Santa Monica College
Fall 2011
Human Biology 2, Sections
Fall 2011 Human Biology Proposed Syllabus
Instructor: Jacki Houghton, DC
Houghton_Jacki@smc.edu
Required Textbook:
Human Biology, by Sylvia Mader, 12eth edition., ISBN: 978-0-07-352546-4 You must have
McGraw-Hill ConnectPlus Biology
Academic Dishonesty
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, 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.
The Code of Conduct is displayed in the Announcement section of your course.
Plagiarism is defined in the Announcement section of your course.
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.
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.
Course Objectives:
At the completion of this course the successful student should be able to:
1. Correlate and understand the general biological concepts.
2. Describe the scientific method.
3. Describe the mechanisms of the human body functions, as they are organized around
the central dogma of homeostasis
4. Develop a better understanding of science.
5. Understand the principles of critical thinking and be able to apply them.
6. Use biological terms and names appropriately
7. Exhibit factual knowledge about major human biological systems.
8. Show appreciation for the role of human life in the larger framework of global ecology
and the evolutionary history of life on earth.
SLO:
Student Learning Outcomes.
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.
Prerequisites:
None. See English requirements below.
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.
Weekly Time Commitment:
Expect to spend 6 – 9 hours per week on this course.
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.
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.
Exams:
There will be 4 exams which includes the final exam. Exams will be worth 100 points each.
Exams are comprised of M/C, fill-in, short answer and essay. Essay and short answer
questions must be written with no spelling errors and using your best grammar. If I
cannot understand your answer, you will receive reduced or no points!
Group Project:
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.
How Points are Earned:
4 Exams
100 pts ea
400
4 Discussions
15 pts ea
60
2 Group Projects
50 pts ea
100
16 Study Modules
20 pts ea
320
16 Quizzes
10 pts ea
160
16 Journal Entries
5 pts ea
80
Total
1120
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!
Succeeding in Biology 2:
This course will cover a variety of topics in human biology. Although it will be interesting, it
will not be easy. Be prepared to work at learning biology. Print out the assignment list to
ensure that you complete all assignments on time!
The best way to approach this class is to set a schedule for 2 to 3 visits per week to the class
and participate fully in the discussions, study the powerpoint presentations and email me
with any questions. I will be tracking the time you spend on the eCompanion website.
You are responsible for completing all assignments on time!
You are also responsible for reading every email I send you and all Announcements placed
on the eCompanion Course Home page. I suggest checking your email daily to eliminate
missing any important messages.
Chats:
Chats are available to you real time. If you would like, you may request a chat with me and I
will help you. This may be used as much as you like to discuss difficult concepts. My office
hours are MWF 7-9AM or you may schedule another time with me privately. You must
engage in 1 chat with your group. Instructions are on the Week 1 Button named Group
Project.
Discussions:
There are four graded Discussions. 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.
Email Protocol:
In this age of texting, proper English has been ignored. No text 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. 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.
Accessibility:
Any student who feels s/he may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability
should contact the instructor privately to discuss your specific needs. You must have
verifiable documentation.
English Skills:
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.
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.
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,
take a screen shot of the problem immediately with a time stamp and email it to tech
support (link on top of page) and cc me. THIS IS THE ONLY PROTOCOL THAT WILL BE
ACCEPTED TO GIVE YOU MORE TIME TO COMPLETE YOUR EXAM.
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! You must follow these instructions or I cannot give you a makeup.
Contacting the Professor:
My email address is: Houghton_Jacki@smc.edu. Contact me anytime.
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.
How to Get An “A”
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 Thursdays and Mondays
Group Project Tasks will be graded on the Monday following the Saturday deadlines
Week 1 activities will be graded on Monday of week 2
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 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!
You need to earn 90% to receive an A
You need to earn 80% to receive a B
You need to earn 70% to receive a C
You need to earn 60% to receive a D
Less than 60% will receive an F
Netequette Rules:
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
*IMPORTANT*
This syllabus may be amended at any time. I will send an email when or if changes are
made. Changes will also be posted in Announcements.
SCHEDULE:
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
2 )Week 2
Learn Smart Study Module Chapter 2
Quiz Chapter 2
Weekly Journal Entry
Point
Value
20
10
5
0
20
10
5
Due Date
9/4/11
midnight
9/11/11
midnight
% of
Final Grade
2
1
.5
2
1
.5
Weekly Assignments
Point
Value
Due Date
% of
Final Grade
9/18/11
midnight
2
1
.5
1.5
3) Week 3
Learn Smart Study Module Chapter 3
Quiz Chapter 3
Weekly Journal Entry
Discussion 1
20
10
5
15
4) Week 4
Learn Smart Study Module Chapter 4
Quiz Chapter 4
Weekly Journal Entry
Exam 1
20
10
5
100
9/25/11
midnight
2
1
.2
8.8
5) Week 5
Learn Smart Study Module Chapter 5
Quiz Chapter 5
Weekly Journal Entry
20
10
5
10/2/11
midnight
2
1
.5
6) Week 6
Learn Smart Study Module Chapter 6
Quiz Chapter 6
Weekly Journal Entry
Discussion 2
20
10
5
15
10/9/11
midnight
2
1
.5
1.5
7) Week 7
Learn Smart Study Module Chapter 7
Quiz Chapter 7
Weekly Journal Entry
Group Project 1
20
10
5
50
10/16/11
midnight
2
1
.5
4.4
8) Week 8
Learn Smart Study Module Chapter 8
Quiz Chapter 8
Weekly Journal Entry
Exam 2
20
10
5
100
10/23/11
midnight
2
1
.5
8.8
9) Week 9
Learn Smart Study Module Chapter 9
Quiz Chapter 9
Weekly Journal Entry
Discussion 3
20
10
5
15
10/30/11
midnight
2
1
.5
1.5
Point
Value
Due Date
% of
Final Grade
10) Week 10
Learn Smart Study Module Chapter 1 0
Quiz Chapter 10
Weekly Journal Entry
20
10
5
11/6/11
midnight
2
1
.5
11) Week 11
Learn Smart Study Module Chapter 11
Quiz Chapter 11
Weekly Journal Entry
20
10
5
11/13/11
midnight
2
1
.5
12) Week 12
Learn Smart Study Module Chapter 12
Quiz Chapter 12
Weekly Journal Entry
Discussion 4
Exam 3
20
10
5
15
100
11/20/11
midnight
2
1
.5
1.5
8.8
13) Week 13
Learn Smart Study Module Chapter 13
Quiz Chapter 13
Weekly Journal Entry
20
10
5
11/27/11
midnight
2
1
.5
14) Week 14
Learn Smart Study Module Chapter 15
Quiz Chapter 15
Weekly Journal Entry
20
10
5
12/4/11
midnight
2
1
.5
15) Week 15
Learn Smart Study Module Chapter 18
Quiz Chapter 18
Weekly Journal Entry
Group Project 2
20
10
5
50
12/11/11
midnight
2
1
.5
4.4
16) Week 16
Learn Smart Study Module Chapter 21
Quiz Chapter 21
Weekly Journal Entry
Final Exam
20
10
5
100
12/18/11
midnight
Final Due
12/20 at
midnight
2
1
.5
8.8
Weekly Assignments
We will be using Exam Guard on all Exams. You must go to Exam 1 prior to when you take the exam to download the
software and ensure that it works on your computer. There is a tutorial on
www.smconline.org The details of each exam will be available on the exam link such as
how many questions of each type and the time limit.
Exam 1 - Will be open from 9/23 -9/25 and will cover chapters 1-4. There is a time limit and you may take it only once. You
will be able to view your score immediately upon completion; however, you will not be able
to see the correct answers until Monday 9/26. It will take me a few days after the exam to
grade any fill-in, short answer and essay questions. The exam is comprised a combination of
M/C, fill-in, matching and short answer. Since we will be using Exam Guard, you may NOT
go backwards in the exam. Only 1 question will be displayed at a time!
Exam 2 - Will be open from 10/8 – 10/10 and will cover chapters 5-8. There is a time limit and you may take it only once.
You will be able to view your score immediately upon completion; however, you will not be
able to see the correct answers until Monday 10/10. It will take me a few days after the
exam to grade any fill-in, short answer and essay questions. The exam is comprised a
combination of M/C, fill-in, matching and short answer. Since we will be using Exam Guard,
you may NOT go backwards in the exam. Only 1 question will be displayed at a time!
Exam 3 - Will be open from 11/18 – 11/20 and will cover chapters 9-12. There is a time limit and you may take it only once.
You will be able to view your score immediately upon completion; however, you will not be
able to see the correct answers until Monday 11/21. It will take me a few days after the
exam to grade any fill-in, short answer and essay questions. The exam is comprised a
combination of M/C, fill-in, matching and short answer. Since we will be using Exam Guard,
you may NOT go backwards in the exam. Only 1 question will be displayed at a time!
Final Exam - Will be open from 12/18 - 12/20 and will cover chapters 13, 15, 18 & 21. There is a time limit and you may
take it only once. You will be able to view your score immediately upon completion;
however, you will not be able to see the correct answers until Monday 12/21. It will take
me a few days after the exam to grade any fill-in, short answer and essay questions. The
exam is comprised a combination of M/C, fill-in, matching and short answer. Since we will
be using Exam Guard, you may NOT go backwards in the exam. Only 1 question will be
displayed at a time!