BSC2011C: Principles of Biology II
Welcome!
Welcome and thank you for enrolling in this course! I think you will enjoy our time together!
For some, this may be your first online course. If you are not a computer whiz, don’t worry. You don’t
need to be. From a computer standpoint, everything is simple to use and easy to navigate.
Please take a few minutes to read the syllabus in its entirety. Exploring all the topics in this syllabus and
related links will help you succeed in this course.
I am looking forward to working with you and having a great semester!
Professor Daudi K. Langat
BSC2011: Principles of Biology II
Professor Information
Professor:
Virtual Office Hours:
Virtual Contact Methods:
Office Location:
Office Phone:
Email:
Daudi K. Langat, PhD
By Appointment
Google Chat or Yahoo IM
Virtual
1-415-952-6428
daudi.langat@fscj.edu
Instructor Response
You can anticipate responses to inquiries and questions within 24 - 48 hours of receipt.
Campus Information
This online course is offered by the Florida State College at Jacksonville Open Campus. For questions
or concerns, please feel free to call the Campus Resource Center (904-997-2628). For technical
assistance, please contact the Help Desk at 877-572-8895 or (904) 632-3151 or via
http://www.fscj.edu/campus-life/student-computing-resources/.
Course Description
This course is a continuation of Principles of Biology I and recommended for science students
transferring to four-year institutions. The course material emphasizes survey of the kingdoms, evolution
and selected ecological topics and includes a required laboratory experience to reinforce subject
matter.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:
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Explain and apply major concepts in population genetics, taxonomy and phylogeny and
organism systematics and evolution.
Demonstrate knowledge of scientific method.
Communicate scientific ideas through oral or written assignments.
Interpret scientific models such as formulas, graphs, tables and schematics, draw inferences
from them and recognize their limitations.
Demonstrate problem-solving methods in situations that are encountered outside of the
classroom.
Demonstrate proper laboratory technique including safety in the use and care of laboratory
equipment and materials.
Dissection and examination of a variety of invertebrates and vertebrates, such as: Ascaris,
earthworm, clam, crayfish, starfish, shark, frog, fetal pig.
Demonstrate proper laboratory technique including safety in the use and care of laboratory
equipment and materials.
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BSC2011: Principles of Biology II
Course Information
Course Number/Title:
BSC2011C: Principles of Biology II
Reference Number:
416599
Number of Credit Hours: 4
Term/Year/Session/Length: Spring 2015, Session B (12 weeks, Feb 2 – May 1, 2015)
Course prerequisites:
BSC2010C: Principles of Biology I
Important Dates
Class Begins
February 2, 2015
100% Refund Deadline
February 9, 2015
Non-Attendance Drop
February 10 - 17, 2015
Withdraw with “W” Deadline
April 1, 2015
Course Evaluation
April 20 – May 1, 2015
Class Ends
May 1, 2015
These dates are critical for this course. Additional critical dates for this course can be found by
choosing the appropriate term links in the Academic and Registration Calendars
(http://www.fscj.edu/academics/academic-calendar) at the Florida State College at Jacksonville
website.
Instructional Materials and Equipment
If you have not done so already, obtain your textbook and related course materials. Visit your nearest
campus bookstore or order online via the student portal, Connections
(https://connections.fscj.edu/web/guest/home), or the Follett Online Bookstore
(http://www.bkstr.com). Be sure to order using your course and instructor’s name and the six-digit
course reference number. Please note that some courses, particularly math and science, may
require a text plus additional software or a publisher Web access code. If purchasing a used text, be
sure to check on and obtain all required materials.
Required Text/Materials
Textbook
Campbell Biology 9th edition
by Reese et al.
Benjamin Cummings Publishers (2011).
ISBN: 978-0-321-69730-1
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BSC2011: Principles of Biology II
Lab Materials/ Kits: Order your lab kits early - do NOT delay.
NOTE: You can order from Carolina via their website http://www.Carolina.com or by phone at
800-334.5551. From time to time Carolina may change their website, but you will still be able
to find the items you need by typing the item number into the web page search box.
Kit 1: Carolina Young Scientist's Animal Dissection Kit (#221021) contains earthworm, crayfish,
grasshopper, frog, plus dissection materials) - $16.75
Kit 2: Carolina Starfish, Preserved (#SPEC 26502 - PS) - Students MUST call Carolina (800.334.5551) to
order this item for home shipping.
More information about Carolina's Perfect Solution is available in the Perfect Solution MSDS.
NOTE: If you are pregnant or think you might be, please read the information about
Pregnancy and Dissection on Carolina Lab's website.
Digital Camera: You will need a digital camera to complete the labs. Any digital camera will do,
even the camera on a cell phone, as long as it takes clear images that you are able to upload into
your lab report document.
Online Delivery System
This course will be delivered using the Blackboard Learn™ course management system.
Blackboard™ Supported Browsers for Blackboard Version 9.1 SP13
View Blackboard’s Supported Browsers and Operating Systems
(http://blackboard.force.com/publickbarticleview?id=kAB700000008Oom) to see if your browser and
operating system are compatible. Please note the following when reviewing the Blackboard
compatibility ratings.
Certified:
100% Compatible
Compatible: Compatible in most areas, but could have some incompatibility issues
Unsupported: Not tested and not recommended
Technology Requirements
Reliable and consistent computer and Internet access is encouraged to successfully participate in
and complete online courses. Ensure that your computer meets the minimum system requirements
noted below and on the Florida State College at Jacksonville Online Learning site
(http://www.fscj.edu/academics/online-learning). Please use the following checklist to determine
your computer readiness.
You should own or have access to:
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An email account
Computer with high speed access to the Internet
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BSC2011: Principles of Biology II
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Access to College computers when needed
Virus-checking software
Word-processing software
Software and plug-Ins that may include (choose the titles for the free downloads)
o Adobe Acrobat Reader (http://get.adobe.com/reader/)
o Flash Player (http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/)
o Java (http://www.java.com/en/download/manual.jsp)
o Shockwave Player (http://get.adobe.com/shockwave/)
o VLC (http://www.videolan.org/)
It is a good idea to check your computer at the beginning of each course and a couple of times
throughout the term to ensure you have all the necessary software and plug-ins to use the
Blackboard online system and course features. After logging in to Blackboard, choose the Browser
Checker link. Review the results and choose the links to the recommended software.
Please note that you will need to turn off your pop-up blocker to use all features of this online course.
Accessibility
If you require specific accommodations to complete this course, contact the Florida State College at
Jacksonville Office of Services for Students with Disabilities (http://www.fscj.edu/admissionsaid/services-for-students-with-disabilities), located at 101 W State St, Room A1020, Jacksonville, FL
32202 with additional offices at Kent, North, and South campuses. You may reach the main OSSD
office at (904) 633-8488.
Your Course Participation and Assessments
Learning Communities
Students learn through interactions with each other, with their instructor, and with the course material.
A major goal of this course is to encourage you to build learning communities within the course. This
course has special forums to aid in building our learning community. We will use the discussion area
to meet each other and share our thoughts and concerns.
The “Questions for the Professor” discussion forum is used for general questions about course content,
navigation, or flow. Please do not ask personal or specific grade-related questions in this forum, send
individual communication instead.
The “Cyber Café” is available to discuss items of interest to you and your classmates. Please
remember that in all discussion forums, you must follow all netiquette rules and guidelines.
Assigned Work
In each module, you may have individual activities to complete. Detailed information, instructions,
and rubrics for each assignment can be found below and in the module folders of the online
classroom.
To see all the assignments due in this course, refer to the Calendar of Activities below. Be sure to
check the Calendar of Activities carefully for due dates on all assigned work. Some weeks may
require completion of more than one module.
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BSC2011: Principles of Biology II
Original Writing, Style, and Sources
Written assignments must adhere to APA style guidelines. Writing style resources are available in the
Tools and Resources folder within your Blackboard classroom.
Your written assignments should be original writing and include citations as described in the APA style
guide. Turnitin® is an online tool that scans written assignments for signs of plagiarism and may be
used to screen your assignment submissions. Please go to Turnitin®
(http://www.turnitin.com/en_us/products/overview) for information about originality checks and
reports, and to What is Plagiarism? (http://www.plagiarism.org/) for plagiarism prevention resources.
Submission of plagiarized work will result in failure of the course.
Wikipedia is a tertiary (condensed) source of information and should not be used as a reference in
your assignments and papers. It is, however, a good resource for finding primary and secondary
sources that may be acceptable.
Laboratory Activities
Specific laboratory exercises can be found within select modules. Detailed instructions for each
exercise, as well as completion criteria, will also be found there. Some of your lab exercises involve
dissections and subsequent documentation of that activity. Other lab activities may involve your use
and summary of simulations, demonstrations, and/or presentations.
All lab exercises should be submitted using the scientific method format. Your instructor has provided
a sample report as an attachment to Laboratory Activity 1 in Module 1.
You are strongly urged to plan ahead for your laboratory exercises. Some, especially the dissections,
may require a significant investment of time each week.
You will submit your completed lab exercises to the instructor using the Lab Submissions drop boxes in
Blackboard.
Each Laboratory Report is graded using the Laboratory Report Rubric included at the end of this
syllabus and in the Blackboard classroom.
Discussions
You will participate in 11 graded discussions. Discussions are worth up to 20 points each and a
possible total of 220 points toward your final grade. The links to the forums are located in the Course
Content area.
Our discussions are an opportunity to have thoughtful discussions about a given topic. The questions
raised will be general in nature and ask you to think deeply. In each discussion forum, you will be
required to give a thoughtful and comprehensive response of at least five to eight sentences that are
reflective and well-written, as well as respond to at least two other people. The discussion begins
when other class members read what you wrote and respond.
Class members are expected to contribute original thoughts as well as respond to classmates' posts.
In your responses, ask your classmates questions, expand on one of their ideas, and/or ask for clarity
on one of their points. Reply politely if you disagree.
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BSC2011: Principles of Biology II
Please note that you should complete all of the readings for the module prior to posting your
discussion response. You are expected to post in correct sentence and paragraph format.
Remember to check for correct spelling and grammar.
Discussions are graded using the Discussion Rubric included at the end of this syllabus and in the
Blackboard classroom.
Quizzes
At the end of each week's work are quizzes covering the chapters covered that week. Chapter
quizzes give you the opportunity to check your understanding of the material in each chapter. Each
chapter quiz has 10 questions pulled randomly from a question bank. Each question is worth 1 point
for a total of 10 possible points for each quiz.
Exams
There are 4 exams in this course. Each exam consists of questions pulled randomly from the test banks
for the assigned chapters. Each exam is worth 100 points toward your total points.
Course Grade
Your final letter grade will be determined by totaling the points earned on all graded coursework.
ASSIGNED WORK
POINTS
GRADE
POINTS
Discussion forums (11 @20 points)
220
A
900-1000
Laboratory Activities (11 @20 points)
220
B
800-899
Quizzes (3 @ 20; 10 @10 points)
160
C
700-799
Exams (4 @100 points)
400
D
600-699
1000
F
0-599
Total Points
FN Grade – Failure for Non-Attendance
A Failure for Non-Attendance (FN) grade indicates that a student has failed a course due to nonattendance. It is calculated as an “F” in the student’s grade point average. For students receiving
financial aid, failure for non-attendance may require the student to refund to the College all or part of
the aid received. The FN grade will be assigned by the faculty member at any time following the final
withdrawal date for the course. For additional information, please review the grading system and
policies in the College catalog.
I Grade - Incomplete
Incomplete (I) grades may be awarded based on the criteria in the College catalog. See the
College’s page on Grading policies
(http://floridastatecollegecatalog.fscj.edu/content.php?catoid=21&navoid=2569#incomplete) for
more information.
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BSC2011: Principles of Biology II
Repeating the Course
You may repeat a course in an attempt to improve a grade previously earned. However, you are
limited in your attempts to courses where a “D,” “F,” or “FN” grade was earned. You have only three
total attempts in any course, including the original grade, repeat grades, and withdrawals. Upon the
third attempt in a course, you must be given an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D,” or “F”.
When you repeat a course at Florida State College, only the last grade earned is calculated in your
cumulative grade point average (GPA). If you have an excessive number of “W” or “FN” grades and
repeat courses to improve your GPA, you may jeopardize your admission to programs in the Florida
State University System (SUS) or other institutions.
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BSC2011: Principles of Biology II
Calendar of Activities
The Calendar of Activities is a summary of the lessons and course activities for each module. See
each specific Module page for directions on how to complete each assignment.
Special Note: The instructor reserves the right to modify this syllabus. You will be notified of any
changes.
Week
Week 1
Feb
2–8
Week 2
Feb
9 - 15
Week 3
Feb
Module, Topic(s) & Reading(s)
Module 1: The Evolution of
Populations / Phylogeny and the Tree
of Life
Assigned Work
Points
Possible
Student Contract
Required
Greetings & Introductions
discussion forum
0
Campbell: Chapter 23 (The Evolution
of Populations) and Chapter 26
(Phylogeny and the Tree of Life)
Supplemental Activity 1: Natural
Selection
0
See the Module 1 page for
additional readings and resources.
Laboratory Activity 1: Taxonomy &
Phylogeny
20
Module 1 Quiz (Ch. 23 and 26)
20
Laboratory Activity 2: Prokaryotes
20
Discussion 1: Spread of Disease
20
Module 2 Quiz (Ch. 19 and 27)
20
Laboratory Activity 3: Protists
20
Module 3 Quiz (Ch. 28)
10
Exam 1 (Ch. 19, 23, 26, and 27)
100
Module 2: Viruses, Bacteria and
Archaea
Campbell: Chapter 19 (Viruses) and
Chapter 27 (Bacteria and Archaea)
See the Module 2 page for
additional readings and resources.
Module 3: Protists
Campbell: Chapter 28 (Protists)
16 – 22
See the Module 3 page for
additional readings and resources.
Week 4
Module 4: Kingdom Fungi
Feb 23
Mar 1
Campbell: Chapter 31 (Fungi)
See the Module 4 page for
additional readings and resources.
Laboratory Activity 4: Fungi
Discussion 2: Current Issues in
Fungi
Module 4 Quiz (Ch. 31)
Due
Date
Feb 8
Feb 15
Feb 22
20
20
Mar 1
10
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BSC2011: Principles of Biology II
Week 4
(cont)
Feb 23
Mar 1
Week 5
Mar
2-8
Week 6
Mar
9 - 15
Laboratory Activity 5: Seedless
Plants
20
Discussion 3: Current Issues in
Seedless Plants
20
Module 5 Quiz (Ch. 29)
10
Module 6: Kingdom Plantae (Seed
Plants)
Laboratory Activity 6: Seed Plants
20
Campbell: Chapter 30 (Plant Diversity
II: The Evolution of Seed Plants)
Discussion 4: Seed Plants and
Humans
20
See the Module 6 page for
additional readings and resources.
Module 6 Quiz (Ch. 30)
10
Module 7: Kingdom Animalia:
Overview of Animal Diversity
Discussion 5: Classifying Organisms
20
Campbell: Chapter 32 (An Overview
of Animal Diversity)
Module 7 Quiz (Ch. 32)
10
Exam 2 (Chapter 28, 29, 30, & 31)
100
Module 5: Kingdom Plantae
(Seedless Plants)
Campbell: Chapter 29 (Plant Diversity
I: How Plants Colonized Land)
See the Module 5 page for
additional readings and resources.
See the Module 7 page for
additional readings and resources
March 16 - 22
Campbell: Chapter 33 (An
Introduction to Invertebrates)
pages 666 - 683 ONLY
Mar
23 - 29
Mar 8
Mar 15
SPRING BREAK – NO CLASSES
Module 8: Kingdom Animalia:
Invertebrates, part 1
Week 7
Mar 1
See the Module 8 page for
additional readings and resources.
Laboratory Activity 7: Earthworm
Dissection
20
Discussion 6: Current Issues in
Sponges
20
Mar 29
Module 9: Kingdom Animalia:
Invertebrates, part 2
Laboratory Activity 8: Arthropod
Dissection
20
Campbell: Chapter 33 (An
Introduction to Invertebrates)
pages 683 - 694 ONLY
Laboratory Activity 9: Sea Star
Dissection
20
See the Module 9 page for
additional readings and resources.
Module 9 Quiz (Ch. 33)
10
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BSC2011: Principles of Biology II
Module 10: Kingdom Animalia:
Vertebrates, part 1
Campbell: Chapter 34 (The Origin
and Evolution of Vertebrates)
pages 697 - 714 ONLY
Week 8
See the Module 10 page for
additional readings and resources.
Laboratory Activity 10: Frog
dissection
20
Supplemental Activity 2: Mammal
Skulls
0
Apr 5
Mar 30
Apr 5
Module 11: Kingdom Animalia:
Vertebrates, part 2
Discussion 7: Insignificance and
Evolution
20
Module 11 Quiz (Ch. 34)
10
Module 12: Ecology and the
Biosphere
Discussion 8: Biome Tour
20
Campbell: Chapter 52 (An
Introduction to Ecology and the
Biosphere)
Module 12 Quiz (Ch. 52)
10
See the Module 12 page for
additional readings and resources.
Exam 3 (Ch 32, 33, and 34)
100
Laboratory Activity 11: Population
Biology - "How Does Competition
Affect Population Growth in
Protozoans?"
20
Discussion 9: Footprints on the
Planet
20
Module 13 Quiz (Ch. 53 and 54)
20
Discussion 10: Ecological Cycling
20
Module 14 Quiz (Ch. 55)
10
Campbell: Chapter 34 (The Origin
and Evolution of Vertebrates)
pages 714 - 733 ONLY
See the Module 11 page for
additional readings and resources.
Week 9
Apr
6 – 12
Module 13: Population Ecology
(Ch. 53, p. 1170-1191) Community
Ecology
Week 10
Apr
13 - 19
Campbell: Chapter 53 (Population
Ecology) AND Chapter 54
(Community Ecology)
See the Module 13 page for
additional readings and resources.
Module 14: Ecosystems
Campbell: Chapter 55 (Ecosystems
and Restoration Ecology)
See the Module 14 page for
additional readings and resources.
Apr 12
Apr 19
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BSC2011: Principles of Biology II
Module 15: Conservation Biology
Week 11
Apr
20 - 26
Campbell: Chapter 56
(Conversation Biology and Global
Change)
Discussion 11: Endangered and
Threatened Species
20
Apr 26
See the Module 15 page for
additional readings and resources.
Module 15 Quiz (Ch. 56)
10
Module 16: Exam 4
Exam 4 (Ch. 52, 53, 54, 55, and 56)
100
Week 12
Apr 27
May 1
Total Points Possible
May 1
1000
Course Guidelines/Policies
Academic Dishonesty Policy
Academic dishonesty, in any form, has severe consequences. Please review the Student Rights and
Responsibilities (http://catalog.fscj.edu/content.php?catoid=31&navoid=3998#conduct) section of
the College catalog.
Attendance Policy
Attendance is measured in this course by your weekly access to the online content and timely
completion of required course activities. If you fail to sufficiently participate in the online course prior
to the official refund deadline, you can be dropped for non-attendance. If the official withdrawal
date has passed and you fail to sufficiently progress in the online course, you can be awarded a
Failure for Non-Attendance (FN) grade.
Late/Make Up Work Policy
Lateness in completing assignments is strongly discouraged; all assignments must be completed on
time. The “Week” runs from Monday morning (12:01 am) to Sunday night (11:59 pm ET). You must
complete and submit all the work due by the end of each week. Late assignments and/or makeup
work may be accepted under special circumstances. If you miss any assignments due to
unavoidable or unexpected occurrences, please contact the instructor as soon as possible.
Expectations of Student Conduct
The College’s Expectations of Student Conduct
(http://catalog.fscj.edu/content.php?catoid=31&navoid=3998#conduct) extends to the online
classroom. It is expected that each of you use appropriate, professional language and respect when
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BSC2011: Principles of Biology II
addressing classmates, as well as your instructor, in any part of the online classroom. That same level
of professional conduct should extend to all assignments submitted.
It is expected that you will not make insulting or inflammatory statements to other members of the
class. Read the comments of other classmates thoroughly before entering your remarks and
responses. Be positive, thoughtful, and constructive in your comments and responses.
Recommendations for Success in this Course
Have a place where you can study and set aside an appropriate amount of time to do it. Generally,
a 3-credit hour course requires a minimum of 12 hours of self-study time each week in addition to the
time spent completing assignments.
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Practice and repetition are the best way to ensure your mastery of the material.
Communicate with your instructor to ask any important questions and to discuss important
concepts.
Complete all reading assignments and view and review all chapter resources.
Complete and review all online course activities.
College Resources
Florida State College at Jacksonville offers many resources to help you become successful in your
course and academic career. A brief description of some of these resources follows.
Academic Advising
Counselors and advisors are available to assist students with the achievement of their academic
goals. Academic advising is available to help students identify appropriate courses, select majors,
select transfer institutions and assist with academic problems. Students are encouraged to seek
advising on a regular basis in order to achieve their educational objectives. Appointments may be
scheduled through the Counseling and Advising Office (http://www.fscj.edu/admissionsaid/counseling-advising). However, students should know that appointment times will be severely
impacted during peak registration periods. For more information, visit the Florida State College at
Jacksonville Advising page (http://www.fscj.edu/admissions-aid/counseling-advising/advising/).
Technical Helpdesk
If you have any problems with Blackboard, viewing online content, email or Connections, visit the
Florida State College at Jacksonville Help Desk (http://www.fscj.edu/campus-life/student-computingresources). There you can contact the technical support team directly via live chat or visit the SelfHelp Portal (http://helpdesk.fscj.edu/content/default.aspx). Campus support phone numbers are
also included on this page.
Please remember that answers to questions about your course materials, tests, quizzes, or assignments
can only be provided by your instructor.
Library and Learning Commons
The Library/Learning Commons (LLC) (http://www.fscj.edu/campus-life/library-learning-commons) is
an instructional area of the College designed to offer a variety of teaching, learning and research
resources to students enrolled in courses at Florida State College at Jacksonville. LLC services include
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BSC2011: Principles of Biology II
individual and small group tutoring; traditional and virtual library services and materials; subjectspecific instruction including orientations; free workshops; study areas; and access to tutorials,
computers, and multimedia technology.
Tutorials/Online Demonstrations
To view demonstrations of common Blackboard and computer activities, go to On Demand Learning
Center for Students (http://ondemand.blackboard.com/students.htm).
The Next Step
I hope you have found this syllabus useful. Your next step is to become familiar with the Blackboard
classroom, complete the Student Contract and begin the assignments for Module One.
See you in the online course!
Rubrics
Laboratory Report Rubric
Criteria
Purpose
Hypothesis
Levels of Achievement
Exemplary
Meets
Expectations
Developing
Novice
Not
Acceptable
4 Points
3.2 Points
2.8 Points
2.4 Points
0 Points
The Purpose
section is
properly titled
"Purpose",
"Question", or
"Problem." It is
clearly
defined and
concise.
The Purpose
section is
properly
titled
"Purpose",
"Question",
or "Problem."
The Purpose
section is titled
"Purpose",
"Question", or
"Problem"
however, the
definition does
not match the
title, i.e. it is
titled
"Question", but
uses a
statement
instead of a
question.
The Purpose
section is
not titled
"Purpose",
"Question",
or "Problem"
and/or it is
difficult to
understand.
The Purpose
section is
missing.
4 Points
3.2 Points
2.8 Points
2.4 Points
0 Points
The Hypothesis
section is
logically
written as an
"If...then"
statement.
The
Hypothesis
section is
written as an
"If...then"
statement.
The
Hypothesis
section is
written as an
"If...then"
statement,
The
Hypothesis
section is not
written as an
"If...then"
statement.
The
Hypothesis
section is
missing.
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BSC2011: Principles of Biology II
Materials and
Procedures
Data and
Analysis
Sound
reasoning is
provided to
back up the
hypothesis.
The hypothesis
is clearly
specific to the
lab
investigation.
Adequate
reasoning is
provided to
back up the
hypothesis.
The
hypothesis is
specific to
the lab
investigation
however, no
reasoning is
provided to
back up the
hypothesis.
The
hypothesis is
somewhat
specific to
the lab
investigation
No reasoning
is provided
to back up
the
hypothesis.
The
hypothesis is
not specific
to the lab
investigation.
4 Points
3.2 Points
2.8 Points
2.4 Points
0 Points
The Materials
and
Procedures
section
contains a
complete list
of materials
used, as well
as a clear and
concise
explanation of
the
procedure.
The procedure
is explained in
numerical
order and
does not skip
any steps.
The Materials
and
Procedures
section
contains a
list of
materials
used, as well
as an
explanation
of the
procedure.
The
procedure is
explained in
numerical
order and
does not skip
any steps.
The
Materials
and
Procedures
section
contains a
list of
materials
used and/or
explanation
of the
procedure,
but not
both. The
procedure is
explained in
paragraph
form.
The
Materials
and
Procedures
section is
difficult to
read and
understand.
The
procedure
is fuzzy and
illexplained.
The
Materials
and
Procedures
section is
missing.
4 Points
3.2 Points
2.8 Points
2.4 Points
0 Points
The Data and
Analysis
section is
contains all
data
collected or
observed.
Data is clearly
presented in a
The Data
and Analysis
section is
contains all
data
collected or
observed.
Data is
presented in
The Data
and Analysis
section is an
acceptable
amount of
data
collected or
observed.
Data is
The Data
and
Analysis
section is
poorly
presented.
There is
information
missing
The Data
and Analysis
section is
missing.
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BSC2011: Principles of Biology II
Conclusion
Cumulative
points
table, graph,
or chart.
Formatting,
including
labels and
units, if
applicable, is
accurate and
thorough.
a table,
graph, or
chart.
Formatting is
acceptable.
presented in
a table,
graph, or
chart. There
are some
format
problems
with labels,
units, or
completene
ss of data.
and/or it is
not
presented
in a table,
graph, or
chart
format.
Other major
formatting
problems
exist.
4 Points
3.2 Points
2.8 Points
2.4 Points
0 Points
The
Conclusion
section clearly
and concisely
states whether
the hypothesis
is correct or
not. It provides
an excellent
discussion or
summary of
the data and
observations,
including a
logical
reasoning for
why the results
were
achieved and
the
ramifications
of the results.
The
Conclusion
section
states
whether the
hypothesis is
correct or
not. It
provides an
adequate
discussion or
summary of
the data
and
observations
, including
some
reasoning for
why the
results were
achieved
and the
ramifications
of the results.
The
Conclusion
section
states
whether the
hypothesis is
correct or
not, but uses
inadequate
or
incomplete
logic to
provide a
reason why
the results
were
obtained.
The
Conclusion
section
does not
state
whether or
not the
hypothesis is
correct. It
includes
only a
concluding
statement.
The
Conclusion
section is
missing.
Exemplary
Meets
Standard
Developing
Novice
14 - 15 points
12 - 13
points
Not
Acceptable
18- 20 points
16 - 17 points
0-11 points
Page 16
BSC2011: Principles of Biology II
Discussion Rubric
Criteria
Quality of Initial
Post
Quality of
Response
Postings
Levels of Achievement
Exemplary
Meets
Expectations
Developing
Novice
Not
Acceptable
5 Points
4 Points
3.5 Points
3 Points
0 Points
Initial comment
fully addresses
all aspects of
the discussion.
Comment
includes many
personal or
professional
experiences.
Demonstrates
excellent
critical thinking
skills through
multiple
examples and
ideas. Excellent
discussion of
course readings
or other
resources if
appropriate.
Initial
comment
addresses
most aspects
of the
discussion.
Comment
includes some
personal or
professional
experience.
Demonstrates
adequate
critical
thinking
through some
examples and
ideas. Good
discussion of
course
readings or
other
resources if
appropriate.
Initial
comment
addresses
part of the
discussion or
assigned
readings.
Comment
includes
minimal
personal or
professional
experience.
Demonstrates
minimal
critical
thinking with
minimal
examples and
ideas. Minimal
discussion of
course
readings or
other
resources if
appropriate.
Initial
comment
minimally
addresses
discussion.
Comment
does not
include
personal or
professional
experience.
Does not
demonstrat
e critical
thinking. No
discussion
of course
readings or
other
resources if
appropriate
.
No initial
posting
submitted.
5 Points
4 Points
3.5 Points
3 Points
0 Points
Responses are
highly
reflective,
insightful and
add to the
discussion in a
meaningful
way moving it
forward.
Responses
are
reflective,
insightful
and add to
the
discussion.
Responses are
minimally
reflective or
insightful and
do not
significantly
add to the
discussion in a
meaningful
way.
Responses
are present
but are not
reflective or
insightful,
but don't
add to the
discussion.
No response
postings
submitted.
Page 17
BSC2011: Principles of Biology II
Organization
and Technical
Aspects of All
Posts
Posting
Quantity and
Timeliness
Cumulative
points
5 Points
4 Points
3.5 Points
3 Points
0 Points
Information is
exceptionally
well
organized;
spelling and
grammar are
correct and
complete
sentences are
used. Proper
citations are
effectively
used.
Information
is well
organized;
1-2 spelling
and/ or
grammar
mistakes are
evident.
Complete
sentences
are used.
Proper
citations are
used.
Organization
is scattered;
3-5 spelling
and/ or
grammar
mistakes are
evident.
Some
incomplete
sentences
used.
Citations are
used.
Information
is not well
organized;
more than 5
spelling
and/ or
grammar
mistakes
are evident.
Incomplete
sentences
used. No
citations.
No postings
submitted.
5 Points
4 Points
3.5 Points
3 Points
0 Points
Initial posting
and at least
three quality
responses are
made prior to
the due date
listed in the
Calendar of
Activities. At
least one
posting is
made before
11:59 pm on
Wednesday.
Initial posting
and at least
two quality
responses
are made
prior to the
due date
listed in the
Calendar of
Activities. At
least one
posting is
made
before 11:59
pm on
Wednesday.
Initial posting
and at least
one quality
responses
are made
prior to the
due date
listed in the
Calendar of
Activities. At
least one
posting is
made
before 11:59
pm on
Wednesday.
Initial
posting is
made
before
11:59 pm
on
Wednesday
. Any
response
postings are
made prior
to the due
date listed
on the
Calendar of
Activities.
Initial posting
is not made
prior to
Wednesday
and/or no
postings are
submitted.
Exemplary
Meets
Standard
Developing
Novice
14 - 15 points
12 - 13
points
Not
Acceptable
18- 20 points
16 - 17 points
0-11 points
Page 18