Syllabus
The Living Planet

The Living Planet

BIOL-2306

Credit Spring 2021
01/19/2021 - 05/16/2021

Course Information

Section 004
Distance Learning
ONL DIL
Bernice Speer

Office Hours

  • M
    1:30 pm - 2:50 pm
    Blackboard Collaborate
    Other office hours by appointment. Please send me an email to set up a time for a Blackboard Collaborate or Zoom meeting.
  • M
    7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
    Blackboard Collaborate
  • T Th
    4:30 pm - 5:50 pm
    Blackboard Collaborate

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  If you do not meet these requirements, you may be withdrawn from the course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 the extra credit described in the syllabus (see page 9). Since there are extra credit points for every unit, grades will not be curved. Your grade is based solely on the points you earn from exams, homework, and participation in your online discussion group. If you have a borderline grade (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 Board” 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. Please send me an e-mail about this.

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

You can start your own areas of discussion, such as asking your group members to explain some concept that you did not understand or making posts about study guide questions as part of your required number of posts. Just don’t forget that all discussion topics will be covered on exams.  Your group needs to get through all discussion topic questions each week.  If your group does not cover all 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 two times during each week.  In order to earn full credit, you are expected to make at least one different post on two different days of the week.  (Note: the minimum number of posts per week is two.)

        Example: a student could make one post on Wednesday and one post on Sunday.

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.”

        Make this a substantive post by adding more information that relates to the discussion topic or expands on the topic. Posting the discussion topic question without comment is a procedural post and will not count. 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.  That leaves room for      another group member to bring up other similarities and differences.  Some questions have          multiple parts (part a through f). You can just answer one or two of the parts and leave the other parts for someone else. Start a conversation – don’t “hog” the conversation!  Your group should try to answer all 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, if 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 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.  Put your questions 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.

13.   Exams will include questions based on the discussion topics.

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

(a.)  Did you contribute at least TWO times on different days?  Remember that a post that repeats what another group member has already posted does not count for credit.  (Please note: this does not apply to posts that were made almost at the same time.)

(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 “Course Content” folder, under the “Unit Course Content” folder for each unit. Each homework assignment is worth 15 points.  Most homework assignments will require Internet access.  Exams will include questions over homework materials.

You will submit your homework through Blackboard. There is 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, clicking on the homework assignment (highlighted in blue) and then clicking on the blue highlighted grade.  You should then be able to see your homework, your answers and correct answers.  See the course schedule for specific deadlines.

11.6% of your grade comes from homework and this material is tested on exams. If you do not do your homework, it will affect your grade.  Please do the homework!

EXAMS

There are five required unit exams and an optional comprehensive final.  Exams are only available on specific days. Exams must be taken online using Respondus Monitor or ACC Online Proctoring.

Unit Exams

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

(1)  45 objective questions (multiple choice or true-false).  Each objective question will be worth 2 points.  That makes the objective section worth 90 points total.

(2) Short answer questions.  There will be two short answer questions, worth 5 points each.  This section will be worth 10 points total.

(3) Extra credit questions.  There will be two written extra credit questions, worth 2 points each.

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 document in the Syllabus section of Blackboard.

You are responsible for concepts covered in previous units. 

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 two written extra credit questions, worth up to 2 points 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, please take the optional final.

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 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 Online Exams (Brief Summary)

This course requires the use of LockDown Browser and a webcam for online exams. The webcam can be built into your computer or can be the type that plugs in with a USB cable. Students with ChromeBooks must use ACC Online Proctoring and schedule available times. Read the details about taking online exams, located at the end of the syllabus in “Online Testing Information.”

Taking Exams for SAS Accommodations

Students with disabilities must contact an SAS office if they need special testing accommodations.   Before making accommodations, I must first receive your letter of accommodation from SAS Accommodation letters must be received by the instructor no later than 5:00 pm on Thursday, January 28, in order to arrange accommodations for the first exam.

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, 13th edition, July 2019 by Speer, Maxim and Strong. The study guide is not sold in any bookstore.  You can download and print a copy from this course’s Blackboard site. (Available as an Adobe PDF file.)

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 each unit. See the course Blackboard site, in the folders labeled “Unit Course Content”.

4.    Homework assignments, available in the “Unit Course Content” folders 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. 

Course Subjects

Please see the complete syllabus below for more information.

 

Course Schedule

BIOL 2306 Living Planet (ONL)

Spring Semester 2021

Date

Course Work and Exams

Week 1

Jan 19-Jan 24

Complete and submit orientation materials by deadline. Work through Introductory Material in study guide and narrated lectures. Start Homework #1. Post to online discussion group for week 1. Complete Respondus Lockdown Browser Practice Quiz or email instructor if Chromebook user.

Week 2

Jan 25-Jan 31

Finish Introductory Material in study guide and lectures.  Submit Homework #1 by Friday deadline. Exam 1 is available on Saturday. Post to online discussion group for week 2.

Week 3

Feb 1-Feb 7

Take exam 1 by Wednesday, February 3 (11:59 pm). Watch episode 1; work through episode 1 materials in study guide and lectures. Start Homework #2.  Post to online discussion group for week 3

Week 4

Feb 8-Feb 14

Watch episode 2; work through episode 2 materials in study guide and lectures.  Work on Homework #2. Post to online discussion group for week 4

Week 5

Feb 15-Feb 21

Watch episode 3; work through episode 3 materials in study guide and lectures.  Submit Homework #2 by Friday deadline.  Exam 2 is available on Saturday. Post to online discussion group for week 5

Week 6

Feb 22-Feb 28

Take exam 2 by Wednesday, February 24 (11:59 pm). Watch episode 4; work through episode 4 materials in study guide and lectures. Start Homework #3. Post to online discussion group for week 6

Week 7

Mar 1-Mar 7

Watch episode 5; work through episode 5 materials in study guide and lectures.  Work on Homework #3. Post to online discussion group for week 7

Week 8

Mar 8-Mar 14

Watch episode 6; work through episode 6 materials in study guide and lectures. Submit Homework #3 by Friday deadline. Exam 3 is available on Saturday.  Post to online discussion group for week 8

Week 9

Mar 22-Mar 28

Take exam 3 by Wednesday, March 24 (11:59 pm). Watch episode 7; work through episode 7 materials in study guide and lectures.  Start Homework #4. Post to online discussion group for week 9

Week 10

Mar 29-Apr 4

Watch episode 8; work through episode 8 materials in study guide and lectures. Work on Homework #4. Post to online discussion group for week 10

Week 11

Apr 5-Apr 11

Watch episode 9; work through episode 9 materials in study guide and lectures. Submit Homework #4 by Friday deadline. Exam 4 is available on Saturday.  Post to online discussion group for week 11

Week 12

Apr 12-Apr 18

Take exam 4 by Wednesday, April 14 (11:59 pm). Watch episode 10; work through episode 10 materials in study guide and lectures. Start Homework #5. Post to online discussion group for week 12

Week 13

Apr 19-Apr 25

Watch episode 11; work through episode 11 materials in study guide and lectures. Work on Homework #5. Post to online discussion group for week 13

Week 14

Apr 26-May 2

Watch episode 12; work through episode 12 materials in study guide and lectures. Submit Homework #5 by Friday deadline. Exam 5 is available on Saturday. Post to online discussion group for week 14.

Week 15

May 3-May 9

Take exam 5 by Wednesday, May 5 (11:59 pm). Optional final becomes available on Thursday, May 6.

Week 16

May 10-May 16

Take optional final by Wednesday, May 12 (11:59 pm).

“Please note that schedule changes may occur during the semester.  Any changes will be announced in class and posted as a Blackboard Announcement and/or email through Blackboard

 

DEADLINES AND IMPORTANT DATES

 

Mandatory Orientation Deadline

You MUST complete your orientation, including your e-mail to me, by 11:59 pm, January 24, 2021.  I must receive your signed and completed student information sheet by this date and time.

 

Mandatory Discussion Group Deadlines

Discussion Topics

Deadline

Week 1

Sunday, January 24 (11:59 pm)

Week 2

Sunday, January 31 (11:59 pm)

Week 3

Sunday, February 7 (11:59 pm)

Week 4

Sunday, February 14 (11:59 pm)

Week 5

Sunday, February 21 (11:59 pm)

Week 6

Sunday, February 28 (11:59 pm)

Week 7

Sunday, March 7 (11:59 pm)

Week 8

Sunday, March 14 (11:59 pm)

Week 9

Sunday, March 28 (11:59 pm)

Week 10

Sunday, April 4 (11:59 pm)

Week 11

Sunday, April 11 (11:59 pm)

Week 12

Sunday, April 18 (11:59 pm)

Week 13

Sunday, April 25 (11:59 pm)

Week 14

Sunday, May 2 (11:59 pm)

 

 

Mandatory Homework Deadlines

Homework #

Deadline

1

Friday, January 29 (11:59 pm)

2

Friday, February 19 (11:59 pm)

3

Friday, March 12 (11:59 pm)

4

Friday, April 9 (11:59 pm)

5

Friday, April 30 (11:59 pm)

 

Other Important Dates

            Completing Respondus Monitor Practice Quiz          January 24, 2021

            College Closed for Spring Break:                               March 15-March 21, 2021

            College Closed for Easter Sunday:                            April 4, 2021

            Last Day to Withdraw without a W:                            February 3, 2021

            Last Day to Withdraw with a W:                                 April 26, 2021

 

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 Respondus Monitor Practice Quiz Deadline:  You will not receive feedback on

            your environmental video. If you do not have an acceptable environmental video for your             exam, your exam grade may be a zero. If you do the practice quiz, you will receive           feedback and any suggestions for improving your environment video before you take the

            first exam.

 

            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 before the deadline.  There are no extensions past the    deadline. If you are using ACC Online Proctoring, you must schedule your appointment in      advance in order to secure a time slot. Exam deadlines will not be extended if you do not         schedule in a timely manner or if you miss your scheduled appointment.

 

            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.

 

 

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 before the deadline.  Unless there is a documented medical emergency, I will not accept any exams taken after the deadline and your grade will be zero. 

 

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

February 3

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 24

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 24

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 14

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 5

6

Comprehensive Final (Optional)

Optional

50 questions + extra credit;

100% objective

Wednesday

May 12

 

The exams indicated must be completed by the deadlines. Any exam taken after the deadline will not be accepted for credit (without documented proof of a medical emergency).  It is your responsibility to complete the exams by the deadlines.

 

Unit exams become available on the Saturday before the mandatory deadline.

            Unit 1 exam opens Saturday, January 30 and closes at 11:59 pm on Wednesday, Feb 3.

            Unit 2 exam opens Saturday, February 20 and closes at 11:59 pm on Wednesday, Feb 24.

            Unit 3 exam opens Saturday, March 13 and closes at 11:59 pm on Wednesday, March 24.

            Unit 4 exam opens Saturday, April 10 and closes at 11:59 pm on Wednesday, April 14.

            Unit 5 exam opens Saturday, May 1 and closes at 11:59 pm on Wednesday, May 5.

            The final exam opens Thursday, May 6 and closes at 11:59 pm on Wednesday, May 12.

 

Please note that Exam 3 will be available March 13 (Saturday), March 14 (Sunday), March 22 (Monday), March 23 (Tuesday), and March 24 (Wednesday). Due to ACC policies, the exam will not be available over spring break (March 15-March 21) when the college is closed.

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:  Biology Department Common Course Objectives

Click on “Course Information”, then “Common Course Objectives,”, then “BIOL 2306”. Specific learning objectives for introductory material and material related to each video episode of Living Planet are outlined in the Living Planet study guide and on Blackboard.

 

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 take video-proctored exams online using Respondus Monitor. Students using Chromebooks must take exams through ACC Online Live Proctoring. Go here for more information: Proctoring

 

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 (16808)

Spring 2021 16-Week Semester

 

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 Textbook and Materials

Page 3

Course Technology

Pages 4-5

Course Grades

Page 5

Online Discussion Groups

Pages 5-7

Homework

Page 8

Exams

Pages 8-10

Deadlines and Important Dates

Pages 10-12

Withdrawals and Incompletes

Pages 13-14

Attendance/Class Participation; Is Distance Learning For You?

Page 14

Course Schedule

Page 15

Health & Safety Protocols

Pages 16-17

College Policies (Academic Policies and Services)

Pages 17-22

Online Testing Information

Pages 23-26

 

 

ORIENTATION

Completing the course orientation by 11:59 pm on Sunday, January 24, 2021 is mandatory.  You must: (1) read the syllabus, (2) go through the narrated Student Orientation, (3) fill out and return your signed student information sheet, and (4) 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 your orientation by 11:59 pm on January 24, 2021 or you may be dropped from the course.  I must receive your signed orientation papers by this date and time.

 

 

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION:

Instructor:                 Bernice Speer

Office Location:       RRC3, Room 3322.00 (All ACC campuses are closed)

Office Hours:           Monday        1:30 pm to 2:50 pm (in Blackboard Collaborate Office Hours)

                                   Monday        7:00 pm to 8:00 pm (in Blackboard Collaborate Office Hours)

                                   Tues/Thurs   4:30 to 5:50 pm (in Blackboard Collaborate Office Hours)

                                   Other hours by appointment (email me to set up Collaborate/Zoom session)

Office Phone:           512-223-0323 (please send email instead of leaving phone message)

e-mail:                       bspeer@austincc.edu (most reliable way to get in touch)

ACC Student InformationCatalog and Student Handbook

 

GENERAL COURSE INFORMATION

 

Course Description:

  • Credit hours: 3
  • Classroom contact hours per week: 3

 A survey of major biomes of the world, environmental interactions of species, populations and community dynamics, and 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:  Biology Department Common Course Objectives

Click on “Course Information”, then “Common Course Objectives,”, then “BIOL 2306”.

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

 

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY

This course is a three-hour lecture course.  This section is taught as an ONL (online) distance learning class through the Blackboard learning management system. 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 take video-proctored exams online using Respondus LockDown Browser with Monitor. Students using Chromebooks must take exams through ACC Online Live Proctoring. Go here for more information: Proctoring

 

Distance Education (Distance Learning):  This course is an online course. It uses a study guide, narrated lectures, and streaming videos to deliver course materials. If you are new to online science courses, please be aware that online courses typically take more time and effort to complete than face-to-face classes. Students must work more independently and keep track of deadlines. Time management skills are crucial to success. Online learning is a successful way to learn, but it requires you to spend significantly more time studying than traditional face-to-face courses. Students will use the Blackboard learning management system for assignment instructions, accessing lecture and lab materials, submitting assignments, and collaboration.

 

COURSE FORMAT

â–º The course is divided into five units. 

â–º These units should be completed in order.  Course materials become available during each unit.

â–º 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.

â–º There are narrated lectures prepared by instructors for each unit. 

â–º Each unit will have one graded homework assignment which you will complete and submit

     through Blackboard. Paper-based instructions will not be accepted for grading. See page 8 for

     more information.

â–º 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. (Discussed on pages 5-7)

 

During each unit, you will need to:

1) Read the material in the study guide.

2) Go through the narrated 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 in through Blackboard on time.

6) Prepare materials for posting to your discussion group and make your posts. (See pages 5-7)

7) Study everything you have done.

8) Take the exam over these materials in an ACC testing center or preapproved location.

 

REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS AND MATERIALS

You will need the following items:

1.     Living Planet: Concepts and Questions, 13th edition, July 2019 by Speer, Maxim and Strong.

        The study guide is not sold in any bookstore.  You can download and print a copy from this

        course’s Blackboard site. (Available as an Adobe PDF file.)

 

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 each unit. See the course Blackboard site, in the folders labeled “Unit Course Content”.

 

4.    Homework assignments, available in the “Unit Course Content” folders of the course

       Blackboard site.

 

You are responsible for all materials covered in the video episodes, study guide, narrated lectures, discussion topics, homework assignments, online videos and online activities.   

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

 

ACC Photo ID:

You must have an ACC photo student ID, passport or driver’s license to take exams.

 

Technology Requirements and Problems

You are required to have the following equipment in order to use Respondus Monitor to take exams: Windows (7, 8, 10), Mac (OS X 10.10 or higher), iPad (iOS 10.0+) with compatible LMS integration, web camera (internal or external) & microphone, and broadband internet connection. Respondus Monitor will not work with ChromeBooks. Chromebook users must schedule their exams in advance with ACC Online Proctoring. If you cannot get Respondus Monitor to work reliably on your computer, you will have to schedule your exams with ACC Online Proctoring.

 

If you have trouble accessing a web page, make sure that pop-ups are not blocked, or try a different browser/computer.  If you still have problems, contact the ACC Help Desk at Student Services Help Desk or call 512-223-4636. 

 

Technology Support Services

In response to COVID-19-related campus closures, Austin Community College now provides free, secured drive-up WiFi to students and employees in the parking lots of all campus locations. WiFi can be accessed seven days a week, 7 am to 11 pm. Additional details are available at Drive-Up WiFi. Students who submit the  Student Technology Access Form and indicate they need help accessing their online learning environment to successfully complete their courses are eligible to check out an ACC iPad for use during the semester. You must be registered for a credit course, Adult Education, or Continuing Education course.

 

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 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. After orientation, I cannot respond to non-ACC emails.

 

You can have your ACC e-mail forwarded to another e-mail address if you prefer.  See more information at: Automatically Forward Gmail

 

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 and submit your homework assignments.  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: Blackboard  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. 

 

 

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 the extra credit described in the syllabus (see page 9). Since there are extra credit points for every unit, grades will not be curved. Your grade is based solely on the points you earn from exams, homework, and participation in your online discussion group. If you have a borderline grade (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 Board” 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. Please send me an e-mail about this.

 

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

 

You can start your own areas of discussion, such as asking your group members to explain some concept that you did not understand or making posts about study guide questions as part of your required number of posts. Just don’t forget that all discussion topics will be covered on exams.  Your group needs to get through all discussion topic questions each week.  If your group does not cover all 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 two times during each

        week.  In order to earn full credit, you are expected to make at least one different post on

        two different days of the week.  (Note: the minimum number of posts per week is two.)

        Example: a student could make one post on Wednesday and one post on Sunday.

 

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.”

        Make this a substantive post by adding more information that relates to the discussion topic or         expands on the topic. Posting the discussion topic question without comment is a procedural           post and will not count. 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.  That leaves room for      another group member to bring up other similarities and differences.  Some questions have          multiple parts (part a through f). You can just answer one or two of the parts and leave the      other parts for someone else. Start a conversation – don’t “hog” the conversation!  Your group             should try to answer all 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, if 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 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.  Put your questions 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.

 

13.   Exams will include questions based on the discussion topics.

 

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

(a.)  Did you contribute at least TWO times on different days?  Remember that a post that

        repeats what another group member has already posted does not count for credit.  (Please note: this does not apply to posts that were made almost at the same time.)

 

(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 “Course Content” folder, under the “Unit Course Content” folder for each unit. Each homework assignment is worth 15 points.  Most homework assignments will require Internet access.  Exams will include questions over homework materials.

 

You will submit your homework through Blackboard. There is 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, clicking on the homework assignment (highlighted in blue) and then clicking on the blue highlighted grade.  You should then be able to see your homework, your answers and correct answers.  See the course schedule for specific deadlines.

 

11.6% of your grade comes from homework and this material is tested on exams. If you do not do your homework, it will affect your grade.  Please do the homework!

 

EXAMS

 

There are five required unit exams and an optional comprehensive final.  Exams are only available on specific days. Exams must be taken online using Respondus Monitor or ACC Online Proctoring.

 

Unit Exams

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

(1)  45 objective questions (multiple choice or true-false).  Each objective question will be worth 2

      points.  That makes the objective section worth 90 points total.

(2) Short answer questions.  There will be two short answer questions, worth 5 points each.  This

      section will be worth 10 points total.

(3) Extra credit questions.  There will be two written extra credit questions, worth 2 points each.

 

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 document in the Syllabus section of Blackboard.

 

You are responsible for concepts covered in previous units. 

 

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 two written extra credit questions, worth up to 2 points 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, please take the optional final.

 

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 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 Online Exams (Brief Summary)

This course requires the use of LockDown Browser and a webcam for online exams. The webcam can be built into your computer or can be the type that plugs in with a USB cable. Students with ChromeBooks must use ACC Online Proctoring and schedule available times. Read the details about taking online exams, located at the end of the syllabus in “Online Testing Information.”

 

Taking Exams for SAS Accommodations

Students with disabilities must contact an SAS office if they need special testing accommodations.   Before making accommodations, I must first receive your letter of accommodation from SAS Accommodation letters must be received by the instructor no later than 5:00 pm on Thursday, January 28, in order to arrange accommodations for the first exam.


 

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 & Week 14

Final

Optional Comprehensive Final; covers all course materials

 

 

DEADLINES AND IMPORTANT DATES

 

Mandatory Orientation Deadline

You MUST complete your orientation, including your e-mail to me, by 11:59 pm, January 24, 2021.  I must receive your signed and completed student information sheet by this date and time.

 

Mandatory Discussion Group Deadlines

Discussion Topics

Deadline

Week 1

Sunday, January 24 (11:59 pm)

Week 2

Sunday, January 31 (11:59 pm)

Week 3

Sunday, February 7 (11:59 pm)

Week 4

Sunday, February 14 (11:59 pm)

Week 5

Sunday, February 21 (11:59 pm)

Week 6

Sunday, February 28 (11:59 pm)

Week 7

Sunday, March 7 (11:59 pm)

Week 8

Sunday, March 14 (11:59 pm)

Week 9

Sunday, March 28 (11:59 pm)

Week 10

Sunday, April 4 (11:59 pm)

Week 11

Sunday, April 11 (11:59 pm)

Week 12

Sunday, April 18 (11:59 pm)

Week 13

Sunday, April 25 (11:59 pm)

Week 14

Sunday, May 2 (11:59 pm)

 

 

Mandatory Homework Deadlines

Homework #

Deadline

1

Friday, January 29 (11:59 pm)

2

Friday, February 19 (11:59 pm)

3

Friday, March 12 (11:59 pm)

4

Friday, April 9 (11:59 pm)

5

Friday, April 30 (11:59 pm)

 

Other Important Dates

            Completing Respondus Monitor Practice Quiz          January 24, 2021

            College Closed for Spring Break:                               March 15-March 21, 2021

            College Closed for Easter Sunday:                            April 4, 2021

            Last Day to Withdraw without a W:                            February 3, 2021

            Last Day to Withdraw with a W:                                 April 26, 2021

 

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 Respondus Monitor Practice Quiz Deadline:  You will not receive feedback on

            your environmental video. If you do not have an acceptable environmental video for your             exam, your exam grade may be a zero. If you do the practice quiz, you will receive           feedback and any suggestions for improving your environment video before you take the

            first exam.

 

            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 before the deadline.  There are no extensions past the    deadline. If you are using ACC Online Proctoring, you must schedule your appointment in      advance in order to secure a time slot. Exam deadlines will not be extended if you do not         schedule in a timely manner or if you miss your scheduled appointment.

 

            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.

 


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 before the deadline.  Unless there is a documented medical emergency, I will not accept any exams taken after the deadline and your grade will be zero. 

 

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

February 3

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 24

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 24

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 14

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 5

6

Comprehensive Final (Optional)

Optional

50 questions + extra credit;

100% objective

Wednesday

May 12

 

 

The exams indicated must be completed by the deadlines. Any exam taken after the deadline will not be accepted for credit (without documented proof of a medical emergency).  It is your responsibility to complete the exams by the deadlines.

 

Unit exams become available on the Saturday before the mandatory deadline.

            Unit 1 exam opens Saturday, January 30 and closes at 11:59 pm on Wednesday, Feb 3.

            Unit 2 exam opens Saturday, February 20 and closes at 11:59 pm on Wednesday, Feb 24.

            Unit 3 exam opens Saturday, March 13 and closes at 11:59 pm on Wednesday, March 24.

            Unit 4 exam opens Saturday, April 10 and closes at 11:59 pm on Wednesday, April 14.

            Unit 5 exam opens Saturday, May 1 and closes at 11:59 pm on Wednesday, May 5.

            The final exam opens Thursday, May 6 and closes at 11:59 pm on Wednesday, May 12.

 

Please note that Exam 3 will be available March 13 (Saturday), March 14 (Sunday), March 22 (Monday), March 23 (Tuesday), and March 24 (Wednesday). Due to ACC policies, the exam will not be available over spring break (March 15-March 21) when the college is closed.

 

 

 


 

WITHDRAWALS

It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the roll should they 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 recorded before the Final Withdrawal Date (see below).  The student is also strongly encouraged to keep any paperwork in case a problem arises. Students are responsible for understanding the impact that withdrawal from a course may have on their financial aid, veteran’s benefit, or international student status. Per state law, students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2007 or later at any public Texas college or university may not withdraw (receive a “W”) from more than six courses during their undergraduate college education. Some exemptions for good cause could allow a student to withdraw from a course without having it count towards this limit. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor when making decisions about course selection, course loads, and course withdrawals. You can find more information about the “Rule of Three or Third Course Attempt” at Third Attempt.  Information about the “Texas Six Drop Rule” can be found at Six Course Limit

 

The last day to drop the class without leaving a W on your transcript is February 3, 2021.  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 26, 2021.  If you withdraw between February 4 and April 26, you will get a W on your transcript and it will count toward the six-course withdrawal limit.

 

Student-initiated withdrawal:

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

 

Instructor-initiated withdrawal:

You may be withdrawn from the class by the instructor if you do not complete the orientation materials by the orientation deadline of 11:59 pm on January 24.  I must receive your signed and dated orientation materials by this deadline.

 

To complete orientation, you must send me a completed and SIGNED orientation form AND send an e-mail confirmation, by 11:59 pm on January 24, 2021.

 

At my discretion, I may also drop students who have missed one or more exams.  

 

These course policies apply to ALL students, even those who are repeating the class or those who added the class during late registration.

 

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

 

INCOMPLETE GRADE POLICY

An incomplete (grade of I) will only be given for extenuating circumstances. What constitutes “extenuating circumstances” is left to the instructor’s discretion. If a grade of I is given, the remaining course work must be completed by a date set by the student and professor. The date may not be later than two weeks prior to the end of the following semester. A grade of I also requires completion and submission of the Incomplete Grade form, to be signed by the faculty member and student and submitted to the department chair.

 

Students may request an Incomplete from their faculty member if they believe circumstances warrant. The faculty member will determine whether the Incomplete is appropriate to award or not. The following processes must be followed when awarding a student an I grade.

 

1.       Prior to the end of the semester in which the “I” is to be awarded, the student must meet with the instructor to determine the assignments and exams that must be completed prior to the deadline date. This meeting can occur virtually or in person. (For this class, it will be a virtual meeting.) The instructor should complete the Report of Incomplete Grade form.

 

2.       The faculty member will complete the form, including all requirements to complete the course and the due date, sign (by typing in name), and then email it to the student. The student will then complete his/her section (by typing in name and any other required information) and return the completed form to the faculty member to complete the agreement. A copy of the fully completed form can then be emailed by the faculty member to the student and the department chair for each grade of Incomplete that the faculty member submits by the end of the semester.

 

3.       The student must complete all remaining work by the date specified on the form above. This date is determined by the instructor in collaboration with the student, but it may not be later than the final withdrawal deadline in the subsequent long semester.

 

4.       Students will retain access to the course Blackboard page through the subsequent semester in order to submit work and complete the course. Students will be able to log on to Blackboard and have access to the course section materials, assignments, and grades from the course and semester in which the Incomplete was awarded.

 

5.       When the student completes the required work by the Incomplete deadline, the instructor will submit an electronic Grade Change Form to change the student’s performance grade from an “I” to the earned grade of A, B, C, D, or F.

 

If an Incomplete is not resolved by the deadline, the grade automatically converts to an “F.” Approval to carry an Incomplete for longer than the following semester or session deadline is not frequently granted. Please be aware that incomplete grades are rarely given in this class.

 

ATTENDANCE/CLASS PARTICIPATION POLICY

Regular and timely class participation in discussions and completion of work is expected of all students. If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class. Students are expected to post weekly to their discussion boards, complete assignments and exams by the stated deadlines. 

 

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: Am I Ready for Distance Education?

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

 

Then, take the technical skills checklist at: Technical Skills Checklist

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

 

Course Schedule

BIOL 2306 Living Planet (ONL)

Spring Semester 2021

Date

Course Work and Exams

Week 1

Jan 19-Jan 24

Complete and submit orientation materials by deadline. Work through Introductory Material in study guide and narrated lectures. Start Homework #1. Post to online discussion group for week 1. Complete Respondus Lockdown Browser Practice Quiz or email instructor if Chromebook user.

Week 2

Jan 25-Jan 31

Finish Introductory Material in study guide and lectures.  Submit Homework #1 by Friday deadline. Exam 1 is available on Saturday. Post to online discussion group for week 2.

Week 3

Feb 1-Feb 7

Take exam 1 by Wednesday, February 3 (11:59 pm).

Watch episode 1; work through episode 1 materials in study guide and lectures. Start Homework #2.  Post to online discussion group for week 3

Week 4

Feb 8-Feb 14

Watch episode 2; work through episode 2 materials in study guide and lectures.  Work on Homework #2. Post to online discussion group for week 4

Week 5

Feb 15-Feb 21

Watch episode 3; work through episode 3 materials in study guide and lectures.  Submit Homework #2 by Friday deadline.  Exam 2 is available on Saturday. Post to online discussion group for week 5

Week 6

Feb 22-Feb 28

Take exam 2 by Wednesday, February 24 (11:59 pm).

Watch episode 4; work through episode 4 materials in study guide and lectures. Start Homework #3. Post to online discussion group for week 6

Week 7

Mar 1-Mar 7

Watch episode 5; work through episode 5 materials in study guide and lectures.  Work on Homework #3. Post to online discussion group for week 7

Week 8

Mar 8-Mar 14

Watch episode 6; work through episode 6 materials in study guide and lectures. Submit Homework #3 by Friday deadline. Exam 3 is available on Saturday.  Post to online discussion group for week 8

Week 9

Mar 22-Mar 28

Take exam 3 by Wednesday, March 24 (11:59 pm).

Watch episode 7; work through episode 7 materials in study guide and lectures.  Start Homework #4. Post to online discussion group for week 9

Week 10

Mar 29-Apr 4

Watch episode 8; work through episode 8 materials in study guide and lectures. Work on Homework #4. Post to online discussion group for week 10

Week 11

Apr 5-Apr 11

Watch episode 9; work through episode 9 materials in study guide and lectures. Submit Homework #4 by Friday deadline. Exam 4 is available on Saturday.  Post to online discussion group for week 11

Week 12

Apr 12-Apr 18

Take exam 4 by Wednesday, April 14 (11:59 pm).

Watch episode 10; work through episode 10 materials in study guide and lectures. Start Homework #5. Post to online discussion group for week 12

Week 13

Apr 19-Apr 25

Watch episode 11; work through episode 11 materials in study guide and lectures. Work on Homework #5. Post to online discussion group for week 13

Week 14

Apr 26-May 2

Watch episode 12; work through episode 12 materials in study guide and lectures. Submit Homework #5 by Friday deadline. Exam 5 is available on Saturday. Post to online discussion group for week 14.

Week 15

May 3-May 9

Take exam 5 by Wednesday, May 5 (11:59 pm). Optional final becomes available on Thursday, May 6.

Week 16

May 10-May 16

Take optional final by Wednesday, May 12 (11:59 pm).

“Please note that schedule changes may occur during the semester.  Any changes will be announced in class and posted as a Blackboard Announcement and/or email through Blackboard

 

HEALTH & SAFETY PROTOCOLS

 

All ACC campuses and centers have one entrance for students and employees. The college is limiting facility access to faculty, essential staff, and students who are enrolled in Career and Technical Education courses.  Each person is required to take the following steps: 

 

1. Self-screen for COVID-19 symptoms using the ACC Health Screening App. There are three secure ways to use the app — 1) download it on your phone (recommended), 2) download the web link, or 3) you may use an iPad that is available at the door. It is easy to download and use. Answer a series of quick questions and the app will give you results. Save the results to show at the door upon entry. Get the app here at: https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus/acc-health-screening-app

 

2. ACC ID badges or Student ID cards will be required for all employees and students upon entry. Employees and students must display their I.D. at all times.

 

3. Temperature checks will be conducted with a no-touch thermometer. If you have a fever 100 degrees Fahrenheit or greater, you will not be admitted to the building. 

 

4. ACC Health Screen App results will be requested at the door. If you are unable to download the app, an iPad will be provided at the door so that you may answer a series of questions to determine if you have COVID-19 symptoms which include:
      Cough
      Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
      Chills
      Repeated shaking with chills 
      Muscle pain
      Headache
      Sore throat
      Loss of taste or smell
      Diarrhea
      Fever
      Have you come into contact with anyone who tested positive for COVID-19 with 14         days?

 

If you do not pass the pre-screening, you will receive specific information on healthcare procedures and instructions for what you need to know to be able to return to campus.

 

5. Facial coverings/masks are required for anyone entering an ACC building. You must wear a facial covering/mask at all times. In private spaces such as an individual office, your facial covering may be removed if you are alone. These guidelines are consistent with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which makes clear that facial coverings and social distancing are among the most effective measures for limiting the spread of COVID-19. 

 

TIP—Students should arrive to campus early to ensure enough time to get through the screening line. 

 

On-Campus Protocols

  • Wash and sanitize your hands prior to entering a classroom, office, or facility. Hand sanitizing stations, disinfecting wipes, soap, and water are readily available.
  • Continue to practice good hygiene by washing your hands frequently for 20 seconds.
  • Practice social distancing with all individuals by maintaining at least six feet of separation.
  • Follow floor stickers that are placed throughout the campus to help guide social distancing in high traffic areas.
  • A maximum of two people at a time will be allowed in elevators.
  • Facial coverings/masks must remain on at all times. A facial covering may only be removed as allowed by the course safety plan (i.e., when alone in private spaces such as an individual office).
  • For the safety of all who are on-campus, water fountains will be turned off, vending machines will have limited services, all food services will be suspended, and common area furniture will be removed. Please plan accordingly.

 

Classroom Protocols

  • Schedules are staggered and courses have been divided into smaller sections to minimize contact with individuals.
  • Seating for standard classrooms is limited to nine students and one instructor unless the classroom is deemed large enough to handle more by the Safety & Operations Office.
  • Faculty will assign seats to students to keep them at a safe distance from one another. It's imperative that students follow seat assignments in order to track any contamination or the possible spread of COVID-19.
  • Plexiguards are installed on faculty desks if there is not at least nine feet between the desk and the first row of students. 
  • Once inside the classroom, facial coverings must continue to be worn.
  • ACC encourages students to wipe down their desks before class begins. Supplies will be provided in each classroom.

 

Deep Cleaning Protocols

  • ACC's Campus Operations Quality Control staff will regularly and frequently disinfect any and all high touch surfaces such as doorknobs, tables, chairs, and restrooms.
  • Staff will disinfect classrooms as soon as classes are over.
  • Students and employees will be reminded to disinfect personal electronics on a regular basis.
  • Hand sanitizer will be available in or near every classroom.
  • Sufficient disinfecting supplies are available to maintain hygienic standards throughout the day.
  • These disinfectant procedures will occur after each class and at the end of every day.

 

Illness & Travel Protocols

  • If you feel sick, feverish, or unwell, please do not come to campus or office.
  • You will need to get tested for COVID-19 and report the results (positive or negative) to ACC's COVID-19 Liaison (see below). 
  • If you become ill in the classroom or inside an ACC facility, you will be asked to go into an isolation room to take the state's online self-assessment.
  • Isolation rooms are available on each campus and center with resources and information to help you learn about the next steps and where to go for a COVID-19 test. 
  • All areas used by anyone who is sick or tests positive for COVID-19 will be immediately closed, waiting for the appropriate period of time before it is thoroughly deep cleaned, disinfected, and deemed safe to reopen. 
  • If you have been in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 14 days, you must self-report. ACC's Self-Report form is available online.
  • ACC has identified a primary COVID-19 Liaison responsible for communicating and coordinating with local health departments. Our liaison is Michael Garcia, Executive Director of Regulatory Affairs, sem-helpdesk@austincc.edu

 

A training video is available here at: https://www.austincc.edu/coronavirus/health-and-safety-protocols

 

 

COLLEGE POLICIES

 

Campus Operations

To limit the spread of COVID-19, ACC campuses remain closed to all but faculty, essential staff, and students who are enrolled in certain Career and Technical Education courses. Face-to-face classes and services are limited.

 

Statement on Academic Integrity

Austin Community College values academic integrity in the educational process.  Acts of academic dishonesty/misconduct undermine the learning process, present a disadvantage to students who earn credit honestly, and subvert the academic mission of the institution. The potential consequences of fraudulent credentials raise additional concerns for individuals and communities beyond campus who rely on institutions of higher learning to certify students' academic achievements, and expect to benefit from the claimed knowledge and skills of their graduates. 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, falsifying documents, or the inappropriate use of the college’s information technology resources.  Further information is available at Academic Integrity and Disciplinary Process

 

I treat acts of scholastic dishonesty following the policies outlined in the ACC Student Standards of Conduct and Disciplinary Process.   For information on those policies, see the link above.

 

Student Rights and Responsibilities
Students at ACC have the same rights and protections under the Constitution of the United States. These rights include freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petition and association. As members of the community, students have the right to express their own views, but must also take responsibility for according the same rights to others and not interfere or disrupt the learning environment. Students are entitled to fair treatment, are expected to act consistently with the values of the college, and obey local, state and federal laws. Students Rights and Responsibilities

 

As a student of Austin Community College, you are expected to abide by the Student Standards of Conduct. Student Standards of Conduct

 

Senate Bill 212 and Title IX Reporting Requirements 

Under Senate Bill 212 (SB 212), the faculty and all College employees are required to report any information concerning incidents of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking committed by or against an ACC student or employee. Federal Title IX law and College policy also require reporting incidents of sex- and gender-based discrimination and sexual misconduct. This means faculty and non-clinical counseling staff cannot keep confidential information about any such incidents that you share with them.

 

If you would like to talk with someone confidentiality, please contact the District Clinical Counseling Team who can connect you with a clinical counselor on any ACC campus:  (512) 223-2616, or to schedule online: Counseling

 

While students are not required to report, they are encouraged to contact the Compliance Office for resources and options:  Charlene Buckley, District Title IX Officer, (512) 223-7964, compliance@austincc.edu

 

If a student makes a report to a faculty member, the faculty member will contact the District Title IX Officer for follow-up.

 

Student Complaints

A defined process applies to complaints about an instructor or other college employee. You are encouraged to discuss concerns and complaints with college personnel and should expect a timely and appropriate response. When possible, students should first address their concerns through informal conferences with those immediately involved; formal due process is available when informal resolution cannot be achieved.

 

Student complaints may include (but are not limited to) issues regarding classroom instruction, college services and offices on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, religion, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or disability.

 

Further information about the complaints process, including the form used to submit complaints, is available at: Student Complaint Procedures

 

Statement on Privacy

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects confidentiality of students’ educational records. Grades cannot be provided by faculty over the phone, by e-mail, or to a fellow student. Class grades will be posted in Blackboard.

 

Recording Policy

To ensure compliance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), student recording of class lectures or other activities is generally prohibited without the explicit written permission of the instructor and notification of other students enrolled in the class section.  Exceptions are made for approved accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

 

Recording of lectures and other class activities may be made by faculty to facilitate instruction, especially for classes taught remotely through BlackBoard Collaborate or another platform.  Participation in such activities implies consent for the student to be recorded during the instructional activity.  Such recordings are intended for educational and academic purposes only.

 

Safety Statement

Health and safety are of paramount importance in classrooms, laboratories, and field activities. Students are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies.  Emergency Procedures posters and Campus Safety Plans are posted in each classroom and should be reviewed at the beginning of each semester.  All incidents (injuries/illness/fire/property damage/near miss) should be immediately reported to the course instructor. Additional information about safety procedures and how to sign up to be notified in case of an emergency can be found at Emergency

 

Everyone is expected to conduct themselves professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual may be immediately dismissed from the day’s activity and will be referred to the Dean of Student Services for disciplinary action.

 

In the event of disruption of normal classroom activities due to an emergency situation or a continuing illness outbreak, the format for this course may be modified to enable completion of the course. In that event, students will be provided an addendum to the class syllabus that will supersede the original version.

 

Campus Carry

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 512-223-7999.   Please refer to the concealed handgun policy online at Campus Carry

 

 

Discrimination Prohibited

The College seeks to maintain an educational environment free from any form of discrimination or harassment including but not limited to discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.

 

Faculty at the College are required to report concerns regarding sexual misconduct (including all forms of sexual harassment and sex and gender-based discrimination) to the Manager of Title IX/Title VI/ADA Compliance.  Licensed clinical counselors are available across the District and serve as confidential resources for students.

 

Additional information about Title VI, Title IX, and ADA compliance can be found in the ACC Compliance Resource Guide available at: ACC Compliance Resource Guide   

 

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 students 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 email accounts, including instructions for accessing it, are available at: ACCmail Q&A

 

Use of the Testing Center

All testing is currently online.  While campuses are closed, exams for courses will be online tests that students can take from home.  For more information about online testing at ACC, visit the Online Testing resource page: ACC Online Testing   

 

This course will use Respondus LockDown Browser with Monitor to proctor all exams. Students must download Respondus LockDown Browser and follow the instructions, as explained on pages 23-26 of this syllabus. Chromebook users will take their exams using ACC Online Proctoring (see page 23).

 

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.  For more information about ACC’s policy on copyright material, go to Copyright   Students registered for this section have permission to print one copy of the course materials for personal use. No permission is given for posting any course materials on websites.

 

 

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

The success of our students is paramount, and ACC offers a variety of support services to help, as well as providing numerous opportunities for community engagement and personal growth.

Student Support

ACC strives to provide exemplary support to its students and offers a broad variety of opportunities and services.  Information on these campus services and resources is available at  Students.  A comprehensive array of student support services is available online at: Remote Student Support

 

Student Accessibility Services

Students with documented disabilities who need academic or other accommodations must request them through the office Student Accessibility Services (SAS).   SAS offices are located at each major campus.  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 document titled “Notice of Approved Accommodations” from SAS before accommodations will be provided. Accommodations will not be provided retroactively.  Arrangements by the instructor for academic accommodations can only be made after he or she receives the “Notice of Approved Accommodations” from the student.

 

Additional information about Student Accessibility Services is available at Student Accessibility Services and Assistive Technology

 

Academic Support

ACC offers academic support services on all of its campuses. These services, which include online tutoring, academic coaching, and supplemental instruction, are free to enrolled ACC students. Tutors are available in a variety of subjects ranging from accounting to pharmacology. Students may receive these services on both a drop-in and referral basis. 

 

An online tutor request can be made here: Online Tutoring Request

 

Additional tutoring information can be found here: Online Tutoring

 

Library Services

ACC Library Services is operating online while campuses are closed during the current pandemic. Libraries contine to support ACC courses and programs and provide students with research and assignment assistance from expert faculty librarians. ACC students have full rights and privileges to access Library Services online 24/7 via the ACC Library website and students must use their ACCeID logins to access all online materials, including ebooks, articles from library databases, and streaming videos.   ACC Libraries also provide an “Ask a Librarian” service, which allows students to reach a librarian 24/7 through online chat or complete an online form for in-depth questions. Faculty librarians are available via email and virtually to meet with you by appointment seven days a week. Students can contact the Library for questions about their library account, registration holds, and technology/device distribution options.

 

 

Student Organizations

ACC has over seventy student organizations, offering a variety of cultural, academic, vocational, and social opportunities.  They provide a chance to meet with other students who have the same interests, engage in service-learning, participate in intramural sports, gain valuable field experience related to career goals, and much else.  Student Life coordinates many of these activities, and additional information is available at Office of Student Life.

 

Personal Support

Resources to support students are available at every campus. To learn more, ask your professor or visit the campus Support Center. All resources and services are free and confidential. Some examples include, among others:

  

  • Food resources including community pantries and bank drives can be found here:

Central Texas Food Bank

  • Assistance with childcare or utility bills is available at any campus Support Center:Support Center.
  • The Student Emergency Fund can help with unexpected expenses that may cause you to withdraw from one or more classes: Student Emergency Fund.
  • Help with budgeting for college and family life is available through the Student Money Management Office:Student Money Management Office  

A full listing of services for student parents is available at: Child Care

  • The CARES Act Student Aid will help eligible students pay expenses related to COVID-19: 

            Cares Act Student Aid  (Update: CARES Act Funds are no longer available.) 

 

Mental health counseling services are available throughout the ACC Student Services District to address personal and or mental health concerns:  Counseling

 

If you are struggling with a mental health or personal crisis, call one of the following numbers to connect with resources for help. However, if you are afraid that you might hurt yourself or someone else, call 911 immediately.

 

Free Crisis Hotline Numbers:

  • Austin / Travis County 24 hour Crisis & Suicide hotline: 512-472-HELP (4357)
  • The Williamson County 24 hour Crisis hotline: 1-800-841-1255
  • Bastrop County Family Crisis Center hotline: 1-888-311-7755
  • Hays County 24 Hour Crisis Hotline: 1-877-466-0660
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
  • Crisis Text Line: Text “home” to 741741
    • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline:   1-800-662-HELP (4357)
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline:1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

 

 

Illness

Any ACC student or employee with symptoms or exposure to the COVID-19 virus should inform their professor(s) or supervisor and complete the college’s self reporting form: Self Reporting Form


 

 

BIOL 2306 Living Planet - ONL Testing Information

 

Be sure to review this entire document. You are responsible for all information in this document. Please be aware that you cannot take an exam on a smartphone.

 

I.        Taking Your Exam with Respondus Monitor

 

We will use Respondus LockDown Browser with Monitor for online exams. This requires a webcam and a working microphone. The webcam can be built into your computer or can be the type that plugs in with a USB cable. Watch this short video to get a basic understanding of LockDown Browser and the webcam feature. A student Quick Start Guide is also available.

 

Lockdown Browser will prevent you from accessing other websites or applications; you will be unable to exit the test until all questions are completed and submitted. Monitor will record your audio and video while you take the exam. The video records until you submit your exam.

 

Technical Requirements for Respondus Monitor:

  • You will need a web camera with a minimum of 640x480 resolution, a working internal or external microphone, Windows 10, 8, 7 OR Mac OS X 10.12 or higher OR iPad 10.0+ with LMS integration, 1024 MB of RAM, and a broadband internet connection.
  • Respondus monitor does not work with ChromeBooks or smartphones.

 

⇒ DO THIS NOW: Download Lockdown Browser

 

 

II.       Taking Your Exam with Chromebooks

If you are using a Chromebook, you cannot use Respondus Monitor. You will have to take your exam with ACC Online Proctoring.  Go here for more information: ACC Online Proctoring

  • You will have to schedule your exam at least 5 days in advance. You must submit a request form for each test that you need to schedule. You will be asked to provide three preferred windows of availability for a test session.
  • ACC Testing Center personnel will monitor the student live through Google Meet while the student takes the exam. You must have a webcam and microphone.
  • You will have to schedule your exams during the available times. Live proctoring is only available at select times. Click on the link above for complete details.
  • Your only other option is to request an iPad from ACC.  Fill out the Student Technology Form: Technology Request Form  More information can be found under the Virtual Student Support Services at this site: ACC Coronavirus
  • Chromebook users cannot take the Respondus Monitor Practice Quiz. You must email the instructor by the stated deadline and discuss the Online Proctoring process with the instructor. Otherwise, you may not be on the official list to take the first exam.

 

 

III. Testing Guidelines

 

When taking an online exam using Respondus Monitor, follow these guidelines:

  • Ensure you’re in a location where you won’t be interrupted
  • Turn off all other devices (e.g. tablets, phones, second computers, smart watches) and place them outside of your reach
  • During exams, you may not wear headphones or smartwatches
  • Clear your desk of all external materials not permitted: books, papers, notes, other devices
  • When you open Respondus Monitor using Lockdown Browser, you will run through a ‘Startup Sequence’. You will perform a thorough environment check.
    • Watch this YouTube video that explains how to do a good Respondus environment check: Respondus Environment Check Tutorial
    • During your environment check you need to show your full workspace including the desk or surface where you are taking the exam and the walls surrounding your workspace.
    • In order to get a good environment check video, please take time for your webcam to focus. Make sure you are not showing the ceiling or the floor. I need to see your workspace and the surrounding environment. If you do not have a good environment check, you may receive a grade of zero on the exam.
    • You can watch your environment check video before continuing with your exam. If it is not a good environment check video, you can redo it at this time.
  • Before starting the test, make sure you have allotted enough time to complete it. You should allow a minimum of one hour to take exams for this class and it may take longer. You must complete the exam at one sitting.
  • Remain at your computer for the duration of the test. You cannot walk away from your computer while taking the exam. If you do leave, your exam will be terminated at that time and you will not receive credit for any questions answered after that point. If you need to plug in your laptop, then face the camera and clearly explain what you are doing. If there is a problem, send me an email of explanation after your exam is over.
  • If the computer or networking environment is different than what was used previously with the Webcam Check and System & Network Check in LockDown Browser, run the checks again prior to starting the test
  • To produce a good webcam video, do the following:
    • Do not wear baseball caps or hats with brims
    • Ensure your computer or tablet is on a firm surface (a desk or table). Do NOT have the computer on your lap, a bed, or other surfaces where the device (or you) are likely to move
    • If using a built-in webcam, avoid tilting the screen after the webcam setup is complete. If your face is not visible in the video, your exam may not be graded and you will receive a grade of zero on the exam.
    • Take the exam in a well-lit room and avoid backlighting, such as sitting with your back to a window
    • Do not wear headphones. If you are wearing headphones, your exam will not be graded, and you will receive a zero on the exam.
    • No smart phones or cell phones or second screens/computers allowed.
    • No talking to other people in the room
    • Your microphone must be on. If your microphone is off or does not work, you will not receive credit for the exam.
    • Wear acceptable clothing as if you were going out in public. You will be recorded while taking the exam and a video will be produced. Please be aware that other people may view your video under certain circumstances (such as a problem with scholastic dishonesty).
    • All exams are closed-book exams. You are expected to take the exam without using any resources (such as study guide, textbook, or internet sources)

 

If something unusual happens during your exam (e.g. you are interrupted by another person, you leave your computer for some reason), please email me and provide an explanation of the situation. The instructor will decide whether to grade your exam or not, based on the situation.

 

If you encounter any technical difficulties before starting the exam, you can reach out to Respondus here.

 

If you encounter any technical difficulties during the exam, please reach out to me and let me know ASAP.

  • If you encounter technical difficulties more than once or there are any errors in processing your exam videos due to your internet connection, you may be required to take your exams using ACC’s Online Proctoring services.

 

⇒ DO THIS NOW: Take the Respondus Monitor Practice Quiz

  • Open LockDown Browser, log into Blackboard and select this course.
  • Locate and select the Help Center button on the LockDown Browser toolbar.
  • Run the Webcam Check and, if necessary, resolve any issues.
  • Run the System & Network Check. If a problem is indicated, see if a solution is provided in the Knowledge Base. Troubleshooting information can also be emailed to our institution’s help desk.
  • Exit the Help Center and locate the practice quiz named ‘Respondus Monitor Practice Quiz’ under the ‘Exam’ folder on Blackboard.
  • Take the practice quiz following the guidelines listed above.
  • Upon completing and submitting the practice quiz, exit LockDown Browser.
  • This is how you will complete your future lecture exams.
  • Your instructor will review your environment check video. If there are any problems, your instructor will send you an email or ask you to meet online to discuss solutions.
  • Please be aware that you will not get feedback on your environment video if you do not complete the Respondus Monitor Practice Quiz by the stated deadline.  If your environment video is not acceptable, then you may receive a grade of zero on your exam. This is your only chance to get feedback before your first exam. Chromebook users must email the instructor by the stated deadline and discuss the Online Proctoring process with the instructor.

 

 

IV. Cheating and Consequences of Cheating

 

Please treat online exams the same way you would treat in-person exams or exams completed in the testing center. You may not use the internet, any study guide or textbook, your notes, any other student or person, your phone, your smartwatch or any other portable devices. Plagiarism (including copying/pasting answers) is considered cheating.

 

You may not copy or share exam questions. This includes sharing them with any other student or posting them online. If you are caught doing so, I will consider this to be cheating. If you are caught cheating, you will receive an automatic zero. I may give you a zero in the course and report the incident of academic dishonesty for disciplinary action. More information here.

 

 

V. So how will our exams work?

 

Lecture exams will be timed. Exam questions will be presented to you all at once. Exams are available during the dates indicated on the course schedule. You will be recorded (audio and video) during exams. You must have your webcam and microphone turned on and working while you are being recorded.  If your webcam or microphone is not working or if your environmental video is not acceptable, you may receive a zero on the exam.

 

It may take 12-24 hours for these videos to be processed by Blackboard. After completing the exam and video processing is complete, I will review the exam video. If there are any issues, I will reach out to you. If you know there was an issue during the exam, please send me an email immediately after the exam and explain the situation.

 

I will then grade the exam. Once you see a grade for the exam you completed, you know there were no problems with the procedure or the video. 

 

 

VI. Common Student Questions and Answers

 

  1. When I go to take an exam using Respondus Monitor, it asks for a password. What am I doing wrong?
  • If it asks you for a password, you are either not opening the exam in Lockdown Browser or you are using the wrong exam version. Open Lockdown Browser, log into Blackboard, and go to our course page. You should be able to open the exam for Respondus Monitor users.

 

2.  It is time for the first exam and I cannot find the exam in Blackboard. What happened?

  • Did you miss the deadline for the exam? If it is past the deadline, it is too late to take the exam and you will receive a grade of zero for the exam.