Course Requirements

See the complete syllabus below for additional information.

SKILLS REQUIREMENT

Reading and writing proficiency as determined by the COMPASS or ASSET test, or by the statewide THEA test, or by providing an official transcript from another college.  If you do not meet these requirements, you may be withdrawn from the course

 

COURSE GRADES

Summary of Grading Criteria:

            Online discussion group (14 weeks @ 5 pts/week)   =          70 points

            Homework assignments (5 @ 15 points each)          =          75 points

            Exams (5 exams @ 100 points each)                        =          500 points

            Total number of points                                                =          645 points

 

See below for more information about exams, online discussion groups, and homework.

 

Grading Scale:

Final grades for the course will be based on these percentages:

                                    A - 90-100%                (581 to 645 points)

                                    B - 80-89%                  (516 to 580 points)     

                                    C - 70-79%                  (452 to 515 points)

                                    D - 60-69%                  (387 to 451 points)

                                    F - below 60%             (0 to 386 points)

 

There are NO curved scores and no additional projects for extra credit other than what are already described in this syllabus.  Since there are extra credit points in this class on every exam, grades will not be curved or rounded.  Your grade is based solely on the points you earn from exams and participation in your online discussion group. If you have a borderline grades (such as 79.6%), I look at your grades for exams, homework and weekly discussion group. If you have taken all five exams, completed all homework assignments, substantially participated in all weekly discussion groups and took the optional final, your grade would be a B. Otherwise, your grade will be a C. This decision will be solely at the instructor’s discretion.

 

ONLINE DISCUSSION GROUPS

 

Students are expected to participate in online discussion groups in Blackboard.  You will be assigned to a discussion group during the first week of class by the instructor. 

 

To find your discussion group, look in the frame on the left side of the course Blackboard site.  You will see “Discussion Groups” listed there.  Click on this to get to a list of discussion groups.  There will only be one group that you can click on – that is your group.  If you add the class during the add-drop period, you may find that you cannot click on any group!  This just means that I haven’t had a chance to add you to a group yet.  Also, it can take Blackboard up to 24 hours to add you to the class after you have registered for it. 

 

I will post a set of discussion topics at the beginning of each week for the group to discuss.  You will find the discussion topics for each unit in the Unit Folder. For the first unit, click on the “Unit 1 Folder” and then click on the “Discussion Topics for Unit 1” folder.  Some of these questions may involve material covered in the study guide.  Other questions may require you to look at other online sources. 

 

You are also welcome to start your own areas of discussion.  This is a great place to ask your group members to explain some concept that you did not understand.  You may make posts about study guide questions as part of your required number of posts, but don’t forget that all of the discussion topics will be covered on exams.  Your group needs to get through all of the discussion topic questions each week.  If your group does not cover all of the topics, then you need to study them on your own. 

General Guidelines for Discussion Groups:

1.     I expect you to participate in your group discussion forums at least twice during each week. You are expected to make at least two different posts on two different days of the week.  (Note: the minimum number of posts per week is two.)

2.     At least one of your two required posts must be a response/reply to another group member. I expect you to read and respond to the posts from other group members. You must respond to another group member at least one time during the week to earn full credit. 

3.     Your posts must be meaningful and about the subject material.  Read what your other group members have written about a topic before posting.  If your post is a repeat of what has already been said by another student, then you are not adding anything to your group’s discussion and this will not be counted as a meaningful post.  If you are concerned that your posts are too short, you can always post several times per day in different topic areas. 

        Procedural posts will not count toward your grade.  This includes posts such as “I could not get the link to work.  Did anyone have better luck” or “I agree” or “Thanks for posting this info.”

        It is acceptable to make a response that expands on another person’s post, including any personal comments that you want to make.  (Just remember to be respectful of other people!) If you want to restate something that someone has said to clarify the meaning or make a correction, that is perfectly fine. 

4.     Be polite to each other.  It is okay to disagree with someone else’s opinion or interpretation but disagree politely.  Remember that people may not be able to tell if you are being sarcastic or witty when they are reading your posts.  Be careful and considerate!  The instructor can remove you from your discussion group for inappropriate postings.  If this happens, your grade for any remaining discussion topics will be a zero (0) and you will not be given the chance to make these points up in an alternate fashion.

5.     When you post an answer to a discussion topic, especially if you are the first one to respond, please do not answer every question.  Leave some room for other group members to share in the discussion.  For example, if you asked to compare two organisms, you might discuss one way the organisms are similar and one way they are different. Or, if a question has multiple parts (a-f), just post the answer to one part. That gives an opportunity for someone else in your group to contribute to the discussion by bringing up other similarities and differences.  Start the conversation – don’t “hog” the conversation!

        Your group should try to answer all of the questions.  You do not have to post every answer.

6.     It is perfectly okay to bring up new material, point out interesting websites, and add more information in your posts, as long as the material posted pertains to the material covered in the unit under discussion.  You may also post questions and answers about study guide  materials but try to make sure that your group covers all of the discussion topics for the week.

7.     Remember, these are discussions!  It helps if you ask questions as part of your post. This can make it easier for other students to reply.  Your question can go at the end of your post.

8.     Please do not use abbreviations in your posts.  OMG, LOL and other texting shortcuts are    not appropriate in the discussion forums.

9.     What do you do if you feel like you need to move to another group?  E-mail your instructor, ask to be moved and explain why you would like to move. There is no guarantee that you will be moved or that you will like the new group any better than the old one.  If you are moved, you will not have access to your old posts. 

10.   Discussion forums usually start on Monday (12:00 am) and end on 11:59 pm the following Sunday. Any posts made after the end of the time period will not count for credit.

11.   There will be 14 weeks of discussion topics posted by the instructor for your group. You will receive a grade for your participation in your group discussion forum.  Each week will be worth 5 points (14 weeks x 5 points = 70 points total). 

        Almost 11% of your grade comes from participating in the discussion groups.  If you do        not participate, it will affect your grade.  Please take the discussion groups seriously!

12.   Posts made after the posting deadline for the week will not be counted for credit.

 

Weekly discussion grades will be assessed using the following general criteria:

(a.)  Did you contribute at least TWO times on at least TWO different days?  Remember that a post that repeats what another group member has already posted does not count for credit. 

(b.)  Did you post in a timely fashion?  Your posts must be submitted within the deadlines in order to earn credit for posting. 

(c.)  Were your posts relevant to the discussion topic?  Or, as an alternative, did you introduce new material for the group to consider? Were your posts meaningful? 

(d.)  Did you read and respond to postings of your group members at least once?   You must respond to another group member.  Responses to yourself will not count.

Students are encouraged to post often.  That way, you are reviewing the materials and others have a chance to correct any mistakes or misconceptions. 

These weekly discussion groups are an important part of the class.  If you do not participate in these weekly discussion groups, your grade will suffer.  In the past, some students who did not participate in the weekly discussion groups have found themselves lacking 10-20 points in order to pass the course.  At that point, it is too late to wish that you had not thrown away the 70 points by not participating.  There will be nothing you can do at that point to improve your grade.  This is an uncomfortable position to be in, so don’t put yourself in this position!

 

HOMEWORK

 

You will be given a homework assignment for each unit.  You will find the homework assignment in the Unit Folder for each unit. Each homework assignment is worth 15 points.  Most homework assignments will require Internet access; some may require a high speed connection in order to work.  If you do not have access at home, you can use a computer in an ACC computer lab or Learning Lab.  Exams will include questions over homework materials.

 

You will submit your homework through Blackboard. There will be a paper-based set of instructions that explains what you need to do for the homework.  This will include the questions that you need to answer.  After completing the instructions, you will use your answers to work through a Blackboard-based homework.  After finishing the Blackboard-based homework, you will submit your homework through Blackboard.  You will only have one chance to submit the Blackboard-based assignment for credit. No credit is given for the paper-based instructions document.

 

There will be a deadline for turning in homework for each unit.  After the deadline, the Blackboard-based homework will not be available and your grade will be zero (0).  There is no credit for late homework.  Please do not wait until the last minute to do your homework.  If your server is not working or the internet goes down or you have a technology problem, you will not be able to submit your homework in a timely fashion.

 

After you have submitted your homework in Blackboard, you will be able to check immediately to see if your answers were correct.  Also, you can access the graded homework by going into My Grades and clicking on the blue highlighted grade.  (You may have to click on the grade twice.)  You should then be able to see your homework, your answers and correct answers.  See the course schedule for specific deadlines.

 

Almost 12% of your grade comes from homework.  If you do not do your homework, it will affect your grade.  Please take the homework seriously!

 

EXAMS

 

There are five required unit exams and an optional comprehensive final.  Exams are only available on specific days.  Exams must be taken in an ACC testing center or pre-approved location.

 

Unit Exams

Exams are a mixture of objective questions (multiple choice or true-false) and short answer.  (See table on page 12 for detailed information about each exam.)  The point value for each question is shown on the exam.  You are responsible for concepts covered in previous units.  Questions may include information from previous units.

 

Each unit exam is worth 100 points.  Each unit exam has two parts:

(1)  Part A:  Each objective question will be worth 2 points. 

(2)  Part B: Written questions.  These include short answer questions and extra credit questions.

 

You may be tested on any material covered in the study guide, homework and discussion topics.  In addition to your ability to remember facts and definitions, you will also be tested on your ability to apply what you have learned to new situations, identify relationships, and analyze situations using the facts and terms you have learned.  I have included a copy of Bloom’s taxonomy, a method of classifying different levels on learning, on the Blackboard site.  While most of your learning falls under knowledge (1.00), you will also have to use comprehension (2.00), application (3.00) and analysis (4.00).  See the Bloom’s Taxonomy documents in the Syllabus folder of Blackboard.

 

There are no retests or makeup exams in this course for the five required exams.  However, you can use the optional comprehensive final exam (discussed below) to replace your lowest non-zero exam grade.  The final will not substitute for a required exam that you did not take.

 

Optional Comprehensive Final

An optional comprehensive final will be available during the last few days of the semester.  The final covers all the material in the five units.  The final consists of 53 multiple choice questions, each worth two points.  Three of the questions are extra credit.  Your grade on the comprehensive final will be used to substitute for your lowest required exam grade but will not be used to substitute for an exam that you did not take.  If your grade on the comprehensive final is lower than your lowest required exam grades, it will not be counted.  The final cannot hurt your grade.  If you have a borderline grade and you are concerned, take the final!

 

Extra Credit

Each exam has one written extra credit questions, worth up to 2 points each. (Exam 1 has two written extra credit questions). Also, a widespread problem for students is a lack of knowledge about geography. On Exams 2-5, you can also earn extra credit by identifying locations and features mentioned in the Living Planet videos and study guide. Exams 2-5 will have two extra credit map quiz questions (1 point each). The optional final has up to 6 extra credit points. This means you can earn between 20 to 22 points of extra credit.

 

There are no other extra credit options for this class.  There are no extra credit papers that will replace your exam grades.  If you want to replace your lowest exam grade, take the optional final.

 

The extra credit questions will be tested on Part B of each unit exam.  Remember, there is not a map quiz for exam 1. 

Readings

See the complete syllabus below for additional information.

REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS AND MATERIALS

You will need the following items:

1.     Living Planet: Concepts and Questions, 12th edition, July 2016 by Speer, Maxim and Strong.  The study guide is not sold in any bookstore.  You can find an electronic copy to download  and print from this course’s Blackboard site.  The study guide is also available from:          http://www.austincc.edu/biology/            Use the pull-down menu at the top and click on  “Labs.”  Choose “Lab Manuals & Study Guides;” then choose “BIOL 2306 Living Planet.”

2.    LIVING PLANET episodes (video programs) available on the course’s Blackboard site as streaming videos.   The DVDs are available for purchase online at vendors such as Amazon.

3.    Discussion group topics, available in Discussion Topics area of the course Blackboard site.

4.    Homework assignments, available in the Homework area of the course Blackboard site.

You are responsible for all materials covered in the video episodes, study guide, narrated PowerPoint lectures, discussion topics, and homework.  You are also responsible for any lecture material presented in Blackboard. 

OPTIONAL MATERIALS

Although not required for the class, there is a companion book, Living Planet by David Attenborough.  Copies are available at the Austin Public Library.  Students have found books at Half-Price Books and online vendors such as Amazon.  If you learn by reading, the book may help you understand course materials.  If you have difficulty understanding Attenborough’s British accent, the book may help you understand what he is saying.

Course Subjects

Please see the complete syllabus below for more information.

 

Course Schedule

BIOL 2306 Living Planet (ONL)

Spring Semester 2018

 

Date	Course Work and Exams
Week 1 Jan 16–Jan 21	Complete and submit orientation materials by deadline. Work through Introductory Material in study guide and narrated PowerPoint (PP) lectures.  Start Homework #1. Post to online discussion group for week 1.
Week 2 Jan 22–Jan 28	Finish Introductory Material in study guide and narrated PPs.  Submit Homework #1 by deadline. (Exam 1 is available on the next day.) Post to online discussion group for week 2.
Week 3 Jan 29–Feb 4	Take exam 1 by Wednesday, January 31 (Grace Period: Thurs, Feb 1). Watch episode 1; work through episode 1 materials in study guide and PPs.  Start Homework #2.  Post to online discussion group for week 3
Week 4 Feb 5–Feb 11	Watch episode 2; work through episode 2 materials in study guide and PPs.  Work on Homework #2. Post to online discussion group for week 4
Week 5 Feb 12– Feb 18	Watch episode 3; work through episode 3 materials in study guide and PPs.  Submit Homework #2 by deadline.  (Exam 2 is available on the next day.)  Post to online discussion group for week 5
Week 6 Feb 19 – Feb 25	Take exam 2 by Wednesday, February 21 (Grace Period: Thurs, Feb 22). Watch episode 4; work through episode 4 materials in study guide and PPs. Start Homework #3. Post to online discussion group for week 6
Week 7 Feb 26–Mar 4	Watch episode 5; work through episode 5 materials in study guide and PPs.  Work on Homework #3. Post to online discussion group for week 7
Week 8 Mar 5 – Mar 11	Watch episode 6; work through episode 6 materials in study guide and PPs. Submit Homework #3 by deadline.  (Exam 3 is available on the next day.)  Post to online discussion group for week 8
Week 9 Mar 19–Mar 25	Take exam 3 by Wednesday, March 21 (Grace Period: Thurs, March 22). Watch episode 7; work through episode 7 materials in study guide and PPs.  Start Homework #4. Post to online discussion group for week 9
Week 10 Mar 26–Apr 1	Watch episode 8; work through episode 8 materials in study guide and PPs.  Work on Homework #4. Post to online discussion group for week 10
Week 11 Apr 2–Apr 8	Watch episode 9; work through episode 9 materials in study guide and PPs. Submit Homework #4 by deadline. (Exam 4 is available on the next day.)  Post to online discussion group for week 11
Week 12 Apr 9–Apr 15	Take exam 4 by Wednesday, April 11 (Grace Period: Thurs, April 12). Watch episode 10; work through episode 10 materials in study guide and PPs. Start Homework #5. Post to online discussion group for week 12
Week 13 Apr 16– Apr 22	Watch episode 11; work through episode 11 materials in study guide and PPs. Work on Homework #5. Post to online discussion group for week 13
Week 14 Apr 23–Apr 29	Watch episode 12; work through episode 12 materials in study guide and PPs. Submit Homework #5 by deadline. (Exam 5 is available on the next day.) Post to online discussion group for week 14
Week 15 Apr 30–May 6	Take exam 5 by Wednesday, May 2 (Grace Period: Thurs, May 3). Optional final becomes available on May 3.
Week 16	Take optional final by Thursday, May 10 (no grace period).

 

DEADLINES AND IMPORTANT DATES

 

Mandatory Orientation Deadline

You MUST complete your orientation, including an e-mail to me, by 11:59 pm, January 21, 2018.

 

Mandatory Discussion Group Deadlines

Discussion Topics	Deadline
Week 1	Sunday, January 21 (11:59 pm)
Week 2	Sunday, January 28 (11:59 pm)
Week 3	Sunday, February 4 (11:59 pm)
Week 4	Sunday, February 11 (11:59 pm)
Week 5	Sunday, February 18 (11:59 pm)
Week 6	Sunday, February 25 (11:59 pm)
Week 7	Sunday, March 4 (11:59 pm)
Week 8	Sunday, March 11 (11:59 pm)
Week 9	Sunday, March 25 (11:59 pm)
Week 10	Sunday, April 1 (11:59 pm)
Week 11	Sunday, April 8 (11:59 pm)
Week 12	Sunday, April 15 (11:59 pm)
Week 13	Sunday, April 22 (11:59 pm)
Week 14	Sunday, April 29 (11:59 pm)

 

Mandatory Homework Deadlines

Homework #	Deadline
1	Wednesday, January 24 (11:59 pm)
2	Wednesday, February 14 (11:59 pm)
3	Wednesday, March 7 (11:59 pm)
4	Wednesday, April 4 (11:59 pm)
5	Wednesday, April 25 (11:59 pm)

 

Other Important Dates

            Last Day to Withdraw without a W:                January 31, 2018

            Last Day to Withdraw with a W:                     April 23, 2018

            College Closed for Spring Break                    March 12-March 18, 2018

            College Closed for Easter Sunday                 April 1, 2018

 

Mandatory Exam Deadlines

 

You must take your exams by the deadlines below.  I enforce the deadlines, not the testing centers.  The deadline is the last day to take the exam in a timely manner.  To avoid problems, try to take your exam 1-2 days before the deadline.    Note:  For exams 1-5, there is an automatic 24-hour grace period after the exam deadline.  I will not accept any exams taken after the grace period for credit and your grade will be zero.  There is no grace period for the optional final (see table for deadlines).  You may take exams at any ACC testing center.

 

Exam #	Exam Covers	Status	Format of Exam	Mandatory Deadline
1	Introduction, Study Guide (1-28) Homework #1 Discussion Topics 1 and 2	Required	40 objective questions (80 pts) + 2 written questions (20 pts) + extra credit	Wednesday January 31
2	Episodes 1, 2 and 3 Concepts for Episodes 1, 2 & 3 Homework #2 Discussion Topics 3, 4 and 5	Required	45 objective questions (90 pts); 1 written question (10 pts) + extra credit	Wednesday February 21
3	Episodes 4, 5 and 6 Concepts for Episodes 4, 5 & 6 Homework #3 Discussion Topics 6, 7 and 8	Required	45 objective questions (90 pts); 1 written question (10 pts) + extra credit	Wednesday March 21
4	Episodes 7, 8 and 9 Concepts for Episodes 7, 8 & 9 Homework #4 Discussion Topics 9, 10 and 11	Required	45 objective questions (90 pts); 1 written question (10 pts) + extra credit	Wednesday April 11
5	Episodes 10, 11 and 12 Concepts for Episodes 10, 11, 12 Homework #5 Discussion Topics 12, 13 & 14	Required	45 objective questions (90 pts); 1 written question (10 pts) + extra credit	Wednesday May 2
6	Comprehensive Final (Optional)	Optional	50 questions + extra credit; 100% objective	Thursday May 10

 

 

The exams indicated must be completed by the deadlines.   If you miss an exam deadline, there is an automatic 24-hour grace period.  You do not have to ask me to use the 24-hour grace period.  (There is no grace period for the final.)   Any exam taken after the grace period will not be accepted for credit (without documented proof of a medical emergency).  It is your responsibility to complete the exams by the deadlines.

 

How does the grace period work? It is essentially an automatic extension of the deadline for 24 hours. Let’s look at Exam 1 as an example. If the deadline for Exam 1 is January 31, then you can take Exam 1 on February 1 without penalty. You do not need to ask me for permission to use the grace period. However, please be aware that I will not extend the grace period another day, regardless of the reason.

 

Unit exams become available on the Thursday before the mandatory deadline. Unit 1 exam opens January 25. Unit 2 exam opens February 15. Unit 3 exam opens March 8. Unit 4 exam opens April 5. Unit 5 exam opens April 26. The final exam opens May 3.

 

What Happens If You Miss A Deadline

 

            Miss Mandatory Orientation Deadline:                              Dropped from the class

 

            Miss Discussion Group Posting Deadlines:                      No credit for late posts

 

            Miss Homework Deadlines:                                                 No credit for late homework

 

            Miss Exam Deadlines:                     

                        If you miss a deadline, you will get a 0 on that exam and you will not be able

                        to use the final to replace it. 

 

                        Needless to say, you do not want to miss these deadlines!  Remember, in this

                        course a deadline is the last day to take the exam in a timely fashion.  You should

                        try to take the exam at least 1-2 days before the deadline.  There is an automatic

                        24-hour grace period for all unit exams, which means you can take the exam the

                        following day and still have it counted.  There are no extensions past the grace

                        period. 

 

                        In the case of a serious documented medical emergency or unavoidable conflict

                        with a deadline, get in touch with me immediately to make alternate arrangements

                        (if possible). 

 

            The deadline for the optional final is not negotiable.

 

Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives

See the complete syllabus below for additional information.

Student Learning Outcomes

Course-Level for Living Planet:

Specific skills and competencies expected of students who complete this course include:

• Ability to explain ecological concepts, using several examples to illustrate

• Ability to apply ecological concepts to new examples

 

General Education for Living Planet:

As a Core Curriculum course, students completing this course will demonstrate competence in:

• Critical Thinking - Gathering, analyzing, synthesizing, evaluating and applying information. 
• Interpersonal Skills - Interacting collaboratively to achieve common goals.
• Quantitative and Empirical Reasoning - Applying mathematical, logical and scientific principles and methods.
• Written, Oral and Visual Communication - Communicating effectively, adapting to purpose, structure, audience, and medium.

 

DEPARTMENTAL COMMON COURSE OBJECTIVES

The ACC Biology Department has specified the content for this course in the departmental common course objectives.  The departmental objectives are located under “Course Information” at:                      http://www.austincc.edu/biology/

Click on “Common Course Objectives,”, then click on the BIOL 2306 link.

Specific learning objectives for introductory material and material related to each video episode of Living Planet are outlined in the Living Planet study guide.

 

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY

This course is a three-hour lecture course.  This section is taught as an ONL (online) distance learning class.  This class does not meet in a classroom.  Contact between the students and professor is achieved through e-mail, discussion groups, and the class Blackboard site.  Students will have to come to an ACC campus to take exams in the testing centers. 

 

 

complete syllabus

The information above is an abbreviated verson of the material covered by the syllabus.  The complete syllabus for Living Planet (BIOL 2306) can be found below.

SYLLABUS FOR BIOLOGY 2306 - LIVING PLANET (ONL)

BIOL 2306-004 (30170)

16-Week Semester, Spring 2018

 

This syllabus is your guide for taking BIOL 2306 Living Planet.  It is a very long document, but the answers to your questions about the course are covered in it.  To help you find what you need, here is a brief table of contents.

Orientation	Page 1
Instructor information	Page 1
General Course Information	Page 2
Course Format	Page 3
Required Course Materials	Page 3
Course Technology	Page 4
Course Grades	Page 5
Online Discussion Groups	Pages 5-7
Homework	Pages 7-8
Exams	Pages 8-11
Deadlines and Important Dates	Pages 11-13
Using the Testing Centers	Pages 13-15
Withdrawals and Incompletes	Pages 15-16
Course Schedule	Page 17
Attendance/Class Participation; Is Distance Learning For You?; Bad Weather; Concealed Handgun Policies	Page 18
ACC Academic Policies and Services	Pages 19-20
Testing Center Guidelines	Pages 21-23

 

ORIENTATION

Completing the course orientation by the end of the first week is mandatory.  You must carefully read the syllabus, fill out and return your signed student information sheet, and send me an e-mail using your ACC email account to complete orientation.  After I receive your e-mail and signed student information sheet, I will send you a confirmation e-mail.  Your orientation is not complete until you receive the return confirmation e-mail from me.

 

You must complete orientation by January 21, 2018 or you will be dropped from the course. I will send reminder e-mails but I do drop students if orientation is not completed.

 

 

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION:

Instructor:                 Bernice Speer

Office Location:       RRC3, Room 3322.00

Office Hours:           Mon/Wed     4:30-5:50 pm       (You can also see me after lab.)

                                   Tues/Thurs   5:00-5:50 pm

                                   Tues/Thurs   8:50-9:10 pm

                                   Other hours by appointment

Office Phone:           512-223-0323 (with voice mail)

e-mail:                       bspeer@austincc.edu

ACC Distance Learning Student Handbook:       http://dl.austincc.edu/students/

ACC Student Information:              http://www.austincc.edu/current/needtoknow/

 

 

GENERAL COURSE INFORMATION

 

Course Description:

 A survey of major biomes of the world, environmental interactions of species, populations and community dynamics, & impact of humans on the world around them.

 

Skills Requirement:

Reading and writing proficiency as determined by the COMPASS or ASSET test, or by the statewide THEA test, or by providing an official transcript from another college.  If you do not meet these requirements, you may be withdrawn from the course.

 

Course Rationale:

This course was designed for students who are non-science majors, although it is also appropriate for science majors. The central underlying theme of the course is ecology. The course examines characteristics of major communities (such as deserts, tropical rainforests, coral reefs, etc.). Problems faced by organisms in different environments and their adaptations to these problems are emphasized throughout the course.  Reoccurring themes include biogeography, symbiosis, nutrient cycles and food chains.

 

Student Learning Outcomes

Course-Level for Living Planet:

Specific skills and competencies expected of students who complete this course include:

• Ability to explain ecological concepts, using several examples to illustrate

• Ability to apply ecological concepts to new examples

 

General Education for Living Planet:

As a Core Curriculum course, students completing this course will demonstrate competence in:

·   Critical Thinking - Gathering, analyzing, synthesizing, evaluating and applying information. 

·   Interpersonal Skills - Interacting collaboratively to achieve common goals.

·   Quantitative and Empirical Reasoning - Applying mathematical, logical and scientific principles and methods.

·   Written, Oral and Visual Communication - Communicating effectively, adapting to purpose, structure, audience, and medium.

 

DEPARTMENTAL COMMON COURSE OBJECTIVES

The ACC Biology Department has specified the content for this course in the departmental common course objectives.  The departmental objectives are located under “Course Information” at:                      http://www.austincc.edu/biology/

Click on “Common Course Objectives,”, then click on the BIOL 2306 link.

 

Specific learning objectives for introductory material and material related to each video episode of Living Planet are outlined in the Living Planet study guide.

 

 

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY

This course is a three-hour lecture course.  This section is taught as an ONL (online) distance learning class.  This class does not meet in a classroom.  Contact between the students and professor is achieved through e-mail, discussion groups, and the class Blackboard site.  Students will have to come to an ACC campus to take exams in the testing centers.  (See page 10 for details about OSD testing or alternate pre-approved testing locations.)

COURSE FORMAT

            ► The course is divided into five units. 

            ► These units should be completed in order. 

            ► There is a study guide that is central to the course.  The study guide includes some text

                 that explains major concepts for each section and guides you through the video

                 episodes that are available as streaming videos.

            ► There are narrated PowerPoint lectures prepared by instructors for each unit. 

            ► Each unit will have one graded homework assignment which you will complete and

                 submit through Blackboard. Paper-based assignments will not be accepted for grading.

            ► The class will be divided into discussion groups.  Every week, discussion topics will be

                 posted for students to discuss online.  You can also discuss study guide questions and

                 concepts if your discussion group has covered all the discussion topics.  You will be

                 graded on your participation. Discussion topics will be covered on the exams.

 

During each unit, you will need to:

            1) Read the material in the study guide.

            2) Go through the narrated PowerPoint lectures for the unit.

            3) Watch video episodes of Living Planet.  (Note: There are no video episodes for Unit 1.)

            4) Answer all study guide questions.

            5) Do your homework assignment and turn it through Blackboard on time.

            6) Prepare materials for posting to your discussion group, make your posts on time, and on

                 separate days (see below)

            7) Study everything you have done.

            8) Take the exam over these materials.

 

REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS AND MATERIALS

You will need the following items:

1.     Living Planet: Concepts and Questions, 12^th edition, July 2016 by Speer, Maxim and Strong.

        The study guide is not sold in any bookstore.  You can find an electronic copy to download

        and print from this course’s Blackboard site.  The study guide is also available from:  

        http://www.austincc.edu/biology/            Use the pull-down menu at the top and click on

        “Labs.”  Choose “Labs;” then choose “BIOL 2306 Living Planet.”

 

2.    LIVING PLANET episodes (video programs) available on the course’s Blackboard site as     streaming videos.   The DVDs are available for purchase online at vendors such as Amazon.

 

3.    Discussion group topics, available in Discussion Topics area of the course Blackboard site.

 

4.    Homework assignments, available in the Homework area of the course Blackboard site.

 

You are responsible for all materials covered in the video episodes, study guide, narrated PowerPoint lectures, discussion topics, and homework.  You are also responsible for any lecture material presented in Blackboard. 

 

OPTIONAL MATERIALS

Although not required for the class, there is a companion book, Living Planet by David Attenborough.  Copies are available at the Austin Public Library.  Students have found books at Half-Price Books and online vendors such as Amazon.  If you learn by reading, the book may help you understand course materials.  If you have difficulty understanding Attenborough’s British accent, the book may help you understand what he is saying.

 

COURSE TECHNOLOGY

 

ACCeID

You will need an ACCeID to use the ACC Online Services and Blackboard.  If you don't already have an ACCeID, go to the ACCeID Manager Login at: 

https://acceid.austincc.edu/idm/user/login.jsp

Click on "First-Time Login" and follow the instructions. 

 

Use of ACC Email
All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACCmail account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify you of any college related emergencies using this account. Students should only expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account. Likewise, students should use their ACCmail account when communicating with instructors and staff. Information about ACC mail, including instructions on setting up an account can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/accmail/

 

For privacy reasons, I must use the Blackboard system to e-mail students.  Because Blackboard automatically uses your ACCMail address when sending e-mails, it is imperative that you set up and check your ACCMail account regularly.

 

You can have your ACC e-mail forwarded to another e-mail address if you prefer.  See more information at: http://mail.google.com/support/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=10957

 

Blackboard Site for This Section:

You will be using Blackboard extensively throughout this class to access course materials and graded online discussion groups.  You will also use Blackboard in the ACC Testing Centers to take all exams.  Announcements and grades will be posted on Blackboard.  I will also use Blackboard to send e-mails to the class.  

 

To get started on Blackboard, go to the login site at: http://acconline.austincc.edu/  and click on the “Student Guide – Getting Started with Blackboard” link.   This will help you set up your Blackboard account and get you to the course site. 

 

You are expected to check Blackboard regularly.  Announcements clarify course materials, remind about deadlines, correct problems with urls, and give hints about difficult concepts. 

 

ACC Photo ID:

You must have an ACC photo student ID to use the testing center.  You can get more information at this web site:  http://www.austincc.edu/apply-and-register/admission-steps/student-id-card

 

Technology Requirements and Problems

In order to watch the videos (both in Blackboard and online), you will need a computer that has Adobe Flash and either Quick Time or Real Player.  These are available as free downloads.  If you have trouble accessing a web page, make sure that pop-ups are not blocked, or try a different browser or a different computer.  If you still have problems, contact the ACC Help Desk at 512-223-HELP or http://www.austincc.edu/helpdesk/home_student.html          If you have a laptop, check with the Learning Lab staff to see if they can help you resolve the problem.  If nothing else works, you may have to use an ACC computer.   Note to iPad/iPhone users:  Adobe Flash is not available on these devices.  Streaming videos will work best if you have DSL or a cable modem.

COURSE GRADES

 

Summary of Grading Criteria:

            Online discussion group (14 weeks @ 5 pts/week)   =          70 points

            Homework assignments (5 @ 15 points each)          =          75 points

            Exams (5 exams @ 100 points each)                        =          500 points

            Total number of points                                                =          645 points

 

See below for more information about exams, online discussion groups, and homework.

 

Grading Scale:

Final grades for the course will be based on these percentages:

                                    A - 90-100%                (581 to 645 points)

                                    B - 80-89%                  (516 to 580 points)     

                                    C - 70-79%                  (452 to 515 points)

                                    D - 60-69%                  (387 to 451 points)

                                    F - below 60%             (0 to 386 points)

 

There are NO curved scores and no additional projects for extra credit other than what are already described in this syllabus.  Since there are extra credit points in this class on every exam, grades will not be curved or rounded.  Your grade is based solely on the points you earn from exams and participation in your online discussion group. If you have a borderline grades (such as 79.6%), I look at your grades for exams, homework and weekly discussion group. If you have taken all five exams, completed all homework assignments, substantially participated in all weekly discussion groups and took the optional final, your grade would be a B. Otherwise, your grade will be a C. This decision will be solely at the instructor’s discretion.

 

ONLINE DISCUSSION GROUPS

 

Students are expected to participate in online discussion groups in Blackboard.  You will be assigned to a discussion group during the first week of class by the instructor. 

 

To find your discussion group, look in the frame on the left side of the course Blackboard site.  You will see “Discussion Groups” listed there.  Click on this to get to a list of discussion groups.  There will only be one group that you can click on – that is your group.  If you add the class during the add-drop period, you may find that you cannot click on any group!  This just means that I haven’t had a chance to add you to a group yet.  Also, it can take Blackboard up to 24 hours to add you to the class after you have registered for it. 

 

I will post a set of discussion topics at the beginning of each week for the group to discuss.  You will find the discussion topics for each unit in the Unit Folder. For the first unit, click on the “Unit 1 Folder” and then click on the “Discussion Topics for Unit 1” folder.  Some of these questions may involve material covered in the study guide.  Other questions may require you to look at other online sources. 

 

You are also welcome to start your own areas of discussion.  This is a great place to ask your group members to explain some concept that you did not understand.  You may make posts about study guide questions as part of your required number of posts, but don’t forget that all of the discussion topics will be covered on exams.  Your group needs to get through all of the discussion topic questions each week.  If your group does not cover all of the topics, then you need to study them on your own. 

General Guidelines for Discussion Groups:

 

1.     I expect you to participate in your group discussion forums at least twice during each week. 

You are expected to make at least two different posts on two different days of the week.  (Note: the minimum number of posts per week is two.)

 

2.     At least one of your two required posts must be a response/reply to another group member. 

        I expect you to read and respond to the posts from other group members. You must respond

        to another group member at least one time during the week to earn full credit. 

 

3.     Your posts must be meaningful and about the subject material.  Read what your other group

        members have written about a topic before posting.  If your post is a repeat of what has

        already been said by another student, then you are not adding anything to your group’s

        discussion and this will not be counted as a meaningful post.  If you are concerned that your

        posts are too short, you can always post several times per day in different topic areas. 

 

        Procedural posts will not count toward your grade.  This includes posts such as “I could not

        get the link to work.  Did anyone have better luck” or “I agree” or “Thanks for posting this info.”
 

        It is acceptable to make a response that expands on another person’s post, including any

        personal comments that you want to make.  (Just remember to be respectful of other people!) 

If you want to restate something that someone has said to clarify the meaning or make a correction, that is perfectly fine. 

 

4.     Be polite to each other.  It is okay to disagree with someone else’s opinion or interpretation

        but disagree politely.  Remember that people may not be able to tell if you are being sarcastic

        or witty when they are reading your posts.  Be careful and considerate!  The instructor can

        remove you from your discussion group for inappropriate postings.  If this happens, your

        grade for any remaining discussion topics will be a zero (0) and you will not be given the

        chance to make these points up in an alternate fashion.

 

5.     When you post an answer to a discussion topic, especially if you are the first one to respond,

        please do not answer every question.  Leave some room for other group members to share

        in the discussion.  For example, if you asked to compare two organisms, you might discuss

        one way the organisms are similar and one way they are different. Or, if a question has

        multiple parts (a-f), just post the answer to one part. That gives an opportunity for someone

        else in your group to contribute to the discussion by bringing up other similarities and

        differences.  Start the conversation – don’t “hog” the conversation!

 

        Your group should try to answer all of the questions.  You do not have to post every answer.

 

6.     It is perfectly okay to bring up new material, point out interesting websites, and add more

        information in your posts, as long as the material posted pertains to the material covered in

        the unit under discussion.  You may also post questions and answers about study guide

        materials but try to make sure that your group covers all of the discussion topics for the week.

 

7.     Remember, these are discussions!  It helps if you ask questions as part of your post. This can

        make it easier for other students to reply.  Your question can go at the end of your post.

 

8.     Please do not use abbreviations in your posts.  OMG, LOL and other texting shortcuts are    not appropriate in the discussion forums.

9.     What do you do if you feel like you need to move to another group?  E-mail your instructor,

        ask to be moved and explain why you would like to move. There is no guarantee that you will

        be moved or that you will like the new group any better than the old one.  If you are moved,

        you will not have access to your old posts. 

 

10.   Discussion forums usually start on Monday (12:00 am) and end on 11:59 pm the following

        Sunday. Any posts made after the end of the time period will not count for credit.

 

11.   There will be 14 weeks of discussion topics posted by the instructor for your group. You will

        receive a grade for your participation in your group discussion forum.  Each week will be worth

        5 points (14 weeks x 5 points = 70 points total). 

 

        Almost 11% of your grade comes from participating in the discussion groups.  If you do        not participate, it will affect your grade.  Please take the discussion groups seriously!

 

12.   Posts made after the posting deadline for the week will not be counted for credit.

 

Weekly discussion grades will be assessed using the following general criteria:

(a.)  Did you contribute at least TWO times on at least TWO different days?  Remember that a post that repeats what another group member has already posted does not count for credit. 

 

(b.)  Did you post in a timely fashion?  Your posts must be submitted within the deadlines in

        order to earn credit for posting. 

 

(c.)  Were your posts relevant to the discussion topic?  Or, as an alternative, did you introduce

        new material for the group to consider? Were your posts meaningful? 

 

(d.)  Did you read and respond to postings of your group members at least once?   You must

        respond to another group member.  Responses to yourself will not count.

 

Students are encouraged to post often.  That way, you are reviewing the materials and others have a chance to correct any mistakes or misconceptions. 

 

These weekly discussion groups are an important part of the class.  If you do not participate in these weekly discussion groups, your grade will suffer.  In the past, some students who did not participate in the weekly discussion groups have found themselves lacking 10-20 points in order to pass the course.  At that point, it is too late to wish that you had not thrown away the 70 points by not participating.  There will be nothing you can do at that point to improve your grade.  This is an uncomfortable position to be in, so don’t put yourself in this position!

 

HOMEWORK

 

You will be given a homework assignment for each unit.  You will find the homework assignment in the Unit Folder for each unit. Each homework assignment is worth 15 points.  Most homework assignments will require Internet access; some may require a high speed connection in order to work.  If you do not have access at home, you can use a computer in an ACC computer lab or Learning Lab.  Exams will include questions over homework materials.

 

You will submit your homework through Blackboard. There will be a paper-based set of instructions that explains what you need to do for the homework.  This will include the questions that you need to answer.  After completing the instructions, you will use your answers to work through a Blackboard-based homework.  After finishing the Blackboard-based homework, you will submit your homework through Blackboard.  You will only have one chance to submit the Blackboard-based assignment for credit. No credit is given for the paper-based instructions document.

 

There will be a deadline for turning in homework for each unit.  After the deadline, the Blackboard-based homework will not be available and your grade will be zero (0).  There is no credit for late homework.  Please do not wait until the last minute to do your homework.  If your server is not working or the internet goes down or you have a technology problem, you will not be able to submit your homework in a timely fashion.

 

After you have submitted your homework in Blackboard, you will be able to check immediately to see if your answers were correct.  Also, you can access the graded homework by going into My Grades and clicking on the blue highlighted grade.  (You may have to click on the grade twice.)  You should then be able to see your homework, your answers and correct answers.  See the course schedule for specific deadlines.

 

Almost 12% of your grade comes from homework.  If you do not do your homework, it will affect your grade.  Please take the homework seriously!

 

EXAMS

 

There are five required unit exams and an optional comprehensive final.  Exams are only available on specific days.  Exams must be taken in an ACC testing center or pre-approved location.

 

Unit Exams

Exams are a mixture of objective questions (multiple choice or true-false) and short answer.  (See table on page 12 for detailed information about each exam.)  The point value for each question is shown on the exam.  You are responsible for concepts covered in previous units.  Questions may include information from previous units.

 

Each unit exam is worth 100 points.  Each unit exam has two parts:

(1)  Part A:  Each objective question will be worth 2 points. 

(2)  Part B: Written questions.  These include short answer questions and extra credit questions.

 

You may be tested on any material covered in the study guide, homework and discussion topics.  In addition to your ability to remember facts and definitions, you will also be tested on your ability to apply what you have learned to new situations, identify relationships, and analyze situations using the facts and terms you have learned.  I have included a copy of Bloom’s taxonomy, a method of classifying different levels on learning, on the Blackboard site.  While most of your learning falls under knowledge (1.00), you will also have to use comprehension (2.00), application (3.00) and analysis (4.00).  See the Bloom’s Taxonomy documents in the Syllabus folder of Blackboard.

 

There are no retests or makeup exams in this course for the five required exams.  However, you can use the optional comprehensive final exam (discussed below) to replace your lowest non-zero exam grade.  The final will not substitute for a required exam that you did not take.

 

Optional Comprehensive Final

An optional comprehensive final will be available during the last few days of the semester.  The final covers all the material in the five units.  The final consists of 53 multiple choice questions, each worth two points.  Three of the questions are extra credit.  Your grade on the comprehensive final will be used to substitute for your lowest required exam grade but will not be used to substitute for an exam that you did not take.  If your grade on the comprehensive final is lower than your lowest required exam grades, it will not be counted.  The final cannot hurt your grade.  If you have a borderline grade and you are concerned, take the final!

 

Extra Credit

Each exam has one written extra credit questions, worth up to 2 points each. (Exam 1 has two written extra credit questions). Also, a widespread problem for students is a lack of knowledge about geography. On Exams 2-5, you can also earn extra credit by identifying locations and features mentioned in the Living Planet videos and study guide. Exams 2-5 will have two extra credit map quiz questions (1 point each). The optional final has up to 6 extra credit points. This means you can earn between 20 to 22 points of extra credit.

 

There are no other extra credit options for this class.  There are no extra credit papers that will replace your exam grades.  If you want to replace your lowest exam grade, take the optional final.

 

The extra credit questions will be tested on Part B of each unit exam.  Remember, there is not a map quiz for exam 1.

 

Preparing for Exams

1.  Use the study guide to direct your studying.  The study guide has been written to go through the material in a sensible fashion.  The material in the study guide, including the study questions, is as important as the material in the video episodes. There are also narrated PowerPoint lectures. .

 

2.  Participate in the online discussion groups.  Make sure you are familiar with all of the concepts covered in the discussion topics, whether your group discussed them or not.

 

3.  Do your homework in a timely fashion.   After submitting your homework, check the answers in Blackboard to make sure you answered them correctly.

 

4.  Before you take the unit exam, go back and review the material in the study guide, textbook, discussion topics and homework.   You may be tested on any material covered in the study guide, homework, or weekly discussion topics. 

 

Taking Exams in the ACC Testing Centers

Exams must be taken at an ACC Testing Center.  (See next two sections of the syllabus.) 

You can take your exams at any ACC Testing Center.  The locations and hours of operation for each testing center can be found at: http://www.austincc.edu/support-and-services/services-for-students/testing-services . Some testing centers have different schedules from others.  You are responsible for knowing the schedule of the testing center you intend to use.

 

You will take your exam on Blackboard on a computer in the Testing Center.  You will be given scratch paper at the testing center for use during the electronic exam.  If you have not taken exams on a computer in the testing center before, please go to the Student FAQs before your first exam:                     http://irt.austincc.edu/onlinetesting/respondusFAQ.php

 

All exams consist of questions from instructor-generated question pools.  Each exam is randomly generated and will give each student a different group of questions from that unit’s question pools.

Each exam will have two sections:  part A and part B.  Part A will have multiple choice questions and you will receive your score as soon as you submit part A of the exam.  Part B will have written short-answer questions, any written extra credit questions, and extra credit map quizzes on Exams 2-5.  Each exam is worth 100 points plus extra credit points.

The two sections of the exam are separate.  You can take them in any order, but you must finish one and submit it before opening the other one – you cannot switch back and forth between them.  If you open another window or tab, your exam will be automatically submitted as is. 

 

Your score for Part A will show up automatically in your grades in Blackboard.  I will grade the short-answer section online and post the grades on Blackboard.  Exams are graded on a first-in, first-out basis.  I will try to post your grade for Part B within a few days. 

 

If a problem arises in the testing center (power failure, ACC server or Blackboard is down, etc.), please send me an e-mail immediately.   You can also ask the staff at the testing center to call my office at 512-223-0323 and leave a message about the problem.

 

Remember exams are computer-based and there are two sections to exams 1-5.  (The final has multiple choice questions only.)  Add the score of Part A and Part B to get your grade for the exam.

 

If all of the testing center computers are in-use, you will have to wait for one to be available.  You will not be given an extension on test deadlines if you wait until the last day to take the exam and could not get access to a testing center computer.

 

You should allow a minimum of one hour to take exams for this class.  It may take you longer than an hour to finish an exam.  Please note:  The testing center will give out exams until it closes.  You will have no more than 30 minutes after closing time to finish the exam.  This means if it is 7:59 pm and the Testing Center closes at 8:00 pm, you will only have until 8:30 pm to complete the exam.  

 

Taking Exams in an SAS Office

Students with disabilities can take their exams at any SAS office.  In order to send exams to an SAS office, I must first receive your letter of accommodation.  Please tell me which SAS office you wish to use.  Most SAS offices can administer Blackboard-based exams.  If your accommodation requires paper exams, I will send your exams to the SAS office of your choice.

 

If taking paper exams, please e-mail me after you have completed each exam so I know you have taken the exam. This is critical for the final, because the deadline is close to the semester’s end. I may not receive it in time and this could affect your grade. It is your responsibility to send me an e-mail stating that you have completed each exam. You can also request that your SAS office make a copy of your paper-based exam, just in case the exam is lost in the intercampus mail.

 

If you take paper-based exams instead of computer-based exams, the exam format will be the same.  Once I receive your exam, I will grade it and post the results in Blackboard.  It will take a little longer for me to get your exams graded since I must wait for the campus mail to deliver the exam before I can grade it.  Campus mail usually takes 1-2 business days but it could take as long as 10 business days for some campuses.  If I do not receive your last paper-based exam in the campus mail by the time I have to turn in grades at the end of the semester, and you have e-mailed me that you have completed the exam, I will give you an incomplete and then change your grade once I receive and grade your exam.

 

Taking Exams by Special Arrangement with Distance Testing Office

Please contact me as soon as possible for instructions on how to take your exams.  Final arrangements for testing at alternate proctored sites must be completed during the first week of the semester.  If you have waited until the semester has started to discuss details about distance testing, the instructor may not have enough time to make the necessary arrangements.  If this happens, you will not be given additional time to take Exam 1.

What’s On the Exams?

Exam #	What’s Covered on Each Exam
Exam 1	Introduction from the Study Guide (pages 1-28); Homework #1; Discussion Topics for Week 1 and Week 2
Exam 2	Episodes 1, 2 and 3; Concepts for Episodes 1, 2 and 3; Homework #2; Discussion Topics for Week 3, Week 4 and Week 5
Exam 3	Episodes 4, 5 and 6; Concepts for Episodes 4, 5 and 6; Homework #3; Discussion Topics for Week 6, Week 7 and Week 8
Exam 4	Episodes 7, 8 and 9; Concepts for Episodes 7, 8 and 9; Homework #4; Discussion Topics for Week 9, Week 10 and Week 11
Exam 5	Episodes 10, 11 and 12; Concepts for Episodes 10, 11 and 12; Homework #5; Discussion Topics for Week 12, Week 13 and Week 14
Final	Optional Comprehensive Final; covers all of the above material

 

DEADLINES AND IMPORTANT DATES

 

Mandatory Orientation Deadline

You MUST complete your orientation, including an e-mail to me, by 11:59 pm, January 21, 2018.

 

Mandatory Discussion Group Deadlines

Discussion Topics	Deadline
Week 1	Sunday, January 21 (11:59 pm)
Week 2	Sunday, January 28 (11:59 pm)
Week 3	Sunday, February 4 (11:59 pm)
Week 4	Sunday, February 11 (11:59 pm)
Week 5	Sunday, February 18 (11:59 pm)
Week 6	Sunday, February 25 (11:59 pm)
Week 7	Sunday, March 4 (11:59 pm)
Week 8	Sunday, March 11 (11:59 pm)
Week 9	Sunday, March 25 (11:59 pm)
Week 10	Sunday, April 1 (11:59 pm)
Week 11	Sunday, April 8 (11:59 pm)
Week 12	Sunday, April 15 (11:59 pm)
Week 13	Sunday, April 22 (11:59 pm)
Week 14	Sunday, April 29 (11:59 pm)

 

Mandatory Homework Deadlines

Homework #	Deadline
1	Wednesday, January 24 (11:59 pm)
2	Wednesday, February 14 (11:59 pm)
3	Wednesday, March 7 (11:59 pm)
4	Wednesday, April 4 (11:59 pm)
5	Wednesday, April 25 (11:59 pm)

 

Other Important Dates

            Last Day to Withdraw without a W:                January 31, 2018

            Last Day to Withdraw with a W:                     April 23, 2018

            College Closed for Spring Break                    March 12-March 18, 2018

            College Closed for Easter Sunday                 April 1, 2018

 

Mandatory Exam Deadlines

 

You must take your exams by the deadlines below.  I enforce the deadlines, not the testing centers.  The deadline is the last day to take the exam in a timely manner.  To avoid problems, try to take your exam 1-2 days before the deadline.    Note:  For exams 1-5, there is an automatic 24-hour grace period after the exam deadline.  I will not accept any exams taken after the grace period for credit and your grade will be zero.  There is no grace period for the optional final (see table for deadlines).  You may take exams at any ACC testing center.

 

Exam #	Exam Covers	Status	Format of Exam	Mandatory Deadline
1	Introduction, Study Guide (1-28) Homework #1 Discussion Topics 1 and 2	Required	40 objective questions (80 pts) + 2 written questions (20 pts) + extra credit	Wednesday January 31
2	Episodes 1, 2 and 3 Concepts for Episodes 1, 2 & 3 Homework #2 Discussion Topics 3, 4 and 5	Required	45 objective questions (90 pts); 1 written question (10 pts) + extra credit	Wednesday February 21
3	Episodes 4, 5 and 6 Concepts for Episodes 4, 5 & 6 Homework #3 Discussion Topics 6, 7 and 8	Required	45 objective questions (90 pts); 1 written question (10 pts) + extra credit	Wednesday March 21
4	Episodes 7, 8 and 9 Concepts for Episodes 7, 8 & 9 Homework #4 Discussion Topics 9, 10 and 11	Required	45 objective questions (90 pts); 1 written question (10 pts) + extra credit	Wednesday April 11
5	Episodes 10, 11 and 12 Concepts for Episodes 10, 11, 12 Homework #5 Discussion Topics 12, 13 & 14	Required	45 objective questions (90 pts); 1 written question (10 pts) + extra credit	Wednesday May 2
6	Comprehensive Final (Optional)	Optional	50 questions + extra credit; 100% objective	Thursday May 10

 

 

The exams indicated must be completed by the deadlines.   If you miss an exam deadline, there is an automatic 24-hour grace period.  You do not have to ask me to use the 24-hour grace period.  (There is no grace period for the final.)   Any exam taken after the grace period will not be accepted for credit (without documented proof of a medical emergency).  It is your responsibility to complete the exams by the deadlines.

 

How does the grace period work? It is essentially an automatic extension of the deadline for 24 hours. Let’s look at Exam 1 as an example. If the deadline for Exam 1 is January 31, then you can take Exam 1 on February 1 without penalty. You do not need to ask me for permission to use the grace period. However, please be aware that I will not extend the grace period another day, regardless of the reason.

 

Unit exams become available on the Thursday before the mandatory deadline. Unit 1 exam opens January 25. Unit 2 exam opens February 15. Unit 3 exam opens March 8. Unit 4 exam opens April 5. Unit 5 exam opens April 26. The final exam opens May 3.

 

What Happens If You Miss A Deadline

 

            Miss Mandatory Orientation Deadline:                              Dropped from the class

 

            Miss Discussion Group Posting Deadlines:                      No credit for late posts

 

            Miss Homework Deadlines:                                                 No credit for late homework

 

            Miss Exam Deadlines:                     

                        If you miss a deadline, you will get a 0 on that exam and you will not be able

                        to use the final to replace it. 

 

                        Needless to say, you do not want to miss these deadlines!  Remember, in this

                        course a deadline is the last day to take the exam in a timely fashion.  You should

                        try to take the exam at least 1-2 days before the deadline.  There is an automatic

                        24-hour grace period for all unit exams, which means you can take the exam the

                        following day and still have it counted.  There are no extensions past the grace

                        period. 

 

                        In the case of a serious documented medical emergency or unavoidable conflict

                        with a deadline, get in touch with me immediately to make alternate arrangements

                        (if possible). 

 

            The deadline for the optional final is not negotiable.

 

 

 

USING THE TESTING CENTER

 

The Testing Centers are here to facilitate the test-taking process for open campus students.  However, you must do your share in order to be prepared.  Read the Guide to Student Use of the Testing Center on pages 20-22 of the syllabus.  Be aware of their policies before you take your first exam.  The Testing Centers are very strict about enforcing their policies and you need to know about them in advance.   You must have an ACC photo student ID to use the testing center.  You will not be able to use the Testing Center without the student photo ID. 

 

Please be aware of their policy:  Testing is done on a “first come, first serve” basis. Sometimes there is a long wait to use the testing center.  If the testing center closes before you can get in to take the test, you will have to come back again.  Make sure you get to the testing center with plenty of time before they close.  This is another good reason not to wait until the deadline to take your exam.

 

Testing Center Policy:

Under certain circumstances, an instructor may have students take an examination in a testing center. Students using the Academic Testing Center must govern themselves according to the Student Guide for Use of ACC Testing Centers and should read the entire guide before going to take the exam.

 

 

To request an exam, one must have:

• ACC Photo ID

• Course Abbreviation:            BIOL
• Course Number:                   2306
• Course Synonym:                 30170
• Course Section:                    004
• Instructor's Name:                Bernice Speer

Ø  Check the box for Distance Learning

Ø  Check the box for Computer-based Test

Ø  Test number = (Be very careful to put the correct test number)

Ø  Instructor’s home campus = RRC                                   

 

Do NOT bring cell phones to the Testing Center. Having your cell phone in the testing room, regardless of whether it is on or off, will revoke your testing privileges for the remainder of the semester. ACC Testing Center policies can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/testctr/

If your testing privileges are revoked, you will not be allowed to test in my office or anywhere else.

 

Keep the yellow copies of your student testing agreement form until you receive your course grade. They are your only proof that you completed an exam if the online exam was lost due to a computer problem.  It is your responsibility to keep the paperwork.

 

Verify the exam before you start to take it.  For electronic exams, you will be responsible for signing into Blackboard and choosing the correct exam from the list of available exams. 

 

You should allow a minimum of one hour to take exams for this class.  It may take you longer than an hour to finish an exam.  Please note:  The testing center will give out exams until it closes.  You will have no more than 30 minutes after closing time to finish the exam.  This means if it is 7:59 pm and the Testing Center closes at 8:00 pm, you will only have until 8:30 pm to finish.  

 

What If There Is A Problem At The Testing Center?

When any problem occurs at a testing center, remember that you, I or the testing center staff may have made a mistake.  If any kind of problem occurs at the testing center that they cannot resolve, you should e-mail me at soon as possible.  You can also call my office at 512-223-0323 and leave a message. 

 

Please treat the testing center staff as nicely as you want them to treat you.  You can ask them to call me (they have my cell phone number), but they may be too busy while you are there to try to solve the problem.  The best thing you can do is to notify me immediately by e-mail and I will try to solve the problem.  When you contact me, include a description of the problem and the testing center location.

 

If the computers or Blackboard are not working, you can try another testing center or go back when they are working again.  If you miss a deadline because of a computer not working or problems with Blackboard, please ask the testing center staff to e-mail me to explain the problem.  Always e-mail me as soon as possible if there are any problems at the testing center. 

 

If you do not follow instructions carefully while taking an electronic exam, Blackboard may terminate the exam before you are finished.  Please read the Student FAQs before you go to the testing center:                       http://irt.austincc.edu/onlinetesting/respondusFAQ.php

 

 

Follow instructions that appear on the screen.  Click NO if asked if your instructor has assigned a password for the exam.  You do not have to save each answer but you can.  If the computer crashes, saved answers can be retrieved.  Otherwise, you will lose all of your answers.  Do NOT use the enter key or press the submit button at the bottom of the exam until you have answered all of the questions!  Once you submit the exam, you cannot retake it again.

 

If you are taking an exam in Blackboard, you cannot open a web page or click to a web page that is already open.  If you do this, Blackboard will terminate your exam.  If this occurs, then your grade for that exam will be a zero, since this is considered academic dishonesty.  You will not be given another chance to take the exam.   See the policy on academic dishonesty.

 

 

WITHDRAWALS

It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the roll should he or she decide to withdraw from the class.  The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should she feel it is necessary.  If a student decides to withdraw, he/she should also verify that the withdrawal is submitted before the Final Withdrawal Date.  The student is also strongly encouraged to retrain their copy of the withdrawal form for their records. 

 

Student-initiated withdrawal:

If you decide to withdraw from the class, you will complete this activity through Online Services.

 

Per state law, any student taking a class for the third time or subsequent time in a course taken since Fall 2002 may be charged a higher tuition rate for that course.  This is the Rule of Three or Third Course Attempt.  There is more information at

http://www.austincc.edu/support/admissions/thirdattempt/index.php

 

State law permits students to withdraw from no more than six courses during their entire undergraduate career at Texas public colleges or universities.  With certain exceptions, all course withdrawals automatically count towards this limit.  Details regarding this policy can be found in the ACC college catalog.  This is the Texas Six Drop Rule.

 

The last day to drop the class without leaving a W on your transcript is January 31, 2018.  If you withdraw by this date, you do not have to worry about the six course withdrawal rule.

 

The last day to withdraw for the semester (the Final Withdrawal Date) is April 23, 2018.  If you withdraw between February 1 and April 23, you will get a W on your transcript and it will count toward the six course withdrawal limit.

 

Instructor-initiated withdrawal:

You will be withdrawn from the class by the instructor if you do not complete the orientation materials by the orientation deadline of January 21, 2018. 

 

To complete orientation, you must send me a completed and SIGNED orientation form AND send an e-mail confirmation, by 11:59 pm Sunday, January 21, 2018.

 

This course policy applies to ALL students, even those who are repeating the class or those who added the class during late registration. At her discretion, the instructor may also drop students who have missed one or more exams.

 

If you are dropped for any of these reasons, you will not be reinstated.  

 

INCOMPLETES

An instructor may award of grade of “I” (Incomplete) if a student was unable to complete all of the objectives for a passing grade in the course.  An incomplete grade cannot be carried beyond the established date in the following semester.  The completion date is determined by the instructor but may not be later than the final deadline for withdrawal in the subsequent semester.

 

A grade of "I" (Incomplete) for this class will be given only if:

1.     You have taken exams on a regular basis. 

 

2.   You have completed your homework on time.

 

3.     You have participated in your online discussion group regularly.

 

4.     You have taken and passed successfully least 6 out of the 7 exams with a minimum average grade of C (70%).

 

5.     You have completed six exams with a minimum average grade of C (70%) before the drop deadline.

 

6.     You have spoken with me prior to the last day of class, requested an incomplete grade in writing, and supplied documentation of the cause for requesting an incomplete.

 

7.   Once these criteria are met, I will decide whether to give an incomplete grade.  If an incomplete grade is given, you must complete and sign an incomplete form.  I must have receipt of the form signed by the student no later than May 10, 2018 by 5:00 pm.  If a student does not complete and sign the necessary paperwork, an incomplete grade will NOT be given.

 

 

 

Course Schedule

BIOL 2306 Living Planet (ONL)

Spring Semester 2018

 

Date	Course Work and Exams
Week 1 Jan 16–Jan 21	Complete and submit orientation materials by deadline. Work through Introductory Material in study guide and narrated PowerPoint (PP) lectures.  Start Homework #1. Post to online discussion group for week 1.
Week 2 Jan 22–Jan 28	Finish Introductory Material in study guide and narrated PPs.  Submit Homework #1 by deadline. (Exam 1 is available on the next day.) Post to online discussion group for week 2.
Week 3 Jan 29–Feb 4	Take exam 1 by Wednesday, January 31 (Grace Period: Thurs, Feb 1). Watch episode 1; work through episode 1 materials in study guide and PPs.  Start Homework #2.  Post to online discussion group for week 3
Week 4 Feb 5–Feb 11	Watch episode 2; work through episode 2 materials in study guide and PPs.  Work on Homework #2. Post to online discussion group for week 4
Week 5 Feb 12– Feb 18	Watch episode 3; work through episode 3 materials in study guide and PPs.  Submit Homework #2 by deadline.  (Exam 2 is available on the next day.)  Post to online discussion group for week 5
Week 6 Feb 19 – Feb 25	Take exam 2 by Wednesday, February 21 (Grace Period: Thurs, Feb 22). Watch episode 4; work through episode 4 materials in study guide and PPs. Start Homework #3. Post to online discussion group for week 6
Week 7 Feb 26–Mar 4	Watch episode 5; work through episode 5 materials in study guide and PPs.  Work on Homework #3. Post to online discussion group for week 7
Week 8 Mar 5 – Mar 11	Watch episode 6; work through episode 6 materials in study guide and PPs. Submit Homework #3 by deadline.  (Exam 3 is available on the next day.)  Post to online discussion group for week 8
Week 9 Mar 19–Mar 25	Take exam 3 by Wednesday, March 21 (Grace Period: Thurs, March 22). Watch episode 7; work through episode 7 materials in study guide and PPs.  Start Homework #4. Post to online discussion group for week 9
Week 10 Mar 26–Apr 1	Watch episode 8; work through episode 8 materials in study guide and PPs.  Work on Homework #4. Post to online discussion group for week 10
Week 11 Apr 2–Apr 8	Watch episode 9; work through episode 9 materials in study guide and PPs. Submit Homework #4 by deadline. (Exam 4 is available on the next day.)  Post to online discussion group for week 11
Week 12 Apr 9–Apr 15	Take exam 4 by Wednesday, April 11 (Grace Period: Thurs, April 12). Watch episode 10; work through episode 10 materials in study guide and PPs. Start Homework #5. Post to online discussion group for week 12
Week 13 Apr 16– Apr 22	Watch episode 11; work through episode 11 materials in study guide and PPs. Work on Homework #5. Post to online discussion group for week 13
Week 14 Apr 23–Apr 29	Watch episode 12; work through episode 12 materials in study guide and PPs. Submit Homework #5 by deadline. (Exam 5 is available on the next day.) Post to online discussion group for week 14
Week 15 Apr 30–May 6	Take exam 5 by Wednesday, May 2 (Grace Period: Thurs, May 3). Optional final becomes available on May 3.
Week 16	Take optional final by Thursday, May 10 (no grace period).

 

ATTENDANCE/CLASS PARTICIPATION POLICY

Regular class attendance is expected of all students. If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class.  Everyone is expected to participate regularly in class activities, including homework and online discussion groups.

 

IS DISTANCE LEARNING THE RIGHT FORMAT FOR YOU OR NOT?

If this is your first distance learning class, you may be wondering whether distance learning is the right format for you or not.  Here are some resources that may help you answer that question.

 

First, take the learning style survey at: http://dl.austincc.edu/students/SelfAssess.php

This survey will help you decide whether your learning style matches up with distance learning.

 

Then, take the technical skills checklist at: http://dl.austincc.edu/students/TechCheck.php

This will help you see if you have the technical skills needed for an online course.

 

VARK is another good resource for any student.  Taking a VARK questionnaire can help you discover how you learn.  Once you know your personal learning styles, there are many useful techniques that can help you study more efficiently.

 

First, take the questionnaire here: http://www.vark-learn.com/english/page.asp?p=questionnaire

After you submit the questionnaire, you will see your score and be directed to more information about your specific learning styles.  Click on those pages to get more information about how to study effectively with your specific learning style.

 

BAD WEATHER

If classes are cancelled because of bad weather or other problems, ACC notifies instructors and students on the ACC homepage (http://www.austincc.edu) and on local radio and television stations.

 

In the unlikely event that the college is closed unexpectedly on the day of a grace period for an exam, the grace period will be extended. If only one campus is closed unexpectedly, the grace period will not be extended.

 

CONCEALED HANDGUN AND CAMPUS-CARRY POLICY

The Concealed Campus Carry video includes important information on who can carry a concealed handgun, where they can carry, LTC responsibilities, and how to report a violation. Students are required to watch this video during the first week of class to ensure students have this important information: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DXVlWhixa0

 

The Austin Community College District concealed handgun policy ensures compliance with Section 411.2031 of the Texas Government Code (also known as the Campus Carry Law), while maintaining ACC’s commitment to provide a safe environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Beginning August 1, 2017, individuals who are licensed to carry (LTC) may do so on

campus premises except in locations and at activities prohibited by state or federal law, or the college’s concealed handgun policy. It is the responsibility of license holders to conceal their handguns at all times. Persons who see a handgun on campus are asked to contact the ACC Police Department by dialing 222 from a campus phone or 512-223-7999. Refer to the concealed handgun policy online at www.austincc.edu/campuscarry

 

 

ACC ACADEMIC POLICIES AND SERVICES

 

Statement on Scholastic Dishonesty

A student attending ACC assumes responsibility for conduct compatible with the mission of the college as an educational institution. Students have the responsibility to submit coursework that is the result of their own thought, research, or self-expression. Students must follow all instructions given by faculty or designated college representatives when taking examinations, placement assessments, tests, quizzes, and evaluations. Actions constituting scholastic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, collusion, and falsifying documents. Penalties for scholastic dishonesty will depend upon the nature of the violation and may range from lowering a grade on one assignment to an “F” in the course and/or expulsion from the college. See the Student Standards of Conduct and Disciplinary Process and other policies at http://www.austincc.edu/current/needtoknow

 

I treat acts of scholastic dishonesty following the policies outlined in the ACC Students Need To Know Document.   For information on those policies, see http://www.austincc.edu/current/needtoknow/

 

Student Rights and Responsibilities
Students at the college have the rights accorded by the U.S. Constitution to freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petition, and association. These rights carry with them the responsibility to accord the same rights to others in the college community and not to interfere with or disrupt the educational process. Opportunity for students to examine and question pertinent data and assumptions of a given discipline, guided by the evidence of scholarly research, is appropriate in a learning environment. This concept is accompanied by an equally demanding concept of responsibility on the part of the student. As willing partners in learning, students must comply with college rules and procedures.

 

Statement on Students with Disabilities

Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented disabilities. Students with disabilities who need classroom, academic or other accommodations must request them through the Office of Students Accessibility Services (SAS).  Students are encouraged to request accommodations when they register for courses or at least three weeks before the start of the semester, otherwise the provision of accommodations may be delayed.

 

Students who have received approval for accommodations from SAS for this course must provide the instructor with the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ from SAS before accommodations will be provided.  Arrangements for academic accommodations can only be made after the instructor receives the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ from the student.

 

Students with approved accommodations are encouraged to submit the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ to the instructor at the beginning of the semester because a reasonable amount of time may be needed to prepare and arrange for the accommodations.

 

Additional information about Student Accessibility Services is available at http://www.austincc.edu/sas

 

 

 

Safety Statement

Austin Community College is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for study and work. You are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies. Additional information on these can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/ehs. Because some health and safety circumstances are beyond our control, we ask that you become familiar with the Emergency Procedures poster and Campus Safety Plan map in each classroom. Additional information about emergency procedures and how to sign up for ACC Emergency Alerts to be notified in the event of a serious emergency can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/emergency/.

Please note, you are expected to conduct yourself professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual will be immediately dismissed from the day’s activity, may be withdrawn from the class, and/or barred from attending future activities.

 

Student and Instructional Services
ACC strives to provide exemplary support to its students and offers a broad variety of opportunities and services. Information on these services and support systems is available at: http://www.austincc.edu/support

 

Links to many student services and other information can be found at: http://www.austincc.edu/

ACC Learning Labs provide free tutoring services to all ACC students currently enrolled in the course to be tutored. The tutor schedule for each Learning Lab may be found at: http://www.austincc.edu/tutor

 

For help setting up your ACCeID, ACC Gmail, or ACC Blackboard, see a Learning Lab Technician at any ACC Learning Lab.

 

Distance Learning Counselor

ACC now offers specialized counseling services to address the unique needs of Distance Learning (DL) students. The Distance Learning Counselor will work with DL students to help them understand how to select appropriate courses and decide on reasonable academic loads, and address other Student Services questions regarding online and distance education. DL students may email the DL Counselor (dlcounselor@austincc.edu) or contact her by phone at 223-8187.

 

ACC Policy Concerning Copyrighted Materials

All class materials provided on ACC web pages, electronic reserves, on diskette, and in printed form are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without the written consent of the copyright holder. This may be the instructor, ACC, or a publisher.  Reproduction consists of photocopying, scanning and copying files, or posting on a server or web site.  Students currently registered for this section have permission to print one copy of course materials their own personal use. No permission is given for posting any course materials on web sites

 

 

 

 

Procedures for Student Use of Academic Testing Centers

June 14, 2012

 

Austin Community College provides testing services to ACC faculty and students.  To ensure test integrity and adequate space for testing, ACC has established the following procedures:

 

A. I.D. REQUIREMENT.  1. Students are required to show an ACC photo ID  in order to test.   ACC Photo

IDs may be obtained from any campus Admissions & Records Office.

 

B. STUDENT TESTING AGREEMENT.  Students are required to complete the Testing Agreement form with the following information:

            1. Synonym Number & Section Number

            2. Course Abbreviation & Course Number

            3. Instructor’s Name

            4. Student ID Number

            5. Test Number

 

C. WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM INSTRUCTOR

1.         If the test deadline has passed, student must present written permission from the instructor to test. 

            Phone calls from instructors are not acceptable.

2.         Some tests require written permission from the instructor which must be presented when student

            requests an exam.

 

D. RETESTING

1.         If instructor has made provisions, retesting is available to students.

2.         Students are not allowed to request a specific test version.

3.         Students are allowed to retest once per exam.

 

E. TESTING MATERIALS.

1.         Students should bring only the materials the instructor has approved for a given test.

2.         Calculators: Faculty must approve the use and type of calculator for student use.  Calculators with

            internet access such as the TI Nspire are not permitted.  Testing Centers have limited supplies of

            calculators for student use.

3.         Students may bring foreign language dictionaries if approved by the instructor.  Dictionaries to be

            used must not contain any extraneous written notations.  Electronic dictionaries are not allowed in

            the Testing Centers.

4.         Unauthorized items are not allowed in the Testing Centers.  Student lockers are available at most

            campus Testing Centers.

 

F. CELL PHONES.  Students are not allowed to be in possession of a cell phone or any electronic devices

while testing.  All cell phones must be turned off and placed in a Testing Center locker or left in a vehicle prior to a student testing.  Possession of a cell phone (even on mute or turned off) in Academic Testing Centers will result in testing privileges being revoked for that respective course for the remainder of the semester.                     

 

G.   COURSE HOMEWORK/ASSIGNMENTS.  Students cannot submit course homework and other

assignments to the Testing Center.  These items should be taken to the Campus Duplication/Mailroom for assistance.

 

H. PROHIBITED USE OF TESTING CENTERS.   Academic Testing Center staff, their spouses, children and other individuals, having conflict of interest, are prohibited from taking exams in the Testing Centers.

 

I. STUDENT TEST DEADLINES.  Testing Center staff do not give out test deadlines to students.

 

J. USE OF NOTES. 

1.         Notes must be authorized by instructor.

2.         Notes must be written on an “8 ½ x 11” sheet of paper.

3.         Notes will be collected and attached to completed test and returned to the instructor.

4.         Notes written on index cards are not allowed.

 

K. LOCKERS

1.         Lockers are available for students to store belongings while testing.

2.         Students are responsible for the return of the lock and key to Testing Center staff.

3.         Students’ property will not be returned to students unless lock and key are returned.  Student

            property in that locker will be surrendered to Campus Police.

4.         A hold will be placed on the student’s record until the lock/key is returned or a $10.00 replacement

            fee is paid.

 

L.   CHILDREN ARE NOT ALLOWED IN TESTING CENTERS.  Children may not be left unattended at any location on any ACC Campus.

 

M. UNIFORMED LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL

1.         Only uniformed law enforcement personnel are allowed to have their firearms in Testing Centers.

2.         They may not take in cell phones, pagers, radios or any other electronic item while testing.

 

 N. SEATING POLICY

1.         Testing Center staff may assign seating at their discretion.

2.         When the Testing Center is full,

a.Students may be put on a wait list or given a ticket to wait for the next available seat.

b. If student is taking multiple tests and wait line exist, student must re-enter wait queue for each

            test.

 

O. NO BREAKS DURING TESTING

1.         Students may not leave the Testing Center for breaks, to drink water, or go to the restroom.  If

            student leaves for any reason including any emergency which may arise, the testing session is

            terminated and student will not be able to return to complete test.  Student must check with the

            instructor for other testing arrangements.

2.         Students must make alternate testing arrangements with instructor or the Office of Students with

            Disabilities prior to testing.

 

P. SCORING OF TESTS

1.         The Testing Center will score objective, multiple-choice tests using the answer key provided by the

            instructor on red Digital Desk Scan Form D answer sheets.

2.         When the scoring system is down, students’ scores will be emailed to their ACC email account within

            48 hours after their test has been scored.

3.         Once the completed test has been handed to staff by the student, it cannot be reviewed or examined

            again in the Testing Center.  Students should contact their instructor for feedback information on the

            test items.

 

Q. GRADES OF INCOMPLETE

1.         Testing to remove grades of Incomplete is available.  Students are required to bring one of the following to test:

a. Report of Incomplete Grade Form with the instructor’s signature

b. Email verification from instructor from a valid ACC email account

 

R. HOURS OF OPERATION

1.         Hours of operation for the campus Academic Testing Centers vary from campus to campus and are

            located on the ACC website at http://www.austincc.edu/testctr

2.         Emergency closures will be on the ACC website home page.

3.         Students will not be admitted and new tests will not be administered after the stated closing time.  

4.         All test materials are collected from students thirty (30) minutes after closing.

 

S. EVACUATION

1.         Students must remain with Testing Center staff at all times.

2.         Students will not be allowed to leave the group or the evacuation area until escorted back to the

            Testing Center with staff.

 

T. STANDARD OF STUDENT CONDUCT

1.         Students who significantly interfere with or disrupt Testing Center operations are in violation of

            Testing Center policy.  Students in violation will be asked to leave the Testing Center and will be

            subject to disciplinary action by the Campus Dean of Student Services.

2.         A student found to have unauthorized materials including food, drink, tobacco items, cell phones,

            pagers, and other electronic devices are in violation of the Testing Center policy.  Students in

            violation will be asked to leave the Testing Center and may be subject to disciplinary action.

3.         The Testing Center will complete a Student Discipline Form and supporting evidence will be

            forwarded to the appropriate Dean of Student Services by Testing Center staff.

4.         Students in violation of policies are subject to disciplinary action.  The Dean of Student Services will

            issue a written decision within ten days.  Students may not use the Testing Centers for the

            remainder of the semester for the course involved.  If testing services are needed, instructor is

            responsible for making other testing arrangements for these students for the remainder of the

            semester.

 

U. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

1.         Academic dishonesty is defined as using or possessing unauthorized materials, sharing information

            with other examinees, using technology inappropriately, etc.

2.         Testing Center staff will complete the Academic Integrity Report, and supporting evidence will be

            forwarded to the faculty member who will have five days (from the date he/she meets with the

            student) to issue a written decision to the student, Testing Center Supervisor, Department Chair,

            Instructional Department Dean, and Dean of Student Services.

3.         Students in violation of policies may not take additional exams in any Testing Centers for that course

            for the remainder of the semester.  If testing services are needed, instructor(s) are responsible for

            making other testing arrangements for these students.

 

 

Clarification from Your Instructor: 

Admission to the Academic Testing Center is on a first-come, first-serve basis.  There are times when the Academic Testing Center is very busy and you may have to wait several hours to take your exams.  Plan your time wisely and do not wait until the last minute to try to take your exams.  If you wait until the last minute to take your exam and you cannot get into the Academic Testing Center, the deadline will not be extended.  Contact your instructor if a testing center is unexpectedly closed due to an emergency.