Syllabi for Dr. Carr
VALENCIA COLLEGE – WEST CAMPUS
SYLLABUS: GENERAL BIOLOGY I (BSC 1010C), CRN 20002
Semester: Spring 2017 (January 09, 2017 – April 28, 2017)
Class Hours: Lecture: T (Tuesday): 5:30 pm – 8:15 pm Lab: R (Thursday): 5:30 pm – 8:15 pm
Classroom: HSB Room 107 (Lecture); AHS Room 316 (Lab)
Instructor: David Carr, MS/MD
Instructor bio:
My name is William “David” Carr. I will be your professor for BSC 1010C for the spring semester of 2017.
I was born in Houston, Mississippi. My father was a soldier in the United States Army until my freshman year in high school. He retired from military service in 1964, and we moved from Williamsburg, Virginia, to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he completed his master’s degree in political science at Louisiana State University. Following his graduation, we moved to Russellville, Arkansas, where he taught political science at Arkansas Tech University. He fought in World War II and was a veteran of the Battle of the Bulge. He was a hero both to me and to his country. My mother was a mom. She was also a part of “The Greatest Generation” and she served under “Rosie” as one of her riveters. She was not only the best mom in the world but also the best cook in the country. She won more purple hearts as a mom than my dad did as a soldier (and that was a lot).
I graduated from Russellville High School in 1967, and Arkansas Tech University (ATU) in 1971. While an undergraduate at ATU, I was a teaching assistant in biology. After graduation, I attended the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Arkansas, where I was a graduate teaching assistant in biology. In 1974, I received my master’s degree in Parasitology (a branch of zoology) and began work on my Ph.D. My life-goal at the time was to teach biology on a college level.
After one year as a Ph.D. candidate, I dropped out of graduate school to attend the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, Arkansas. I graduated with my MD degree in 1976. I moved to Orlando, Florida, where I completed a residency in pediatrics at Orlando Regional Medical Center. I opened my own practice in 1980, and I have been a practicing pediatrician ever since. But, I never lost my desire to teach college level biology.
When I became aware of a job opening as an adjunct professor in biology at Valencia College in May 2015, I applied for the job and here I am. Welcome to my class.
Instructor’s Office: Adjunct professors have no office
Office Hours: None. Students wishing to speak with the instructor regarding either personal “conflicts” or “issues” with the course or questions they have concerning course material are asked to speak with the instructor either before class (briefly) or after class. If we are unable to resolve the issues in question during those times, a subsequent meeting to resolve unfinished business can be arranged.
E-mail: I can be contacted by e-mail through “My courses (Blackboard)
Texts: Campbell Biology; 10th Edition, Vol 1; 1269907700; (Note: it is permitted to use an older edition to save money)
General Biology I Laboratory Manual; Lindbeck and Matthews; ISBN 0738087084; Publisher Hayden; Second Edition
Teaching Style: Face-to-face classroom lectures, discussions, and activities. I prefer and enjoy this teaching style because of the “personal” touch it provides.
My role as your teacher:
· Begin and end class on time
· Be prepared
· Have a working knowledge of the course material
· Teach class in a well-organized, interesting and easily understood manner
· Initiate, encourage and guide relevant class discussions
· Administer tests designed to accurately and fairly evaluate a student’s knowledge of the subject matter
· Assign a grade based on a student’s attendance, participation and performance
· Be available to answer student’s questions and listen to and discuss student’s concerns
Your role as my student:
· Show up for class on time
· Have a downloaded copy of the lecture material to be covered
· Be prepared to listen, learn, take notes and participate in class discussions
· Not be disruptive to the instructor and to classmates
· Have out-of-class assignments prepared on time
· Ask relevant questions about topics not understood
· Study for exams and quizzes
· Do your own work
· Turn cell phones and other electronic devices (other than those needed to record lecture materials) off during class
· Limit conversation to teacher-student and/or relevant student-student interaction
· Take personal responsibility for your education
Course Credits: Four credit hours are awarded upon successful completion of this course. There is a lab component to this class.
Prerequisites/co-requisites: Satisfactory completion of all mandated courses in reading, mathematics, English, and English for Academic Purposes
Course Description (copied from on-line College Catalog of Courses):
| BSC 1010C. GENERAL BIOLOGY I. | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| Introduction to fundamental biological principles emphasizing common attributes of all living organisms. Unifying concepts include chemical structure of living matter, structure and function of the cell, specialized cells, major metabolic functions, control systems, reproduction, genetics, evolution and ecology. Prerequisite for advanced biology courses. Students should be prepared to complete college level reading, writing, and mathematics assignments as part of this course. (Special Fee: $72.00). | |||
Course Learning Outcomes: By the end of the course you will be able to:
- demonstrate competency in the application of critical thinking and scientific reasoning.
- differentiate between living and non-living entities.
- model and categorize the fundamentals of molecular structure and functions associated with living organisms.
- compare and contrast the structure and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
- demonstrate an understanding of the structure and functions of cell membranes and the implications for cellular processes.
- explain the processes of energy transformation as they relate to cellular metabolism.
- evaluate asexual and sexual reproduction as they relate to genetic variation.
- model the processes and patterns of inheritance in eukaryotic organisms.
- describe or model the regulation and expression of genetic information
Valencia College Core Competencies: The faculties of Valencia College have identified four core competencies that define the learning outcomes for a successful Valencia graduate. These competencies are at the heart of the Valencia experience and provide the context for learning and assessment at Valencia College. You will be given opportunities to develop and practice these competencies in your Valencia College classes. These four competencies are: 1) Think – think clearly, and creatively, analyze, synthesize, integrate and evaluate in the many domains of human inquiry 2) Value – make reasoned judgments and responsible commitments 3) Communicate – communicate with different audiences using varied means 4) Act – act purposely, effectively, and responsibly
Registration Deadlines and Drop/Refund Deadlines: Please acquaint yourself with the Valencia College Academic Calendar: Important Dates & Deadlines 2016 – 2017 for information about registration deadlines, Drop/Refund deadlines etc. see: http://valenciacollege.edu/calendar/importantdates_withdraw.cfm
Absences and Withdrawals: Attendance and participation is expected of all students. After three absences, a student will be withdrawn from the course by the instructor. If you know that you are intending to withdraw from the class, please inform me of your intent and withdraw yourself. Do not wait for me to withdraw you. I do not total the absences and re-evaluate your status on a daily basis. I reserve the right to allow a student to remain in the class for cases of extreme personal hardship combined with the students’ expression of their dedication to continuing the class. The exceptions to the three-absence withdrawal policy will be made on a case-by-case basis and will require appropriate documentation. If a student is allowed to remain in the class despite three absences, the student may still be withdrawn if additional absences accrue. After the withdrawal deadline, you will not be able to withdraw, and I will not withdraw you.
According to Valencia policy, any student who withdraws or is withdrawn from a class during a third or subsequent attempt in the same course will be assigned a grade of “F”.
Students on Bright Futures Scholarships who withdraw or are withdrawn from a class must pay the college for the cost of the class because the college must refund that cost to the state. Students with any type of financial aid are advised to discuss the financial implications of a withdrawal with an advisor before withdrawing from a course; there may be financial implications to the student which he or she must know about to make an informed decision before withdrawing from a course. Students with some scholarships who withdraw or are withdrawn from a class must pay the college for the cost of the class. Other scholarship sponsors may also require repayment.
Note that in order to academically maintain financial aid, students must meet the following requirements: complete 67% of all classes attempted, maintain a Valencia GPA of 2.0 or higher, maintain an overall GPA of 2.0 or higher, and complete a degree within the 150% time-frame. Detailed information about maintaining satisfactory academic progress (SAP) can be found at: http://valenciacollege.edu/finaid/satisfactory_progress.cfm
For a complete policy and procedure overview on Valencia Policy 4-07 please got to:
http://valenciacollege.edu/generalcounsel/policy/default.cfm?policyID=75&volumeID_1=4&navst=0
Late Arrivals / Early Departures: If a student enters the classroom after attendance has been taken it is his/her responsibility to see the teacher after class to get credit (partial) for attendance. Three late arrivals (or early departures) will be considered the equivalent of one absence. Coming very late or leaving as soon as attendance has been taken is considered the same as being absent.
Missed Quizzes: Quizzes will be given frequently during this course. They can occur at the beginning, end, or middle of the class period or even multiple times during a single class period. Make-ups for missed quizzes will not be offered. The single lowest grade on a quiz will be dropped during this course. This means that if you are absent for one quiz, the 0 you earn will not figure into your final grade. However, subsequently missed quizzes will result in a score of 0 that will count toward your final grade.
Missed Exams: Multiple exams will be given during this course, possibly as often as one exam per lecture topic. Each exam will be worth between 25 and 75 points. Exams will be given at the beginning of class periods and lectures will follow the exam. No make-up exams will be given at any time or date following the scheduled time-period. Students who will be unable to take the exam at its scheduled time must contact the instructor within two days (48 hours) following the scheduled exam date and time. Whether-or-not a student is “able” to take an exam at its scheduled time will be at the sole discretion of the teacher. Under extreme circumstances, a make-up exam will be allowed to be taken after the scheduled exam but it will be taken on the same day as the final exam. Any make-up exam carries with it a 10% penalty deduction. If a student misses more than one exam in the semester, he/she will be dropped from the class.
Inclement Weather: In the case of inclement weather (i.e. hurricanes), the college administration will make the decision as to whether or not (and for how long) classes will be cancelled. If you have signed up for Valencia Alerts you should receive an automatic notice. You can also find out whether Valencia College will be closed by calling the campus phone number: 407-299-5000. In addition, you may access the National Hurricane Center at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov where you can obtain all the latest hurricane predictions and find links to maps and radar images.
Valencia Alerts: If you are registered for Valencia Alerts, emergency alerts, notifications, and updates can be sent to you via e-mail, cell phone, pager, and/or smart phone/PDA. In this way, you can be notified regarding messages about campus closures due to such things as power outages, broken water mains, reports of criminal activity on campus etc. To modify your contact information for Valencia Alerts go to ATLAS and click on the Valencia Alert panel located on the Home Page.
Campus Security: Campus security has assured us that security officers are on campus 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. Security phones can also be found in many of our buildings. Simply pick up the phone and security will answer. Finally, please report any suspicious activities to West Campus Security at 407-582-1000 or 407-582-1030 (after-hours), or by using the yellow emergency call boxes located on light poles in the parking lots and along walkways.
Your Physical and Emotional Health: We all need to be aware of, and take care of, all aspects of our physical and emotional health. In addition to outside experiences, some topics discussed or illustrated as a part of this class (i.e. abortions, STDs, other diseases or conditions, sexual anatomy etc.) may be emotionally disturbing to some students and trigger painful past memories or routine fears. Please come to this, and all other, classes at your best. Be rested, hydrated and not too hungry and seek counseling from friends, ministers, therapists etc. if needed. Feel free to bring drink or snacks to class but treat the classroom and your classmates respectfully regarding them.
Should someone “pass out” in class we will need to notify campus security at 582-1000. They will respond, fill out an incident report and call 9-1-1 if they deem it necessary. If this happens to you, please do not feel so embarrassed that you drop the class. If this happens to a classmate please be supportive, don’t freak out, and don’t add to the embarrassment that your classmate is probably feeling.
Getting Help with Personal Issues: Valencia College is committed to making sure all its students have a rewarding and successful college experience. To that purpose, Valencia students can get immediate help that may assist them with psychological issues concerning 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 Bay Care 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.
Courtesy for others in discussion: This class is to be a place where mature and respectful interactions are encouraged and expected. No foul language or personal attacks will be tolerated no matter how much you disagree with another’s point-of-view. People are entitled to their privacy and nobody should be pressured into discussing personal details that they do not feel like sharing with others. When discussing the behaviors and beliefs of others do not reveal any personally identifying information. Other people have the right to their privacy and the choice of what to reveal to others.
Courtesy for others in a learning environment: You and your classmates will learn best if allowed to listen to and participate in classroom activities without distractions and interruptions. You are expected to refrain from holding private conversations while a teacher or classmate is addressing the class. You may be tempted to giggle or tell an amusing anecdote to a classmate – please don’t! If you have something to share it should be shared with the entire class or kept it check for sharing after class. Upon entering the classroom, you are expected to turn off cell phones and other articles of distraction. If your presence in any way is disturbing to classmates you may be asked to make a seating change or leave the classroom. Children are not permitted to attend class with you.
Use of Electronic Devices: I am of the older generation that feels that most students will have more distraction than benefit from the use of electronic devices in class. If you feel that using a laptop or tablet in class enhances your learning, feel free to bring and use one. However, if such use becomes a distraction to you or those around you, you will be asked to refrain from bringing such devices to class. I will allow you to record my lectures providing that such recordings are used solely for self-study. Under no circumstances will any electronic devices be allowed during quizzes or exams. If I see any electronic devices (including cell phones) being used or being positioned for easy access during a quiz or exam I will confiscate the device for the duration of the quiz or exam regardless of the student’s explanation for having it. Mathematical calculations should not be necessary for enhanced performance in this class.
Student or teacher conflicts or issues in the classroom: If you have a problem concerning this class, your first step should be to talk to your instructor. It is my sincere hope that together, we will be able to resolve any conflicts or issues that arise in the classroom in a direct and respectful manner by discussion between the teacher and the involved student(s) during class or just before or after class. If you are still dissatisfied, you are welcome to speak with Dr. Gessner, the Dean of Science.
Valencia College is committed to providing each student with a quality educational experience. Faculty members have high standards of instruction and learning for themselves and for students. Dr. Gessner (Dean of Science, West campus) has created a letter that explains what he expects from Science faculty and Science students. I have included this letter as Appendix A at the end of this syllabus.
Student requests for letters of recommendation: Students who are applying for scholarships or entry into specific colleges, professional schools, or academic programs are often asked to obtain letters of recommendation from teachers, work supervisors or others. If you wish to use me as a personal reference, it is in your best interest to make sure that I know you well. If I am unfamiliar with you, I will only be able to state that you are (or were) a student of mine and that you earned a certain letter grade in my class. An A student who never asks questions or does not actively participates in class discussions and makes no other efforts to distinguish him or herself from others is unlikely to get a useful letter of recommendation from a teacher. Individuals or committees reviewing your qualifications for acceptance to their institution or for student aid do not need a teacher to tell them that you were an A student as they can read your transcript to find your grades. What they do want to see in a letter of recommendation is comments about your character, personality, and passion. If I can say that you: get along well with classmates, help others in study groups, ask insightful questions, show curiosity and insight with your comments, are passionate about your career goals, were always on time, actively engage in the classroom, communicate well, and act with maturity and consideration of others, etc., your chances of obtaining your goals will be increased. If I know nothing more about you other than where you sat in class, it will not be to your benefit to ask me for a letter of recommendation.
It is polite to ask for a letter of recommendation in person if possible, and to give your teacher ample time to compose the letter before its due date. Teachers also appreciate learning the results of their student’s applications because we want to hear about your successes and any roles we might have played in your obtaining them.
Students with Disabilities: Students with disabilities who qualify for academic accommodations must provide a Notification to Instructor (NTI) form from the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) and discuss specific needs with the professor, preferably during the first week of class as accommodations cannot be applied retroactively. The Office for Students with Disabilities determines accommodations based on appropriate documentation of such and can be found in SSB room 102, and reached at 407-582-1523.
Course Evaluation (tentative):
Lecture Exams x many 25-75 points each ? Final Exam (4-27-17) 100 points 100 Quizzes x many 10 points each ?
Total points possible: ?
Letter Grade: A 90-100 % B 80-89 % C 70-79 % D 60-69 % F 00-59 %
Quizzes: You will be given frequent, 10-point quizzes during this class. Quizzes may be given at any time during class (beginning, middle or end/lecture or lab) at the discretion of the instructor. Quizzes will be mostly over the material covered during the previous class period’s lecture but sometimes over the material to be covered during the present class period. After you have turned in your quiz you are expected to sit quietly in your seat until all quizzes are collected and lecture begins. It will behoove you to spend some time studying this material as there could be as many as 250 points to be earned from these “short tests.” Like it or not, this will help you prepare for your exams.
Lecture exams: There will be numerous (as many as 10), 25-50-point lecture exams for this class. In addition, there will be a 100-point final exam. All exams will be taken at the beginning of a class period. Upon completion of the exam, lecture will begin.
Lab exams and quizzes: There will be numerous lab exams and quizzes covering the material discussed during lab sessions
Missed quizzes and exams: Students must complete all coursework or they will be assigned a grade of “0” for anything missing. Missing the final exam will result in a grade of “0.”
Extra credit: No extra credit assignments will be given
Academic Responsibility: You are expected to take full responsibility for your own education. If you have special needs, you need to inform your instructor. You must find time to study appropriately for this course. Where and how you find it is your responsibility. Taking responsibility for your own education also means that you will commit yourself to intellectual honesty. You cannot receive the learning benefits of this class if you do not master the material for yourself. You should not cheat or assist others in cheating. I will follow College Policy on Academic Dishonesty. I have included a copy of Valencia College’s policy on academic dishonesty (copied from the Valencia College website) as Appendix B at the end of this syllabus.
How I will handle cheating: If I am convinced that you are cheating or have cheated, I will discuss your situation with you in private. You will receive a zero for the assignment on which you cheated. If you cheat more than once you will be referred to the Dean of Students. Depending on the judgment of the Dean of Students, you could face penalties as harsh as suspension or expulsion from Valencia College.
Academic success in this class: Your attendance in class is not enough of a commitment, on your part, to achieve a passing grade. In order to do well in this class, you should expect to spend frequent quality-time studying – preferably daily and certainly not limited to 1-2 days before the exam. Study time will only be effective if you are awake and energized and actively processing the material – not just passively reading it. Mastering the material that I expect you to learn is best achieved by attending class, taking notes, explaining material to others, quizzing classmates, etc. Repetition is the key to success. Do not be satisfied with passing college classes with a “D”. Expect more of yourself. When you enter the “real world”, you will not likely hire a “D” mechanic to fix your car, a “D” roofer to put a new roof on your house or a “D” pediatrician to guide you in the rearing of your children.
Information about Grades: Please do not ask me for your grade(s) by phone or e-mail as I will not risk violating federal regulations concerning nondisclosure of confidential student information (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act – FERPA – U.S.C. § 1232g; 34CFR Part 99). If you wish to know your grade before it is posted in Atlas, please ask me for it after class. Before class is not the best time to ask because I will often still be getting myself into “teaching mode” at that time.
Course Topics and Schedule: The following course topics and schedule is tentative. I will attempt to cover the material in the order given below. There is no exact timeline for how much time will be spend on each topic as this depends on how many questions students ask and how much interest there is in discussion. Only by regular, class attendance will you be able to stay informed of any changes in the schedule and the exact scheduling of quizzes and exams.
Course topics to be covered and order of coverage (tentative):
Topics Chapter Page(s)
1. Syllabus
2. Background & Basics
(includes the scientific method) 1 0
3. What is life?
4. The Cell 6 93
5. Experimentation and Interpretation of Graphs
6. General Chemistry 2 29
7. The Chromosome – Structure and Replication 16 312
8. RNA – Transcription & Translation 17 333
9. Membrane Structure & Function 7 124
10. Enzymes 67 & 151
11. ATP 64 & 149
12. Cellular Respiration & Fermentation 9 162
13. Photosynthesis 10 185
14. The Cell Cycle 12 232
15. Meiosis 13 252
16. Mendelian Genetics 14 267
As a part of your first quiz, you will be asked to sign a statement attesting to the fact that you have read, understand, and agree to abide by the contents of this Syllabus. Failure, on your part, to agree with the contents of the syllabus will not carry with it a penalty. However, failure to sign that you have read, understand, and agree to abide by the contents will.
Exam #1, tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, January 24, 2017
Course Schedule & Timeline (Tentative)
Text
Topic # Topic Name Week Date Chapter Quiz Exam
Review Syllabus 1 1/10
1 Background & Basics 1 1/10
2 Characteristics of Life 1 1/10
3 The Cell 2 1/17
4 Graphs 3 1/24
5 Chemistry 3-4 1/24
6 The Chromosome 5 2/
| Final Exam Week – No Classes Scheduled (April 24 – 30) |
| Spring Break – No Classes (March 13-19) |
7
Important dates, events, room and phone numbers:
First class meeting – Tuesday, January 10, 2017; 5:30 PM in Classroom HSB 107 Final exam – Thursday, April 27, 2017, from 5:00 pm until 7:30 pm Student withdrawal deadline date – March 31, 2017 @ 11:59 pm Drop refund deadline – January 17, 2017 @ 11:59 pm West campus security - 407-582-1000 or 407-582-1030 (after-hours) Notice of class closure due to inclement weather – 407/299-5000 Office for Students with Disabilities - SSB room 102, 407-582-1523 Bay Care Behavioral Health - (800) 878-5470
Resources for Success:
Computer Access Lab Bldg. 6 Room 101 407/582-1646
Library Computer Work Stations Bldg. 6 Room 201 407/582-1432
General Tutoring (including Science Bldg. 7 Room 243 407/582-1633
Disclaimer: The course instructor reserves the right to make changes in the course outline, class schedule and syllabus as needed. Changes will be announced in class in a timely manner, when necessary. Your continued participation in this course constitutes an agreement with, and an acceptance of, the conditions presented in this syllabus.
Disclaimer: I have an MD degree and I am currently licensed to practice medicine in the State of Florida. As my full-time job, I practice pediatric medicine at Pediatrics Plus of Central Florida. Anything that I say in class or in personal conversation with students outside of class should not be construed as constituting medical advice. I will be speaking as your teacher, not as your physician.
Appendix A
LETTER FROM THE DEAN
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. 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. 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!! 5. 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. 6. 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. 7. 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. 8. 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 serious or repeated disruptions will be reported, to the Dean of Science and the Dean of Students, with specific consequences that can include your permanent removal from the class. Disruptions include:
- Being noisy when arriving late to class or leaving early. - Carrying on private conversations while the professor is talking. - Disrespectful language, tone and mannerisms. - Sleeping or attempting to sleep in class. - Repeatedly asking unnecessary or irrelevant questions.
My wish is that you get the best learning value from the science classes that you are taking. With everyone abiding by the expectations in this letter, your science classes at Valencia should be the next step in achieving your academic dreams.
Dr. Robert Gessner West Campus Dean of Science Valencia College
Appendix B
Academic Dishonesty (policy and procedure statements copied from Valencia College website)
Policy Statement:
A. All forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited at Valencia College. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, acts or attempted acts of plagiarism, cheating, furnishing false information, forgery, alteration or misuse of documents, misconduct during a testing situation, facilitating academic dishonesty, and misuse of identification with intent to defraud or deceive. B. All work submitted by students is expected to be the result of the students' individual thoughts, research, and self-expression. Whenever a student uses ideas, wording, or organization from another source, the source shall be appropriately acknowledged. C. Students shall take special notice that the assignment of course grades is the responsibility of the students' individual professor.
Procedure Statement:
Anyone observing an act of academic dishonesty may refer the matter to the professor, as an academic violation, and/or to the Dean of Students or designee, as a violation of the Student Code of Conduct (6Hx28:803). When the professor has reason to believe that an act of academic dishonesty has occurred, the professor may proceed in one of three ways:
A. The professor may choose to consider the act of academic dishonesty to be an academic offense, and using his/her academic judgment may assign an academic sanction to the responsible student, following a discussion of the matter with the student and any other appropriate persons. Academic penalties may include, without limitation, one or more of the following: loss of credit for an assignment, examination, or project; withdrawal from course; a reduction in the course grade; or a grade of "F" in the course. If the student disagrees with the decision of the professor, the student may seek a review of the decision subject to and in accordance with Policy 6Hx28:8-10, Student Academic Dispute and Administrative Complaint Resolution. B. The professor may choose to consider the act of academic dishonesty to be a violation of the Valencia Student Code of Conduct, and may refer the matter for resolution in accordance with Policy 6Hx28:803. Disciplinary penalties for academic dishonesty may include, without limitation, warning, probation, suspension and/or expulsion from the College. Any appeal of disciplinary sanctions will occur subject to and in accordance with Policy 6Hx28:8-03. C. The professor may choose to consider the act of academic dishonesty as warranting both an academic and disciplinary sanction. In this case, a professor should refer the matter for resolution in accordance with Policy 6Hx28:8-03, Student Code of Conduct, and when appropriate, should withhold any academic sanctions until such time as the disciplinary process is concluded and the student has been found responsible for violating college policy. If the student is found responsible for violating the Student Code of Conduct, the professor may then assign academic sanction in addition to any assigned disciplinary sanction. Any appeal of disciplinary sanctions will occur subject to and in accordance with Policy 6Hx28:8-03, and any review of academic sanctions will occur subject to and in accordance with Policy 6Hx28:8-10.