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SYLLABUS

OCB 1000 Marine Biology

SPRING   2024

Mr. Ted Klenk

 I have no office on campus but can be reached though this number(407-582-5156.)   Conferences can be organized before or after class.   E-mail  -via canvas, or tklenk@valenciacollege.edu  web site: or  http://faculty.valenciacollege.edu/tklenk/htm

  ALSO: Please check the message page frequently for updates, changes and a calendar of what is next! http://faculty.valenciacollege.edu/tklenk/message.htm .          I will be contacting you by Canvas email. Please be sure to check your Canvas email often.

NOTE: I am using a web site and CANVAS!

ALL COMMUNICATION FROM ME WILL BE THROUGH CANVAS EMAIL-read it everyday!

Valencia College is committed to providing each student a quality educational experience. Faculty members have set high standards of instruction for themselves and for you. If you have a problem in a class, your first step is to talk to your instructor. If you are still dissatisfied, you may talk with the academic dean of the division for your class. We will work together to resolve any issues that arise.

Weather Emergencies

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3 Credit hours (3 contact hours)

See Each week's schedule at the end of the syllabus  on Canvas.

INTRODUCTION TO MARINE BIOLOGY A non-laboratory course that introduces students to the physical and biological factors that influence life in marine ecosystems, and includes human impacts on these systems. Topics include the scientific method; geological, physical and chemical features of the ocean; survey of marine phyla including microbes, seaweeds, marine plants, invertebrates, fishes, marine reptiles, marine birds, marine mammals; survey of marine habitats including estuaries, inter-/tidal zones, soft and hard bottom subtidal communities, kelp forests, seagrass beds, coral reefs, pelagic waters, benthic deep sea habitats, human impacts and sustainability on abiotic and biotic marine systems; and conservation of marine resources and biodiversity. Students should be prepared to complete college-level reading, writing and mathematics as part of this course.  

LECTURE OUTLINE 

The assignments are arranged by weeks and indicate the approximate dates for topic discussions and are subject to change if necessary. For more info see the main VALENCIA Calendar  http://valenciacollege.edu/calendar/                 Links to an external site.

 Course Syllabus 

Date                Topic

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

· Understand the diversity of marine organisms, their evolutionary history, biogeography, interactions with other organisms, and adaptations to their environments.

· Be able to form hypotheses about marine-related scientific questions and design and execute experiments to test those hypotheses.

· Be able to synthesize knowledge of physical and chemical processes of oceans and the biology of organisms to ask questions about natural history and ecology.

Have an appreciation for the impact of habitat perturbation on marine organisms, and subsequent ecosystem-level consequences and feedbacks.

VALENCIA STUDENT CORE COMPETENCIES

Valencia faculty have defined four interrelated competencies (Value, Think, Communicate, Act) that prepare students to succeed in the world community.  These competencies are outlined in the College Catalog.  In this course, through classroom lecture and discussion, group work, and other learning activities, you will further develop your mastery of these core competencies.  In addition to specific biology objectives, the course will also reinforce the following competencies wholly or partially:

 Valencia College Student Competencies

1. Think:  CLEARLY, critically and creatively  make reasoned choices by acquiring, analyzing, synthesizing and evaluation knowledge. (lectures and examinations)

2. Value: make reasoned value judgments  and responsible commitments (laboratory and classes)

3. Communicate: with different audiences and using varied means (group work, written assignments and lab reports)

4. Act: purposefully, reflectively, and responsibly (laboratory classes)

A cumulative point system will be used. 90-100 % = A   ...80-89.5 % = B     ..70-79.5 % = C     ..60-69.5 % = D  

The student should know his/her letter grade at all times by dividing the total points he/she has accumulated by the maximum number of points possible at the time. (Total about 550 pts/semester). 

Chapter Quizzes(minimum 10) 39%,

plus a mid-term and final exam 39%

reading and Chp questions 17%

Paper 9%

EXAMS: 

                A final examination will be administered. Quizzes will be given at the  end of each chapter on the next Thursday, and a Midterm on March 7and  Final Exam on April 25.

NOTE:

Exams: The format of quizzes and the exam is multiple choice.. You are responsible for keeping a record of your own grades since any alleged ‘errors’ in my records must be substantiated. Quizzes cannot be made up after the due date. The quizzes will be 20 minutes only.

Lecture questions-will pop up through the online lecture and answers recorded to submit on a canvas question sheet quiz-online.

On 4/18  a  short paper is due.  You are to choose a marine organism.. and present in a  paper the information about this creature (plant or animal).

Please be sure to include your SOURCES (reference list).  Although the outline below is only a guide, you can use it on your paper if you want.

Be sure to have this assignment submitted by email by the due date because a maximum of 1/2 credit will be awarded to any turned in after this date.

The College policy states, “Professors are required to offer final examinations to all credit students (except those taking coursework for audit) during the scheduled final examination period.”  

Students must complete all coursework or they will be assigned a grade of 0 for anything missing, unless it is an optional assignment. Missing the final exam will result in a grade of F until a make-up final  exam is taken, at which time a grade of A, B, C, D or F will be given)

Extra credit projects and/or activities are not part of this course except for extra questions on the quizzes.

A cumulative point system will be used. 90-100 % = A   ...80-89.5 % = B     ..70-79.5 % = C     ..60-69.5 % = D  

The student should know his/her letter grade at all times on the grades link on canvas. .  

EXAMS: 

                A final examination will be administered. Quizzes will be given at the  end of each chapter on the following Thursday, and a  Final Exam on 4/25--a Midterm is on 3/7

GRADES:      Grades will come from;  (a) two lecture/text exams, [2 @ 100 each  (b) quizzes [10 @20 each], /   /(c) lecture pop up questions 10-5 pts (d) reading questions( e)  paper [50],

So, you see where grades come from and how much, reading questions and lecture questions make up your overall grade--SO DO THEM!

NOTE:

Exams: The format of quizzes and the exam is multiple choice.. You are responsible for keeping a record of your own grades since any alleged ‘errors’ in my records must be substantiated. Quizzes cannot be made up after the due date.

Lecture questions-will pop up through the online lecture and answers recorded to submit on a canvas question sheet-online.

1. The student is responsible for all material covered or assigned during class. 

2. Make-up work –there is none——quizzes can’t be made up so that’s it!

3. Due Date for Canvas assignments, 1.chapter questions ,2. reading questions and 3.quizzes are set and the assignments (canvas) locks them after the due date.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

1. ALL LECTURES TO BE VIEWED, I will not withdraw you due to lack of attendance unless you never submit the first assignment within the first two days..  That is your responsibility.

2. The student is responsible for all material covered or assigned during class. Additionally, questions pertaining to certain readings are listed at the end of the topics on the CD  (Online or linked from canvas).  A few of these will show up on the quizzes.

3. No make-up quizzes will be given.     

Extra credit projects and/or activities are not part of this course except for extra questions on the quizzes.

Students with disabilities who qualify for academic accommodations must provide a letter from the Office for Student with Disabilities (OSD) and discuss specific needs with the professor, preferably during the first two weeks of class. The Office for Students with Disabilities determines accommodations based on appropriate documentation of disabilities (SSB 102. Phone 407 582 1523. West Campus).

 Refund of fees: The date by which students are still eligible to get back all tuition and refundable fees is  1/  

 Your continued participation in the course after the scheduled add-drop period constitutes an agreement with an acceptance of the conditions presented in this syllabus. If you wish to drop, you are solely responsible for initiating the process. Please review the College's policy on Withdraw.  The Withdrawal Deadline is March 15 .  If YOU withdraw by this date you receive a grade of W.  You cannot withdraw after the date.

We want We want to reassure you that our security officers are here around the clock to ensure the safety and security of the campus community.  It’s important to remain alert and aware of your surroundings, especially during the early morning or evening hours. Remember that you can always call security for an escort if you feel uncomfortable walking alone on campus.  White security phones can also be found in many of our buildings; simply pick up the phone and security will answer.

Finally, report any suspicious persons to West Campus Security at 407 582-1000,

407-582-1030 (after-hours number) or by using the yellow emergency call boxes located on light poles in the parking lots and along walkways.

Baycare Behavioral Health’s Student Assistance Program:          

Valencia is committed to making sure all our students have a rewarding and successful college experience.  To that purpose, Valencia students can get immediate help that may assist them with psychological issues dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, adjustment difficulties, substance abuse, time management as well as relationship problems dealing with school, home or work.  Students have 24 hour unlimited access to the Baycare Behavioral Health’s confidential student assistance program phone counseling services by calling (800) 878-5470.  Three free confidential face-to-face counseling sessions are also available to students.”

Tutoring Center: Bldg 7:  240   (Phone: 407 582 1633)

Testing Center: Bldg 7: 217   (Phone 407 582 1323)

Other Services

Enrollment services:

· Call: 407-582-1507

· Email: enrollment@valenciacollege.edu

· Hours

o Mon-Thurs: 8 AM - 8 PM

o Fri: 8 AM - 5 PM

o Sat and Sun: - 10 AM - 3 PM

Academic Advising:

· Call: 407-582-1507

· Email: advising@valenciacollege.edu

· Link to “chat” https://valenciacollege.edu/students/advising-counseling/

· Hours

o Mon-Fri: 7 AM – 10 PM

o Sat and Sun: - 10 AM - 10 PM

Virtual Answer Center:

·       M-F 7a-10p

·       Sat/Sun 10a-10p

·       Zoom Link to Virtual Answer Center

·       Website for Virtual Answer Center

Counseling Services:

·       M-Th 8a-8p

·       Friday 8a-5p

·       Sat/Sun 10a-3p

Financial Aid:

· Contact FinAidOffice@valenciacollege.edu for their financial aid questions, as well as for potential assistance with financial support

Activities which disrupt the learning environment of the classroom violate the Valencia Student Code of Classroom Conduct. These activities include side discussions that disrupt the learning environment for other students, the use of indecent or abusive language, and the ringing of cell phones or beepers.

Netiquette: https://coursedesign.colostate.edu/obj/corerulesnet.html  

                 Each student is required to follow Valencia policy regarding academic honesty.  All work submitted by students is expected to be the result of the student’s individual thoughts, research, and self-expression unless the assignment specifically states ‘group project.

Any student caught cheating on a quiz or an exam, copying homework or plagiarizing – using someone else’s words or thoughts without giving credit – will be treated according to Valencia’s policy on academic honesty. Penalties can range from failure on an assignment to failure of the course and expulsion from the college.  I reserve the right to video tape all quizzes and tests.

ANY WORK OBTAINED/PRODUCED BY DISHONEST MEANS WILL NOT BE GRADED.

My expectations of participants in this course:

Students in this course are expected to have fun, to be interested in biology (or at least act like it!), and to attend each class period prepared to cover the day's topic.  Readings and other assignments will be completed in a responsible and professional manner and submitted on time.  

I expect that students will be willing to ask questions and respect the questions of others.  I also expect students to be willing to provide critical comments regarding my facilitation of the class and that students will seek my advice or assistance if they are having difficulty. 

Students must approach this course as an exploration - an activity that they are actively and fully engaged in - not merely a time to sit and take notes. One final key point:  YOU are responsible for your learning in this course.  I will give you ample opportunity to learn but you must decide whether you will learn.

 What you can expect of me as an instructor:

 Students can expect me NOT to have all the answers!  If you are exploring this topic correctly, you should bring up topics every day that I can either not answer or have never thought of before!  You can expect me to come to class prepared to facilitate the day's session. 

I will make every effort to present relevant information in an informative, interactive, and engaging manner.  It is my responsibility to keep the class on track during discussions and to ensure that the class environment is a safe one where people feel confident to participate.  You should expect me to respect you and your opinions. 

I will only assign tasks that are reasonable and that I am willing to invest my time in and that will improve your knowledge and competency.  You can expect me to be available and responsive to your needs as a student and a class. Material will be presented primarily in the form of lectures (Powerpoint), readings assignments from the text, and occasionally videos. Lecture will cover the points to be learned and will direct your study from the text, however some material will be presented in class that is not in the text.

·          Thus, you should attend class, pay attention while there, and take notes over the material. You should plan on 2 hours of study outside of class for every hour in lecture. The material in the latter part of the course will be based upon material presented in the first part of the course, therefore you will have to commit the material to long term memory.

Tips from Other Professors…

Remember that the amount of time spent studying in relation to the amount of time you are in class is recommended to be 4:1. Study time ratios for the lab section will probably turn out to be about 2:1. Therefore, multiply the number of hours you are in lecture and lab each week, and then multiply this by 3 to compute the average number of hours you should be studying per week! You are going to be busy this semester!

o     Make copies of the semester schedule. See how it fits in with your other academic, work or personal schedules. Put copies of this schedule on your refrigerator, your bulletin board, in your notebook, and on your phone reminders.        

•                Your workspace at home is important. Get a selection of favorite colored pens, pencils, markers, erasers, Post-It- notes, blank 3x5 cards (buy several hundred, as a start), white-out and a stapler. Give yourself some inspiration- tack up a favorite photo, cartoon, or quotation.

o     Peruse each chapter in the text before really digging into it. Put a Post-If- note at the end of the chapter so you won't have to waste time constantly seeing  "how many more pages" are in the chapter.

o     Look at the chapter learning objectives and key concepts in the beginning of each chapter to get a feel for the type of subjects you will be learning. 

o  Note that there is a chapter summary at the end of each chapter. Make sure that you can define all of the selected key terms.   

· To prepare for exams, follow these 5 steps:

  Start early.  You typically need 2 weeks to prepare for a test. Notice that the first test in just a few weeks.  Start tonight!

•   Make and use flash cards.  Study them in "down time"- waiting in supermarket lines, while preparing dinner, during commuting (but only if you're not driving).

•   Try to understand concepts, not just memorize facts.

•   In a class such as this, it is optimal to form study groups early!  Meet other students in your lecture, exchange phone numbers, and start studying together soon.   It will benefit you to begin making flash cards and working on the study guides immediately!  

 Work hard!  Success in this course comes to those who are dedicated, persistent, and enjoy the learning process.

“LEARNING IS AN ACTION VERB!!  Most students need to do more than just sit through lectures and reread their notes.  Spend 1-2 hour blocks of time EVERY DAY actively writing or discussing concepts to make them a part of your memory.  Use the words you learn often, they will sink in better.

Here are some study and classroom management tips that have assisted former students:

· Attend class daily and don’t be tardy. The introduction to each lecture explains the    purpose of the entire lecture. Students who follow this rule won’t miss important information.

· REWRITE YOUR NOTES soon after the lecture; if the instructor permits, tape record lectures and replay to refresh your memory when you rewrite your notes.

· Create flash cards with questions you make up from the lecture and lab with answers on the back.

· Use mnemonic devises and other games to remember concepts; go to Google images, YouTube and Khan Academy for additional pictures and videos to clarify concepts.

· Make lists of confusing topics from your studying and ask questions.

· Take advantage of the professor’s office hours.

· JOIN A STUDY GROUP and predict what questions the professor could ask on the test.

· Get the telephone number of one or more buddies in case you are absent from a class.

Expectations of a Valencia College Science Student

Welcome to the Science Division of Valencia College’s West Campus; we are enthused to have this opportunity to assist you in achieving your educational goals.  Higher education is a privilege and an opportunity; it is your responsibility to realize that you are in control of those behaviors and actions that can enable success in this course.

From your professors, you can expect the following:

1. They will be prompt, courteous and respectful.

2. They will provide a professional learning environment throughout the entire scheduled instructional period.

3. They will provide an up-to-date syllabus; when changes need to be made, they will announce changes in a manner that is conveyed to all students in their class.

4. They will provide you with a course that is of necessary rigor to prepare you for the career you have chosen; because the class you are taking transfers to a four year college or university, it will be taught with the same academic expectations. The bonus of starting your education at Valencia, when compared to attending a four year college, is you will be able to get more personal attention with small class sizes and you will be able to save money; the classes are not easier.

5. They will offer time outside of class to discuss your questions.

6. They will be available to discuss your class concerns in private, outside of class time; you should try to resolve your class concerns with your professor before you try to voice your concerns with administrators.

7. They will respond to emails within 2 business days.

8. They will expect from you what they have expected from the many students who passed their classes in the past.

In return, this is what your professor will expect from you:

1. You will be prompt, courteous and respectful.

                Prompt means you come to class on time, ready to work, with all assignments completed before you enter class or lab.  It means that you have studied, that all conversations, texting and diversions come to a stop and that you are ready to contribute to a positive learning environment from the beginning of the class or lab. 

                Courtesy means you are polite in your attitude and behavior towards your professor and classmates.

                Respectfulness means that you regard everyone’s classroom experience as valuable to them, that you accept your professor’s expertise and experience to create relevant course objectives and that you treat college and personal property with care.

1. You will read your syllabus; your syllabus is a contract between your professor and you. Be aware of deadlines to complete assignments on time and know your professor’s attendance policy.  You will need to attend class for the full length of time allotted to your science class and lab.

2. You will be aware of Valencia College policies and procedures found in the college catalog; ignorance of policies and procedures doesn’t mean they don’t apply.

3. You will be serious about learning; it is your responsibility to be an active participant in your own learning. You will need to devote sufficient time to learn the material presented by your professor; for most students, this means you will need to spend at least two hours studying for every hour of instruction.  Learning is an action verb; you will need to do more than sit through class and reread your notes to be successful.  To succeed in higher level classes, you must retain the information, concepts and skills you will learn; this can only happen if you work at learning to make the course content a part of your long term memory.  Do not cram!!

4. You will be encouraged to produce your own study guides. Most college professors do not provide study guides, but they can give you tips that will help you produce your own study guides to gain a better understanding of the course content.

5. You will be expected to participate fully in classroom activities. The work you produce must be your own; cheating in any form is not tolerated and your professor will have specific consequences, in their syllabus, which will be enforced should cheating occur.

6. You will be expected to contribute to a positive learning environment. Avoid classmates who speak negatively, or who have a negative outlook, about your class or your professor.  Instead, get to know your professor during office hours; you will learn much more with a positive attitude.

7. You will be held to a high standard of maturity and responsibility. Disruptive behaviors will not be tolerated in the classroom or lab.  First time disruptions will be handled by your professor and may include a request that you leave the class or lab.  Very serio