Course Syllabus

Meeting Times MWF 10:30-11:20, Reeves 187

Instructor Dr. Wayne Hatch, Reeves 264

Out of Class contact: wayne.hatch@usu.edu, 613-5393

Principles and methods of biology and how they impact the daily life and environment of the individual.

• Explore the nature of science (How does science work?)
• Evaluate the credibility of scientific claims
• Explore the basic characteristics of life
• Describe the evolution of life
• Classify the diversity of life on earth
• Describe how organisms interact with one another and their environment
• Identify how humans impact life on earth

Biology and the Citizen is a general education course for non-majors with no pre-requisites.

Good news: your textbook for this class is available for free online! If you prefer, you can also get a print version at a very low cost. Your book is available in web view and PDF for free. You can also choose to purchase on iBooks or get a print version via the campus bookstore or from OpenStax on Amazon.com.

Info: Concepts of Biology from OpenStax, Print ISBN 1938168119, Digital ISBN 1947172034, https://openstax.org/details/books/concepts-biology

Attendance

Please attend class in-person as much as possible. If you are required to miss class due to COVID-19, you will have the option to attend using Zoom. I will not broadcast every class on Zoom, only when I have been notified that a student is quarantined due to COVID-19. There may be an occasion where our entire class is required to meet online using Zoom. If that occurs, you will be notified. Please see these instructions regarding USU policies on classroom attendance. A seating chart will also be used beginning the second week of classes as explained here.

Chapter Learning Objectives

Each chapter has a set of learning objectives that can be found on Canvas or in the Microsoft OneNote Notebook. It is highly recommended that each student completes these and master these on their own. Exams will test student’s mastery of these objectives.

Microsoft OneNote

Microsoft OneNote will be utilized during lectures to share information with the class. It is freely accessible for all USU students. To access the Class Notebook in OneNote click here.

To login:

Username: A#@aggies.usu.edu

Password: Your USU password

Poll Everywhere

To help facilitate participation in class, the online polling service, Poll Everywhere, will be used. This will be free for students. Students will not be required to register but may do so if they would like to review questions from class. To register go here.

Dr. Hatch’s presentation page is https://pollev.com/waynehatch740

I want you to be successful in this course. The most important task in this course is to master the learning objectives and communicate that mastery, but each week you will have reading, online assignments, and quizzes to complete. There is a temptation to think in-person activities are more urgent than your online work. The problem is, then your online assignments pile up and you fall behind. Follow the weekly schedule and stay on top of your assignments.

I recommend that you log in at least three times per week to complete your work.  Use the Canvas Calendar and create alerts in your phone or on your computer for lesson due dates or anything else you think you might forget! Set up your Notifications in Canvas as well. (You can receive notifications via text.)

Exams

Seven exams will be given throughout the semester opening on the day scheduled on the syllabus and be

Each exam will count for up to 50 points; this will vary slightly for each exam depending on the material. The lowest exam score will be dropped.

Quizzes

Quizzes will be given regularly in Canvas. These will be worth 5 points each. Quizzes will be open for 2 days. Missed quizzes for other reasons will be counted for zero points.

Assignments

Throughout the class other assignments will be given. These will be introduced in class and either turned in on Canvas or on paper. Each assignment will be tied to the lecture material and give the student opportunity to demonstrate understanding of a particular concept. These will be worth 5-10 points each.

Extra

Few opportunities will provide extra credit opportunities for students, which includes completing the course evaluation at the end of the semester for 5 points and other to be announced assignments.

Final grades will be given according to the student’s final percentage of all graded assignments and exams with the following breakdown.

A  = 93-100%      B+ = 87-89%        C+ = 77-79%        D+ = 67-69%      

A- = 90-92%        B = 83-86%          C = 73-76%          D = 60-66%

B- = 80-82%         C- = 72-70%         F = below 60%

• 7 exams - 50 points each (lowest score dropped)                       up to 300pts
• Quizzes - 5 points each                                                                              50pts
• Other Assignments – 5-10pts each                                                      ~100pts

                                                                                          Total points           ~450pts

All work will be submitted in Canvas by the due dates listed there. Students should contact Dr. Hatch if any issues arise concerning submitting course work.

COVID-19 Classroom Protocols

While not mandated, USU encourages and welcomes the wearing of masks in all university building, especially within 6 feet of others.  Furthermore, it is strongly encouraged to take measures to mitigate risk as recommended by federal and state public health officials.  These measures include getting fully vaccinated, staying home if you are sick (even with mild symptoms), and maintaining good hygiene including frequent hand washing.  Testing will be provided, without charge, throughout the semester and the USU COVID Webpage will provide up-to-date information.  Please remember; COVID can have significant impact on the health and safety of those around you so remain vigilant and respectful. 

Academic Freedom and Professional Responsibilities

Academic freedom is the right to teach, study, discuss, investigate, discover, create, and publish freely. Academic freedom protects the rights of faculty members in teaching and of students in learning. Freedom in research is fundamental to the advancement of truth. Faculty members are entitled to full freedom in teaching, research, and creative activities, subject to the limitations imposed by professional responsibility. Faculty Code Policy #403 further defines academic freedom and professional responsibilities.

Academic Integrity – "The Honor System"

Each student has the right and duty to pursue his or her academic experience free of dishonesty. To enhance the learning environment at Utah State University and to develop student academic integrity, each student agrees to the following Honor Pledge:
"I pledge, on my honor, to conduct myself with the foremost level of academic integrity."
A student who lives by the Honor Pledge is a student who does more than not cheat, falsify, or plagiarize. A student who lives by the Honor Pledge:

• Espouses academic integrity as an underlying and essential principle of the Utah State University community;
• Understands that each act of academic dishonesty devalues every degree that is awarded by this institution; and
• Is a welcomed and valued member of Utah State University.

Academic Dishonesty

The instructor of this course will take appropriate actions in response to Academic Dishonesty, as defined the University’s Student Code.  Acts of academic dishonesty include but are not limited to:

• Cheating: using, attempting to use, or providing others with any unauthorized assistance in taking quizzes, tests, examinations, or in any other academic exercise or activity.  Unauthorized assistance includes:
  • Working in a group when the instructor has designated that the quiz, test, examination, or any other academic exercise or activity be done “individually;”
  • Depending on the aid of sources beyond those authorized by the instructor in writing papers, preparing reports, solving problems, or carrying out other assignments;
  • Substituting for another student, or permitting another student to substitute for oneself, in taking an examination or preparing academic work;
  • Acquiring tests or other academic material belonging to a faculty member, staff member, or another student without express permission;
  • Continuing to write after time has been called on a quiz, test, examination, or any other academic exercise or activity;
  • Submitting substantially the same work for credit in more than one class, except with prior approval of the instructor; or engaging in any form of research fraud.
• Falsification: altering or fabricating any information or citation in an academic exercise or activity.
• Plagiarism: representing, by paraphrase or direct quotation, the published or unpublished work of another person as one‘s own in any academic exercise or activity without full and clear acknowledgment. It also includes using materials prepared by another person or by an agency engaged in the sale of term papers or other academic materials.

For additional information go to: ARTICLE VI. University Regulations Regarding Academic Integrity

Sexual Harassment/Title IX

Utah State University is committed to creating and maintaining an environment free from acts of sexual misconduct and discrimination and to fostering respect and dignity for all members of the USU community. Title IX and USU Policy 339 address sexual harassment in the workplace and academic setting.

The university responds promptly upon learning of any form of possible discrimination or sexual misconduct.  Any individual may contact USU’s Office of Equity for available options and resources or clarification.  The university has established a complaint procedure to handle all types of discrimination complaints, including sexual harassment (USU Policy 305), and has designated the Office of Equity Director/Title IX Coordinator as the official responsible for receiving and investigating complaints of sexual harassment. 

Withdrawal Policy and "I" Grade Policy

Students are required to complete all courses for which they are registered by the end of the semester. In some cases, a student may be unable to complete all of the coursework because of extenuating circumstances, but not due to poor performance or to retain financial aid. The term ‘extenuating’ circumstances includes: (1) incapacitating illness which prevents a student from attending classes for a minimum period of two weeks, (2) a death in the immediate family, (3) financial responsibilities requiring a student to alter a work schedule to secure employment, (4) change in work schedule as required by an employer, or (5) other emergencies deemed appropriate by the instructor.

Students with Disabilities

USU welcomes students with disabilities. If you have, or suspect you may have, a physical, mental health, or learning disability that may require accommodations in this course, please contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC) as early in the semester as possible (University Inn # 101, (435) 797‐2444, drc@usu.edu). All disability related accommodations must be approved by the DRC.  Once approved, the DRC will coordinate with faculty to provide accommodations.

Students who are at a higher risk for complications from COVID-19 or who contract COVID-19 may also be eligible for accommodations.

Diversity Statement

Regardless of intent, careless or ill-informed remarks can be offensive and hurtful to others and detract from the learning climate. If you feel uncomfortable in a classroom due to offensive language or actions by an instructor or student(s) regarding ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation, contact:

• Division of Student Affairs: https://studentaffairs.usu.edu, (435) 797-1712, studentservices@usu.edu, TSC 220
• Student Legal Services: https://ususa.usu.edu/student-association/student-advocacy/legal-services, (435) 797-2912, TSC 326,
• Access and Diversity: http://accesscenter.usu.edu, (435) 797-1728, access@usu.edu; TSC 315
• Multicultural Programs: http://accesscenter.usu.edu/multiculture, (435) 797-1728, TSC 315
• LGBTQA Programs: http://accesscenter.usu.edu/lgbtqa, (435) 797-1728, TSC 3145
• Provost‘s Office Diversity Resources: https://www.usu.edu/provost/diversity, (435) 797-8176

You can learn about your student rights by visiting:
The Code of Policies and Procedures for Students at Utah State University: https://studentconduct.usu.edu/studentcode

Grievance Process

Students who feel they have been unfairly treated may file a grievance through the channels and procedures described in the Student Code: Article VII.

Full details for USU Academic Policies and Procedures can be found at:

• Student Conduct
• Student Code
• Academic Integrity
• USU Selected Academic Policies and Procedures
• USU Academic Policies and Procedures
• Academic Freedom and Professional Responsibility Policy

Emergency Procedures

In the case of a drill or real emergency, classes will be notified to evacuate the building by the sound of the fire/emergency alarm system or by a building representative. In the event of a disaster that may interfere with either notification, evacuate as the situation dictates (i.e., in an earthquake when shaking ceases or immediately when a fire is discovered). Turn off computers and take any personal items with you. Elevators should not be used; instead, use the closest stairs.

Mental Health

Mental health is critically important for the success of USU students. As a student, you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce your ability to participate in daily activities. Utah State University provides free services for students to assist them with addressing these and other concerns. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus at Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).

Students are also encouraged to download the “SafeUT App” to their smartphones. The SafeUT application is a 24/7 statewide crisis text and tip service that provides real-time crisis intervention to students through texting and a confidential tip program that can help anyone with emotional crises, bullying, relationship problems, mental health, or suicide related issues.