Biology 101-50 (#18884): Elements of Biology

Spring 2021 Syllabus

Instructor Information
Instructor: Krista Henderson, M.S.
Office: MH 45
Office Hours: Mondays 2:30-3:30pm, Thursdays 9-10am, by appt1
Office Phone: (657) 278-5057 (Only during office hours, when the campus is open)
Email: [email protected]
Technical support: (657) 278-8888 [email protected]
http://www.fullerton.edu/it/students/helpdesk/index.php
Chat with IT: Log in to http://my.fullerton.edu/, Click Online IT Help, Click on Live Chat
If you experience technical difficulties or problems with internet access, inform
your instructor immediately. The University is working to support all students
during virtual instruction.
*** Email is the preferred method of communication for this course. My CSUF email will be
checked at least twice daily, Monday through Friday, and at least once daily on the
weekend. Email responses will usually occur within 12 hours but may take up to 24 hours.
If you do not receive a response within 24 hours, check that my email address was entered
correctly and try again.

Course Communication:
All course announcements and individual emails are sent through Canvas, which only uses
CSUF email accounts. Therefore, you MUST check your CSUF email regularly (several times
a week) for the course duration.
Note: Emails must be written with proper etiquette in mind. This means they should: 1)
contain a greeting to the person you are sending the message to; 2) include a concise
subject line relevant to the contents; 3) be appropriately composed (no "text talk");
4) be signed with your full name AND course information (in this case your emails
should state Bio 101-50).

Course Description (from catalog):

Underlying principles governing life forms, processes, and interactions. Elements of biology
and reasoning skills for understanding scientific issues on personal, societal, and global
levels. For non-science majors. No credit toward biological science major.
This course meets the following General Education learning goals for area B.2 Scientific
Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning:
● Understand that living things are made of smaller structures whose function enables
organisms to survive.
● Understand that living things depend on each other and the physical environment as
they interact to obtain, change, and exchange matter and energy.
● Understand that the great diversity of living things, ranging from single-celled organisms
to complex, multi-celled organisms including microbes, plants, and animals, is the result
of billions of years of evolution through the mechanisms of heredity, mutation, and
natural selection.

1 Except during finals week, when my office hours are by appointment only.
Biology 101 Spring 2021 Semester Syllabus
Textbooks
Fowler, S., Roush, R., & Wise, J. (2019). Concepts of
Biology. Houston, TX: OpenStax CNX. Retrieved from
https://openstax.org/details/books/concepts-biology
Clark, M.A., Choi, J., & Douglas, M. (2018). Biology 2e.
Houston, TX: OpenStax CNX. Retrieved from
https://openstax.org/details/books/biology-2e
Student Learning Goals for Biology 101
The goals for Biology 101 are for student learning of the following central scientific ideas:
A. Living things are made of smaller structures whose functions enable the organism to
survive.
Biology 101 students should be able to:
o Define the characteristics of life
o Differentiate between the main classes of biologically important molecules
o Summarize cell theory
o Explain the processes associated with cell growth & division
o Compare & contrast characteristics of prokaryotic & eukaryotic cells
o Relate cell structure to cell function
o Explain how an organism maintains homeostasis
o Organize functions within levels and explain relationships between levels of biological organization
(cell, tissue, organ, organ system, organism)
B. Living things depend on each other and the physical environment as they interact to
obtain, change, and exchange matter and energy.
Biology 101 students should be able to:
o Describe how energy from the sun drives most activities on the earth's surface
o Sketch the flow of energy & matter through higher levels of biological organization
o Explain the ways in which organisms may interact
o Identify factors that affect population growth and decline
o Identify factors that affect ecological organization at the community & ecosystem level
o Assess the role of humans in natural systems
o Describe & give examples of the value of biodiversity & the natural world
C. The great diversity of living things is the result of billions of years of evolution of
organisms through the mechanisms of heredity, random change, and natural selection.
Biology 101 students should be able to:
1. Illustrate how information in DNA is used to make proteins
2. Explain & apply the basic principles of inheritance
3. Summarize the evidence for evolution
4. Describe how different processes (e.g., mutation, gene drift, selection) can lead to genetic
differentiation and speciation
5. Define and explain natural selection
6. Interpret evolutionary relationships among organisms
7. Explain how evolutionary principles & ideas influence daily lives (e.g., GMOs, vaccination, antibiotic
resistance, AIDS)
D. In addition to the above goals, Biology 101 students should gain an appreciation and basic
understanding of the scientific process.
Biology 101 students should demonstrate competency in the following skills:
1. Retrieve information from a variety of sources (e.g., popular press, scientific papers)
2. Apply the scientific method
3. Critically evaluate data accurately (graphs, tables, text)
4. Critically evaluate claims rather than accept authoritative statements
5. Recognize the historical context of science
6. Differentiate between science and non-science
7. Analyze societal issues based on biologically sound principles
8. Justify opinions on social issues related to biology (e.g., stem cells, GMOs, vaccination)

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Biology 101 Spring 2021 Semester Syllabus
To meet the General Education objectives for the Natural Sciences and Life Sciences, this
course will introduce you to biology's fundamental principles and give you the tools to think
like a biologist. I believe that you need to understand how the natural world works if you are
going to have a good life, get a good job, and be a good citizen. The critical and creative
thinking skills you develop as you "do" science will help you in many areas of your life. For
example, if your family members have had diabetes, how would you use genetic information
about susceptibility to diabetes in thinking about your diet and planning whether to have
children? If you choose not to have children or wait, what form of birth control should you
use? If you decide to have children, should you feed them genetically engineered food?
What about organic food? Should you take your family on holidays to areas that are
vulnerable to extinction due to human contact? Should you take them to areas in which
there are serious viral outbreaks?

Course Structure and Attendance

This course will be delivered asynchronously; entirely online through the course
management system Canvas and does not require face-to-face meetings. You will use your
Canvas account to login to the course through the portal at Fullerton.edu. In Canvas, you
will access online lessons, course materials, and resources. Activities will consist of
discussion forums, online assignments, writing assignments submitted to Turnitin, and
quizzes.

Technology Requirements
Students are expected to:
1. Have basic computer competency which includes:
a. the ability to use a personal computer to locate, create, move, copy, delete, name,
rename, and save files and folders on hard drives, secondary storage devices such as
USB drives, and cloud such as Google Drive (Titan Apps) and Dropbox;
b. the ability to use a word processing program to create, edit, format, store, retrieve,
and print documents;
c. the ability to use their CSUF email accounts to receive, create, edit, print, save, and
send an e-mail message with and without an attached file; and
d. the ability to use an Internet browser such as Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Internet
Explorer to search and access web sites in the World Wide Web.
2. Have ongoing reliable access to a computer with Internet connectivity for regular course
assignments
3. Utilize Microsoft® Office 2013 (for P.C.) or 2011 (for Mac) including Word, PowerPoint,
and Excel to learn content and communicate with colleagues and faculty; have the ability
to regularly print assignments
4. Maintain and access three times weekly their CSUF student email account
5. Use Internet search and retrieval skills to complete an assignment
6. Apply his/her educational technology skills to complete expected competencies
7. Utilize other software applications as course requirements dictate
8. Utilize Canvas to access course materials and complete assignments

Canvas Access
Google Chrome is the preferred Web browser to access this course on Canvas. If you do not
already have Chrome, you can download it from https://www.google.com/chrome/. You may
also need to download Quicktime to view some of the course resources or disable the pop-
up blockers on your computer to allow downloads from the Canvas course site.

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Biology 101 Spring 2021 Semester Syllabus
What To Do If You Encounter A Problem
It is normal to encounter problems or challenges during the semester. The key to success is
taking steps to meet those challenges. Sometimes the most important first step is asking for
help.
If you are struggling academically in this course you can:
● attend your instructor’s office hours or make an appointment for extra help if needed
● use the free tutoring services available from the NSM Student Success Center
([email protected])
● use the resources of the Writing Center (https://english.fullerton.edu/writing_center/) or
University Learning Center (http://www.fullerton.edu/ulc/)
If you are facing other challenges you can get help and advice from:
● your instructor
● the Chair of the Biology Department ([email protected])
● the staff of the NSM Student Success Center ([email protected])
● Counseling and Psychological Services ( https://www.fullerton.edu/caps/ )
● the YOU.Fullerton site (https://you.fullerton.edu/home)
Helpful Resources
● For writing assignments, utilize the resources available: CSUF Writing Center
(http://english.fullerton.edu/writing_center/) or the University Learning Center
(http://www.fullerton.edu/ulc)
● Tutoring is available through the University Learning Center (http://www.fullerton.edu/ulc)
located on the second floor of Pollak Library North. Call (657) 278-2738 for an appointment.
● Office of Disability Support Services is located in University Hall 101. Call (657) 278-3112 for
an appointment.
● As a student, health and psychological services are available at the Student Health and
Counseling Center (http://www.fullerton.edu/studentwellness/). For student health services,
call (657) 278-2800. To make an appointment with Counseling and Psychological Services
(CAPS), call (657) 278-3040.
● Academic advising can be provided by the Academic Advisement Center located in University
Hall 123B. For more information, call (657) 278-3606.
● Free and low-cost software is available to active CSUF students on the CSUF Student Software
website.
● Students facing issues with obtaining adequate food or housing can find support at
http://www.fullerton.edu/deanofstudents/temporary_housing_meal_assistance/

Course Activities
All assignments 1) are required to be completed independently unless otherwise
stated 2) must be submitted in the format requested 3) must be completed according to the
directions. Deadlines for assignments, discussions, and quizzes are Fridays at 9 pm.
● Knowledge Check & Introductory Assignments (20% of overall grade): Knowledge
Checks are interactive assignments that provide students with immediate feedback. You
will have the opportunity to complete each of these twice, and the assignment score will
be the average of the two attempts.
● Discussions (20% of overall grade): Students will be assigned to a discussion group and
expected to participate in each module's discussion. Discussion boards have two
deadlines – the first for posting your initial response to the prompt; the second is the
deadline to reply to your classmates. Be sure to complete each piece by the appropriate
deadline. See the attached explanation for discussion grading.
● Writing Assignments (30% of the overall grade): These assignments are a significant
way your understanding of the material is assessed in addition to fulfilling the
University's writing requirement. They will require you to utilize critical thinking skills and
apply the current concept to a new situation. Grading will be based on the ability to

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Biology 101 Spring 2021 Semester Syllabus
explain or discuss the biological concept and writing quality accurately. Specific feedback
on the quality of the student's writing and suggestions for improvement will be provided
to the student. Students are encouraged to incorporate this feedback when completing
future assignments. Both in-text citations and a reference page are required for
every writing assignment. All writing assignments must be submitted through
turnitin.com; no emailed assignments will be accepted for credit, with no exceptions.
Rubrics will be posted for each assignment. Grades will usually be posted on Canvas
within 2-3 weeks of the assignment deadline.
● Module Quizzes (30% of overall grade): A multiple-choice quiz will be given at the end of
each module. Since you have various resources available to you while taking the quiz,
most questions will require you to compare and contrast various concepts, link a concept
to the larger picture, critically evaluate a scenario using what you have learned, or apply
your knowledge to a new situation.
Grades
Grades will be posted on Canvas for you to review. You are expected to regularly (i.e.,
weekly) check your scores for accuracy and bring any questions to the instructor promptly
(see re-grade policy). Grades in this course are earned, not given; therefore, arguing for a
higher grade will be unsuccessful.
Your grade in this course will be assessed as follows:
● Knowledge Check Assignments (20%)
● Discussions (20%)
● Writing Assignments (20%)
● Module Quizzes (30%)
The following is a breakdown of how final grades will be assessed
● A+ 98.0 – 100%
● A 92.0 – 97.9%
● A- 90.0 – 91.9%
● B+ 88.0 – 89.9%
● B 82.0 – 87.9%
● B- 80.0 – 81.9%
● C+ 78.0 – 79.9%
● C 72.0 – 77.9%
● C- 70.0 – 71.9%
● D+ 68.0 – 69.9%
● D 60.0 – 67.9%
● F <59%
Your grade in Biology 101 will be determined based on the scale to the right. A grade of D
(1.0) (NOT D-) is required to pass this course.
Important: Writing assignments are critical for demonstrating your understanding of course
content. Any student who does not complete at least three writing assignments will
automatically earn an "F" in the course, regardless of the scores achieved in other categories.
Extra Credit: While I don't intend on offering any extra credit, if an assignment is provided,
the extra credit assignment will be available to all students on an equitable basis. Do not ask
for an individual assignment in addition to anything offered to the entire class; none will be
given. If offered, extra credit will only apply to those students who have earned a passing
grade (minimum of 70%) PRIOR to the addition of the extra credit points.

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Biology 101 Spring 2021 Semester Syllabus
Course Policies
Participation and Responsibilities:
Students are expected to:
● Spend 6-9 hours each week on this course. You may spend slightly more or less
depending on your level of knowledge and work habits, but be prepared to spend a
significant amount of time on this class.
● Check their fullerton.edu email at least once daily for course updates.
● Read the assigned material in the text, view all lecture and support material, and take
quality notes using the reading and viewing guides.
● Listen actively to lectures, videos, etc. – think about the material
● Ask questions to both the instructor and your classmates (via message boards) when
necessary
● Complete all assignments– quizzes, discussions, and assignments – independently.
Students may NOT work on any course assignment with any other student unless
expressly permitted to do so.
● Keep track of deadlines. It is highly suggested to enter all due dates into a calendar,
such as a calendar in your phone, to set reminders to be sure to complete all
assignments on time.
● Check your grades at least weekly
● Students are required to save digital receipts and score summary reports. These are
acceptable forms of documentation if there is a grading discrepancy.
● Students are expected to know and follow the rules of "netiquette." See resource
information at http://www.albion.com/netiquette/corerules.html
Re-Grading Policy
As a human, I may make mistakes. If you feel that a mistake has been made in the grading
of an assignment, discussion, or quiz, please contact me within two weeks of the grade
being posted on Canvas, and after you have reviewed all comments made either in the
grade book or in the assignment itself. Failure to contact me within the two-week window
with any grade issues may not be responded to. It is your responsibility to keep track of
your assignment scores.
Late Work Policy
All work is expected to be completed and submitted by 9 pm on the due date. However,
many assignments will not close until 11:59 pm. The purpose of this grace period is so you
can correct any technical issues that arise. Suppose you have a problem with your Internet
or computer. In that case, you are expected to contact the instructor by the 9 pm deadline
and solve the problem before the grace period expires, or find another computer to finish
your work. Further extensions (past 11:59 pm) are not granted for technical issues. It would
be in your best interest to identify an alternate computer to use if your regular computer has
a problem – the campus computer lab or a friend's computer would be a reliable choice. Be
aware that Canvas undergoes regular maintenance, and therefore this cannot be used as an
excuse for failure to submit coursework.
In the event of serious technical problems, you must inform me before the 9 pm deadline
and submit work directly by email before the end of the grace period at
[email protected]. HOWEVER, all writing assignments MUST be submitted through
turnitin.com to receive a score, no exceptions. Further, students are expected to seriously
attempt to resolve technical problems before emailing assignments. Contact the instructor as
soon as you have an issue. In the event of a Canvas technical problem, please report your
concern to the Student Help Desk at 657-278-8888.

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Biology 101 Spring 2021 Semester Syllabus
You are expected to keep track of deadlines. Work can be made up or submitted late ONLY if
the student has a documented, valid reason for the need to complete work late. An example
of such a reason would be a severe illness documented with a doctor's note. Make-up work is
accepted at the discretion of the instructor and may incur a grade penalty. Technical
problems with your personal computer or Internet connection are not considered valid
reasons for missing deadlines. If you have a technical issue beyond your control (for
example, the Turnitin site is down), you must inform the instructor BEFORE the 9 pm
deadline and then wait for a response with instructions on how to proceed.
Note: This syllabus, along with course assignments and due dates, are subject to change. It
is the student's responsibility to check Canvas for corrections or updates to the syllabus. Any
changes will be clearly noted in a course announcement or through Canvas email.
Withdrawal Policy
The CSUF policy regarding withdrawal from classes (UPS 300.016) will be followed. You may
DROP this course during the first two weeks of the semester for any reason without and ‘W’
and without the course appearing on your transcript. The last day you may drop the course
without a ‘W’ is Feb 9, 2021. After that date you will need to petition to withdraw with a
grade of ‘W’ (http://records.fullerton.edu/services/withdrawal.php). Withdrawal petitions
can be for either Medical or Non-Medical reasons. Petitions require documentation of a
serious and compelling reason that is preventing you from successfully completing the
course. Examples of serious and compelling reasons for Non-Medical withdrawals include
illness of a family member, caregiving for a family member, or changes in your work
schedule. Non-medical requests for withdrawal may be requested from Feb 10 to April 23,
2021. Medical requests for withdrawal will be accepted from Feb 10 to May 7, 2021. Please
refer to the Academic Advising Center website for details on the policies affecting
withdrawals and repeated (CSUF Academic Advisement Center)
Alternative Procedure for Submitting Work
In case of technical difficulties with Canvas, the instructor will communicate with students
directly through CSUF email. Assignments may be sent by email to the instructor, faxed
(657-278-3426; send Attn: Faculty name & Course number – e.g., Dr. Smith, BIOL 123), or
mailed to the Department of Biological Science (800 N State College Blvd. Fullerton, CA
92831) when applicable and with instructor permission only. If email is unavailable, students
should call the department coordinator at 657-278-3614 for further instructions.
Academic Honesty Policy & Procedures
Academic Integrity: It is expected that work submitted for a grade in this course will be
the sole product of the individual student, unless otherwise permitted. Presenting work from
other sources as your own is unacceptable and will result in a notification to the Dean of
Students of a violation of campus standards. Behaviors that seek to gain an unfair
advantage or negatively impact the ability of others to learn will also result in a report to the
Dean of Students.
The consequences for cheating or other actions contrary to CSUF student conduct policies
can be severe. Communicate with your instructor if you find yourself in a situation that
might lead to a poor decision.
I encourage you to use the resources listed in the syllabus and posted to Canvas. Before
using other resources that you find online, I encourage you to discuss them with me. The
use of sites, including but not limited to Chegg and Course Hero, which require subscriptions
and provide solutions to homework problems, exam questions, etc., is explicitly prohibited in
this course and is considered academic dishonesty.

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Biology 101 Spring 2021 Semester Syllabus
Collaborating has been made easier by the many tools available to use on the internet (e.g.
Discord, Zoom, Microsoft Teams). I encourage you to use these tools to work together, to
form study groups, etc. However, any sharing of assignments (even if just to help) or using
these communication tools for unauthorized collaboration is considered academic
dishonesty. Unless otherwise explicitly stated by the instructor, assignments, and
examinations must be completed on your own.
It is assumed that by enrolling in this class, your intentions are honorable, that you accept
responsibility for an earnest effort toward understanding the subject, and that you will not
cheat on any assignment for this course. You must perform all of your work. The CSUF
policy statement is reproduced in part below.
● Academic dishonesty includes cheating, inventing false information or citations,
plagiarism, and helping someone else commit an act of academic dishonesty. It usually
involves an attempt by a student to show possession of a level of knowledge or skill,
which he/she, in fact, does not possess.
● Cheating is defined as the act of obtaining or attempting to obtain credit for work by the
use of any dishonest, deceptive, fraudulent, or unauthorized means. Examples of cheating
include, but are not limited to, the following: using notes or aids or the help of other
students on tests and examinations in ways other than those expressly permitted by the
instructor, plagiarism as defined below, tampering with the grading procedures, and
collaborating with others on any assignment except when collaboration with your
classmates is explicitly allowed or encouraged. Violation of this prohibition of collaboration
shall be deemed an offense for the person or persons collaboration on the work, in
addition to the person submitting the work.
● Plagiarism is defined as the act of taking the work of another and offering it as one's
own without giving credit to that source. When sources are used in a paper,
acknowledgment of the original author or source must be made through appropriate
references and, if directly quoted, quotation marks or indentations must be used."
(CSUF Policy 300.021, effective 6 May 2005). Please make sure you understand what
plagiarism is and how to avoid it. For more information on this topic, please see
http://www.fullerton.edu/integrity/
● Authentication of student work: Authentication of student work is accomplished by
requiring multiple types of assessments: formal papers, assignments, email contact with
the instructor, short quizzes, and discussions. Students may be asked to meet with the
instructor for further authentication.
Students who violate University standards of academic integrity are subject to disciplinary
sanctions. University policies are strictly enforced in this course. Please familiarize yourself
with the academic integrity guidelines found in the current student handbook. All acts of
academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean. The minimum penalty for cheating
or plagiarism in this course will be 10% of the final course grade, even if the assignment in
question was worth significantly less than that. The maximum penalty is failure of the
course. Penalties are given based on the severity of the incident (as determined by the
instructor) and the weight of the assignment/discussion/quiz in question. Penalties are at
the instructor's discretion.
Attendance Policy
Regular attendance and participation is an important way for you to be successful in this
course. Attendance in a virtual course requires that you access the resources provided
through your course website in a timely manner and engage with/contribute to
asynchronous activities and discussions as instructed. By fully participating in the class
meetings and activities you will be more likely to learn the material. Please contact your

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Biology 101 Spring 2021 Semester Syllabus
lecture instructor by email if you miss a class meeting or encounter recurring technical
challenges. Extended absences/lack of participation will have a negative impact on your
ability to succeed in this class. Please contact your instructor if you have concerns
about your ability to participate in this course.
Use of class email lists in Canvas
In the past, there were a couple of incidents of students using class email lists to contact
members of the class about non-course related items, such as voting for a specific student
in elections, announcing events on campus in which the student was involved, etc. Students
should not use contact information from this course without prior permission. All violations
of this policy may result in disciplinary action. Should you be on the receiving end of such
contact, please inform the instructor immediately.
Policy on Retention of Student Work
Work submitted for a grade in this course, either a hardcopy or through the Canvas course
site, shall be retained for a reasonable time after the semester is completed, not to exceed
the last day of the subsequent semester. Exam material is exempt from this policy;
however, students have the right to review their work in a faculty member's presence within
the same time period. [Based on UPS 320.005]
NSM Student Success Center
The Natural Sciences and Mathematics Student Success Center (NSM SSC) at CSUF
provides a community space for NSM majors, as well as students taking courses in NSM,
and we offer one-on-one course-based tutoring by appointment. The NSM SSC also
houses the NSM Retention Specialist, Graduation Specialist, and Assistant Dean, who all
specialize in GE advising and CSUF policies. We also offer programs and events throughout
the year and partner with NSM clubs and organizations. The NSM SSC is here to support
you in your academic success!
Follow us on Instagram at nsm_ssc
Email us at [email protected]
Website: http://www.fullerton.edu/nsm/student_success/NEW_Student_Success_Center.php
University Learning Center
The University Learning Center's goal is to provide all CSUF students with academic
support in an inviting and contemporary environment. The University Learning Center
staff will assist students with their academic assignments, general study skills, and
computer user needs. The ULC staff work with all students from diverse backgrounds in
most undergraduate general education courses, including those in science and math,
humanities and social science, and other subjects. They offer one-to-one peer tutoring,
online writing review, and many more services. More information can be found on the
University Learning Center website.

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Writing Center
The Writing Center offers 30-minute, one-on-one peer tutoring sessions and workshops
to assist with all written assignments and student writing concerns. Writing Center
services are available to students from all disciplines. Registration and appointment
schedules are available at the Writing Center Appointment Scheduling System. Walk-in
appointments are also available on a first-come, first-served basis to students who have
registered online. More information can be found on the Writing Center webpage. The
Writing Center is located on the Pollak Library’s first floor; their phone number is (657)
278-3650.
University Information
http://fdc.fullerton.edu/teaching/syllabus.php
Please refer to the link above for current information regarding:
Students with Special Needs
Academic Dishonesty Policy
Library Support
Final Exam Schedule
Emergency Preparedness
Undergraduate Student Learning Goals
GE Student Learning Goals
Graduate Student Learning Goals
Student Learning Outcomes by Degree Programs

The course material and assignments are the intellectual property of the instructor. The materials may not be
posted or shared outside of the course website. If I track a posting back to you from an outside source, you will
be immediately referred to the Dean for an act of academic dishonesty, even if the semester has ended. No
exceptions.

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Biology 101 Spring 2021 Semester Syllabus

Rubric For Participation in Discussion Forums

Participating in the Discussion
Students have been randomly assigned to a discussion group and remain in that group for
the entire semester. The discussions are expected to expand your knowledge of the content
AND help you understand the real-world social applications and concerns about the scientific
material we are learning. Students are encouraged to post additional threads if there are
other areas of interest concerning the article or topic not covered by the instructor's
questions.
Posting
Your posts are required to be substantive and advance or re-frame the discussion in some
way. In other words, you must do more than say "I agree" or "I disagree," and you must not
merely restate what someone else says. Don't be afraid to play "devil's advocate" in the
discussion to get your peers thinking about the other side of an issue. See the "Successful
Participation in Online Discussion" page on Canvas for tips and examples.
Grading
The online discussions account for 20% of your final grade. You are expected to participate
in some way in discussions for each module. I will be reading posts regularly throughout the
semester (several times/week) but will only participate in the discussion if necessary.
Grading will be done at the closing deadline for each discussion.
Your posts will be graded with the following in mind:
● Relevance to topic
● Evidence of thought/reflection, or the seeking of information from other sources
● Evidence of critical thinking (i.e., these discussion topics ought to elicit some analysis on
your part: ask questions, and more questions; posit some explanations, hypotheses,
original ideas. What do you think?)
● Temporal Placement – To have a discussion, there must be an exchange of ideas.
Therefore, it is not sufficient to post on a single day. Discussions are open for two weeks.
Students are expected to post their initial thoughts during the first week and reply to their
classmates during the second week. Posting on only one day will not earn full credit. Refer
to the schedule on Canvas for specific deadlines for each discussion.
● Collegiality – adherence to the norms of courtesy appropriate in an academic (but
informal) discussion
Community Standards and "Netiquette"
Your writing should be clear and understandable to get your point across. If you have
multiple spelling or grammar errors that affect your point's clarity, you may be marked
down. You are also required to adhere to the norms of online courtesy – known as
"netiquette." Each student is expected to conduct himself/herself professionally during the
class - taking full advantage of the learning opportunities available. This includes
completing all online discussions and assignments, adhering to proper netiquette, and so
on. Netiquette refers to a set of appropriate behaviors for online activity - especially with
email and threaded discussions. The core rules of netiquette can be found on the
Netiquette website. Please read through these netiquette rules to ensure that you are
familiar with this course's expected online behavior.

*** I RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REVISE THIS SYLLABUS AT ANY TIME***

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