn extra credit points for exceptional online class participation or work. These points will be added to quiz grades only (points are not added to exam, project, or assignments). The Point System is a great way to earn extra credit by demonstrating that you are fully prepared and engaged in learning and course activities. Points are given at the instructor’s discretion. The instructor may give extra credit points for (but not limited to) the following: 1. Taking the online surveys 2. Participating in weekly online discussions 7 3. P. An exceptional final project ASSIGNMENTS Prior to the first week of classes, you will receive an email with instructions that will guide you through your first week of online activities. You will find that the format of the course is simple with wellorganized topics. Once you logon to WebCT, you will find instructions to guide you through each week of activities. Please note the following regarding weekly assignments: 1. Assignments are posted at the beginning of each week, every Monday by 8am. For example, you should expect to see all assignments, activities, quizzes, etc due for Week 1 posted on WebCT by Monday, Jan. 9th by 8am. You will have one week to complete activities for Week 1. After one week (at the end of each week), the posted activities will be removed. You will not be able to go back to week one to make up work. The activities are due at the end of each week. For example, Week 1 activities will be posted on Monday, Jan 9th by 8am and removed on the following Monday, Jan. 16 by 8am. No Week 1 assignments will be accepted after the removal date, Jan. 16, 8am. 2. There will be no opportunity for makeup work or turn in late work. Most of you will not have this problem since you are able to work on your own schedule and can actually turn in work early. It is important to start on your assignments as soon as they are posted. You may encounter challenges (like computer systems being down or offline, computer inaccessibility or unavailability), if you wait to the last minute to start an assignment or take a quiz. I suggest that you do all assignments posted on Mondays by Wednesday to avoid any unforeseen complications. You will not have the opportunity to turn in late work or missed work. You will receive a grade of zero for any incomplete assignment, activity, quiz, etc. No exceptions. Cases involving extenuating circumstances such as prolonged illness (hospitalized or under doctors care) will be handled via arrangement with your instructor. 3. You will print each assignment (note or any activity) and place in your 3-ring binder. Keeping an organized binder is important. The binder will be turned in at the end of the course as one main Project grade (See Project). You will be reminded of these instructions weekly. Q. QUIZZES Quizzes will be given approximately once a week. Quiz questions are taken directly from the weekly assignments (lectures, notes, readings, etc) and are short, rather easy assessments of your understanding of concepts and materials covered each week. You should study notes and assignments prior to each quiz because quizzes are usually timed and you will not have time to look up answers. Adequate time is allotted for 8 each quiz, so you should not worry about timing (if you have studied and are prepared). You should note the following about each quiz: 1. Quizzes will be available online every Friday from 7am to 9pm (unless state otherwise in your weekly assignments). You should not miss a quiz since there will be NO MAKE UPS. Cases involving extenuating circumstances such as prolonged illness (hospitalized or under doctors care) will be handled via arrangement with your instructor. See Late Assignment & Make-up Policy below. 2. It is extremely important that you keep up with the assigned readings, homework, etc., so that you are prepared to take timed quizzes without looking up answers. You are given plenty of time to take timed quizzes/exams, especially if you are well-prepared. NO EXTENDED TIME WILL BE GRANTED. Always email your instructor if you are experiencing unforeseen difficulties. 3. Each student is expected to take each quiz independently and not with the help of fellow classmates. Taking quizzes together will result in disciplinary actions. Practice academic honesty and integrity. Learn the material for yourself! 4. Quizzes will be 20% of your class grade. 5. Timed online quizzes should not be done on computers with dial-up Internet access since this may slow down the testing process. I suggest using computers on campus for taking timed assignments. You will not be given extended time due to slower “dial-up” Internet access or “slow” computers. R. EXAMS There will be 2 major online exams (See tentative course schedule) – a midterm and a final exam. Exams will be cumulative. You should study notes and assignments prior to exams since exams are timed. Adequate time is allotted for each exam, especially if you are prepared. You should not miss an exam since there will be NO MAKE UPS. Cases involving extenuating circumstances such as prolonged illness (hospitalized or under doctors care) will be handled via arrangement with your instructor. See Late Assignment & Make-up Policy below. Timed online exams should not be done on computers with dial-up Internet access since this may slow down the testing process. I suggest using computers on campus for taking timed assignments. You will not be given extended time due to slower “dial-up” Internet access or “slow” computers 9 S. LATE ASSIGNMENTS & MAKE-UP POLICY You should not miss an assignment, quiz or exam since there will be NO MAKE UPS. You will not be able to make-up projects, quizzes, or homework, etc. Cases involving extenuating circumstances such as prolonged illness (hospitalized or under doctors care) will be handled via arrangement with your instructor. Under such circumstances, the make up will not be given online but in the instructor’s office. Make up quizzes will be all essay and/or short answer. Make-ups are given only at the discretion of the instructor. T. THE DISSCUSION BOARD Participating in online discussions is not mandatory. You may earn extra credit by participating in online discussions. The instructor will typically propose a topic for discussion each week. Students may post a response at their leisure. You are encouraged to voice your opinion, however students must respect each other at all times and discussions should remain respectful. U. PROJECT There will be 1 major project due at the end of the semester. The project is rather simple. Each student will be required to keep a journal or a 3ring binder that is divided into at least 15 weeks. You will print all course materials (notes, assignments, lectures, etc) and place the material in your 3-ring binder. Completion of all assignments will make up 80% of your project grade. Any additional information should be placed at the end of your journal (3-ring binder). As you learn more about HIV/AIDS you can simply add the information to your binder (at the end). At the end of the semester, you will submit your 3-ring binder for a project grade. The purpose of this project is to help you developed a resource of information (a handbook) on HIV/AIDS that will enable you to share your knowledge about this disease with those around you. Your project will be graded using the following point system: 1. Content – 80 pts (80% of project grade) Your binder should include all lectures, notes, and assignments. The content of your binder will demonstrate that you have completed all weekly assignments. This material should appear at the front of your binder. All additional information will be placed after the “Content”. 2. Research – 10 pts (10% of project grade) How much information have you learned outside of my instruction? There are many topics that will not be discussed in this course simply because there is a wealth of information on HIV/AIDS which can not be covered in one semester. The research component gives you the opportunity to include important topics at the end of your journal that you think is important or interesting. 3. Write-up, Organization and Presentation – 10 pts (10% of project grade) 10 Your journal (3-ring binder) should be neat, organized, typed and easy to follow. Relevant diagrams/graphics (referenced if necessary) are included that aid in the communication of gathered information. Make sure you write in complete sentences. V. PEER RESPECT It is important to recognize and to respect your classmates, the faculty, and staff at all times. W. ACADEMIC HONESTY Cheating and/or plagiarism will not be tolerated at any level. Any student caught cheating on an exam or quiz will fail the course and be reported to the administration for further action. Students who turn in a report for a lab that they did not do will receive a zero for that lab. Any form of academic dishonesty will be subject to these same penalties. Academic honesty is highly valued. To avoid misunderstanding, listed below are a few examples of activities that is considered to be dishonest. 1. Using or claiming as your own any information, data, answers, or work of another person or persons. 2. Copying pre-labs, lab reports, or homework (in other words, ANY assignments!). Remember that copying someone else’s work does NOT constitute teamwork! 3. Giving or receiving help on any assignments for which the teacher does not permit help. 4. Giving or receiving help on tests or quizzes. This includes storing formulas or other information in your calculator without the teacher’s permission. 5. Sharing test or quiz questions by students who take a test with students have not yet taken it. 6. Presenting false or fictitious data. 7. Plagiarism of any kind. If you are unsure as to whether it is plagiarism, ASK! 8. Aiding or making it possible for another student to misrepresent his/her work, data, information, or answers. 9. Giving false information in order to receive additional time for taking a test or turning in assigned work. X. POLICY CONCERNING CIVILITY, COURTESY and CLASS ATTENDANCE 1. 2. It is expected that all students, instructors, and support staff associated with courses or any other function offered under the direction of the Biology – Chemistry Section will interact in a civil and courteous manner at all times; Students should address faculty and support staff using their appropriate title (Dr., Professor, Mr., Mrs. or Ms.); 11 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Instructor-student, student-instructor, student-support staff, support staff-student, and student-student intercommunications will be conducted in a respectful manner at all times; Attend class (Purdue University has a "no cut" policy for class attendance); a sign-in check-off list will be available for each lecture and lab Excessive (3 or more) unexcused absences will also be reported to the dean of students; Be on time for class; Only one person speaks at a time (talking to your classmates during class is impolite and very rude); Do not pack up your books and notes until the instructor indicates that class has ended; Rude/unruly students will be removed from class; Disruptive, ill-mannered behavior will not be tolerated, and will be reported to the Dean of Students (students) or the Section Chair and Vice Chancellor for Academic Services (faculty/staff) 12 Tentative Schedule The following schedule is tentative. Updated, detailed weekly schedules are posted online. WEEK—DATE WEEK 1 JAN. 9 – JAN. 13 WEEK 2 JAN. 16 – JAN. 20 Jan 16 MLK Holiday WEEK 3 JAN. 23 – JAN. 27 Week 4 Jan. 30 – Feb. 3 Week 5 Feb. 6 – Feb. 10 TOPICS Introduction to AIDS Online Take Survey for Statistical Data (extra credit) Syllabus Overview Definition of AIDS and HIV disease AIDS overview Online Quiz 1: Friday, Jan 13 from 7am to 9pm History & Origin of HIV/AIDS History of Global Pandemics/Epidemics Watch MOVIE: “AND THE BAND PLAYED ON” Online Quiz 2: Friday, Jan 20 from 7am to 9pm AIDS Statistics AIDS around the World: Global Statistics AIDS in America - Statistics Race, Culture, and AIDS HIV/AIDS Disparities Men On the Down Low Culture Barriers Poverty, Disease, and AIDS Online Quiz 3: Friday, Jan 27 from 7am to 9pm HIV Transmission HIV Risk Factors o STDs and HIV HIV Prevention HIV Testing and Getting Results (Risks/Benefit) HIV Counseling and Support Groups Online Quiz 4: Friday, Feb. 3 from 7am to 9pm 13 WEEK 6 Feb. 13 – Feb. 17 Symptoms of HIV Disease AIDS diagnosis and clinical definition Opportunistic Infections Online Quiz 5: Friday, Feb. 10 from 7am to 9pm WEEK 7 Feb. 20 – Feb. 24 HIV Treatment: Alternative and Conventional Antiviral drugs Nutrition and Diet The Cost of HIV/AIDS Insurance and Legal Issues AIDS Research Clinical Trials Online Quiz 6: Friday, Feb. 24 from 7am to 9pm WEEK 8 Feb. 27 – Mar. 3 MIDTERM EXAM Online Midterm Exam: Friday, Mar. 3 from 7am to 9pm WEEK 9 Mar. 6 – Mar. 10 Spring Break WEEK 10 Mar. 13 – Mar. 17 WEEK 11 Mar. 20 – Mar. 24 WEEK 12 Mar. 27 – Mar. 31 Disease and Microorganisms AIDS Opportunistic infections Revisited Chemistry of HIV Atoms, macromolecules, & HIV particles The structure of HIV Online Quiz 7: Friday, Mar. 10 from 7am to 9pm The Cell and HIV Basic Geography and structure of the Cell HIV structure and Function HIV Proteins: Basic Structure & Function HIV Nucleic Acids: RNA Basic Structure & Function Online Quiz 8: Friday, Mar. 17 from 7am to 9pm The Life Cycle of HIV Transcription & Translation: The Genetic code & Protein synthesis Ten steps of HIV replication/Viral Infection Online Quiz 9: Friday, Mar. 24 from 7am to 9pm 14 WEEK 13 April 3 – April 7 WEEK 14 April 10 – April 14 The Immune Response to HIV Humoral immunity Cell-mediated Immunity HIV Targets of Infection Effects of Immune suppression Online Quiz 10: Friday, Mar. 31 from 7am to 9pm Overview of the Biology of HIV disease Acquired Immunity Natural Immunity to HIV The Science of HIV/AIDS Testing Online Quiz 11: Friday, April 7 from 7am to 9pm WEEK 15 April 17 – April 21 Treatment of HIV disease HIV Drugs—How they work Classes of HIV Medicines How vaccines work HIV/AIDS Research Revisited Online Quiz 12: Friday, April 14 from 7am to 9pm WEEK 16 April 24 – April 28 Projects Due by Friday April 21, 2006 Writing and Reflection FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) WEEK 17 May 1 – May 5 Take Survey for Statistical Data (extra credit) Online Final Exam Time and date to be announced DISCLAIMER: This course syllabus and outline is intended to be a guide for the course and may be altered at the instructor's discretion. Students will be notified of any changes. Weekly updated and detailed schedules are posted online. 15