KAUA'I COMMUNITY COLLEGE (FALL 2007)
ZOOLOGY 101: GENERAL ZOOLOGY COURSE SYLLABUS

Instructor: Nancy Bushnell
Office Room: Faculty I, Room 111
Office Hours: T,Th(7-8 a.m.)(3-4 p.m.); W(12-1 p.m.) and by appointment
Office Phone: 245-8251
Email Address: bushnell@hawaii.edu

REQUIRED TEXT AND MATERIALS:
1. Animal Diversity (4th. edition), 2007, by Hickman, Roberts, Keen, Larson, and Eisenhour
2. 3 ring binder with partitions and lined paper for lecture, colored pencils or pens
3. Internet Access for research

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
A general survey of the basic principles of animal biology to include a study of animal structure, development, physiology, reproduction, evolution, behavior, and ecology. (3 credits and cross-listed as BIOL 103) (It is recommended that the Principles of Zoology Lab, ZOOL 101L, be taken concurrently.)

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES: It is expected that students who pass this course will:
1. identify and use chemical and biological terminology
2. use and understand the periodic chart
3. demonstrate an understanding that biological processes may be explained in terms of the laws of physics and chemistry
4. recognize the four categories of organic compounds and apply to organ systems
5. describe the parts of a cell and their functions
6. describe animal mitosis, DNA replication, and protein synthesis
7. discuss environmental and ecological issues, pseudo-science, and biology related articles
8. apply biological knowledge to self, family, Kaua'i, Hawaii, and science articles
9. present two oral group lectures, one on a chapter from the text and one on animal research
10. discuss, ask, and answer questions correctly to demonstrate critical thinking:

a. apply biological terms, concepts, and knowledge in appropriate situations
b. analyze situations related to biology clearly and precisely
c. synthesize information to distinguish relevant from irrelevant biological data
d. evaluate and reason from clearly stated premises related to biology
11. problem solve in small groups to complete class activities, evaluate science newspaper and magazine articles to answer questions and write critiques
12. keep a lecture notebook of all notes, class work, homework, learning strategies, article critiques, review questions and answers, syllabus, schedule, and grades as a record of your effort in the course and as a guide to study for tests.

OFFICE VISITS:
Please feel free to visit during office hours or by appointment regarding your progress in the course.

GRADES:

Sixty percent (60%) of the final grade will be determined by three chapter exams. All exams will consist of multiple-choice and fill in the blank questions and will be weighted equally. The exams are non-cumulative. The questions will come from the text, lecture, and handouts. The lecture final exam consists of an oral report on a group service learning research project.

Twenty percent (20%) of the final grade will be two group oral presentations. One involves a presentation of a chapter section and the other involves group research.

Fifteen percent (15%) of the final grade will consist of daily assignments and a lecture notebook to include copies of all written assignments, chapter vocabulary and questions, science article critiques, a copy of the class syllabus, class schedule, student understandings document, class notes, and an example of the mathematical process used to figure out your grade plus your tentative grade. Daily assignments will be checked at the beginning of the class.

Five percent (5%) of the final grade will be for active participation and attendance.

Two excused absences will allow the late assignment to be accepted, otherwise all other late assignments will not be accepted. More than four absences will decrease your participation percentage by 1% per each absence over four. Ten absences earns a grade of "F". Make up exams may consist of essay questions.

Your  final grade is based on:Percentage Grading Scale
Exam Score Average 60%  A = 90 - 100%
Two Oral Presentations and Research20%B = 80 - 89%
Daily Assignments & Lecture Notebook15%C = 65 - 79% 
Active Participation, Attendance5%D = 51 - 64% 
Total100%F = 0 - 50%

TEST QUESTIONS:
Sixty percent (60%) of your grade (test questions) are taken from the material in the book and lecture material. Therefore, regular attendance is normally required to attain a passing grade of C or D. Since slides and overheads are used in lecture and note taking is sometimes difficult in class, audio taping of lecture is allowed. Prohibited classroom activities include: any disruptive behavior, late arrival or early exit, eating or drinking in class, cheating, bringing children to class, videotaping, and unregistered audit of lecture. Cheating results is an automatic zero for the test and is cause for immediate disciplinary action.

WITHDRAWALS and INCOMPLETES:
Remember that the final date for withdrawal from the course is __________. A "W" (withdrawal grade) after _________, requires the instructor's signature and is given only in cases of extreme or unusual circumstances: 1) a certified medical reason or 2) a death in the immediate family. Grade related excuses are unacceptable.

An "I" (incomplete grade) will be given only to students who are achieving passing grades and are very close to completing the course. The request form needs to be presented prior to the last day of instruction. In addition, the student must have a very good reason for not being able to complete all the work on time, such as those listed under withdrawal policy.

INSTRUCTION:

Lecture: The method of instruction is by lecture, Socratic questioning, group discussion, homework, and small group activities. Review the course competencies and you will see such words as "think critically, explain, describe, discuss, analyze, and problem solve."   In order to address these objectives, you need to talk and write.   In the small groups, you will be discussing specific problem issues and then writing a response addressing the problem, applying it to yourself or Kaua'i, or answering questions. Some of the homework assignments will be checked in class and some turned in to be graded. This written work needs to be kept in your lecture notebook (15 percent of your final grade) which is your file cabinet and should contain your ideas, your work, and important information which will help to determine your grade.

STUDENT CONDUCT and ACADEMIC INTEGRITY:
As members of the academic community students are expected to promote an atmosphere of honesty and learning, respect for others, and appropriate classroom behavior to maintain the academic integrity essential to the educational process.
"Academic dishonesty cannot be condoned by the University.  Such dishonesty includes cheating and plagarism which violate the Student Conduct Code and may result in expulsion from the University." (Kauai Community College 2006/2007 Catalog, p. 53)

STUDY SKILLS AND ADVISING:
Transfer core science courses are very academically demanding courses that require developed study skills. Generally at least 6 hours of study time/week are required to obtain a passing "C" or "D" grade. Not only does the text need to be read; it needs to be studied, and written notes taken. Since memory coding and retrieval are critical to success, students are usually advised to organize; summarize; and rewrite the information contained in the text(and lecture) into a set of coherent notes which can be used for review.

Students who perform poorly on tests should seek academic advising from the instructor .  During the semester, only estimated letter grades are given.  As a general rule, students who fail a single test ("F") or perform poorly ("D") on more than one test should make an appointment to see the instructor IMMEDIATELY.  The Learning Center also has tutoring and counseling available in learning strategies.

If a student has a complaint or concern regarding the class or teaching, that person needs to make an appointment and talk with the instructor to resolve the problem.

Students with disabilities who believe that they may need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact the Learning Center as soon as possible, 245-8213 or 245-8212. This is to ensure that such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion.

ZOOLOGY 101 TENTATIVE SCHEDULE (*SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

DateLecture Topic (Chapter) Suggested Homework
8/21Scientific Method(1)& Atoms (Handout)/Syllabus Read and highlight handout, Take Notes
8/23Organic Chemistry(Handout) Read and highlight handout, Take Notes
8/28Cell Parts, Mitosis(Handout) Read and highlight handout, Take Notes
8/30Cell Metabolism & Respiration (Handout) Read and highlight handout, Take Notes
9/4Genetics, DNA Replication, Protein Synthesis (Handout) Read and highlight handout, Take Notes
9/6Evolution (1) Read Chapter 1, Answer Questions
9/11 Evolution & Review Questions (1) Read Chapter 1, Answer Questions
9/13Ecology, Populations (2) Read Chapter 2, Answer Questions
9/18Ecology Ecosystems (2)/ Midway Island STUDY FOR TEST
9/20Exam #1: Chapter 1 & 2 & Handouts
(Lecture Notebook due)
START READING NEXT CHAPTER 3
9/25Architecture & Review Questions(3) Read Chapter 3, Answer Questions
9/27Classification & Review Questions (4) Read Chapter 4, Answer Questions
10/2Protozoans (5) Read Chapter 5, Answer Questions
10/4 Protista & Review Questions (5) Read Chapter 5, Answer Questions
10/9 Sponges & Review Questions(6) Read Chapter 6, Answer Questions
10/11Radiate Animals, Cnidarians, Ctenophores (7) Read Chapter 7, Answer Questions
10/16Exam #2: Chapters 3,4,5,6,7
(Lecture Notebook due)
Study for test
10/18 Acoelomates(8) & Psuedocoelomates(9) Read Chapter 8 & 9, Answer Questions
10/23,25 Molluscs(10)
STUDENT GROUP PRESENTATIONS CH.10 (10/23)
Read Chapters 10, Questions Chapter 10
10/30 Segmented Worms (11) Read Chapter 11, Answer Questions
11/1,6Arthropods (12)
STUDENT GROUP PRESENTATIONS CH.12 (11/1)
Read Chapter 12, Answer Questions
11/8 Eichinoderms (14) & Chordates (15) Read Chapter 14, Answer Questions
11/12 (M) VETERAN'S DAY HOLIDAY
11/13Exam #3: Chapters 8,9,10,11,12,14
(Lecture Notebook due)
WORK ON RESEARCH SPEECH
11/15,20 NO CLASS, RESEARCH PROJECT Work on RESEARCH
11/23-24THANKSGIVING BREAK HOLIDAY
11/27Fishes (16)Oral Research Presentations Work on Oral Presentations
11/29Amphibians(17)& Reptiles(18) Oral Research Presentations Work on Oral Presentations
12/4Birds (19) Oral Research Presentations Work on Oral Presentations
5/4Mammals (20) Oral Research Presentations Work on Oral Presentations

STUDENT UNDERSTANDINGS
1. I understand the standards in this course and that I am responsible for monitoring my own learning.____(Initial)
2. I understand that the class-time will focus on practice and lecture activities.____
3. I understand on a typical class day I will be working in a small group and that I will be responsible to take an active part in advancing the assigned work of the group.___
4. I understand that I will be held regularly responsible for assessing my own work using criteria and standards discussed in class.___
5. I understand that if at any time in the semester I feel unsure about my grade, I may request a meeting with the professor.___
6. I understand that I will have a written assignment due for almost every class day except test days.___
7. I understand that I must keep a lecture notebook which contains chapter questions. all homework, a copy of all computer generated reports, graded discussion group assignments, a copy of the class syllabus and schedule, student understandings agreement, and an example of the procedure used to figure out my grade.___
8. I understand that if the assignment for the day is not completed, then I am not prepared to do the in-class work of the day and may be asked to leave.___
9. I understand that there is are two oral reports, one on a text chapter and a final research oral report in the course.___
10. I understand that I must write a number of science newspaper or magazine article critiques.___
11. I understand that no make-up exams or extra-credit assignments will be given in this course.___
12. I understand that the work of the course requires consistent classroom attendance and active participation.___
17. I understand that the final class grade will not be graded on a curve. I understand that it is theoretically possible for the whole class to get an "A" or an "F".___

Two excused absences will allow the late assignment to be accepted, otherwise all other late assignments will not be accepted. More than four absences will decrease your participation percentage by 1% per each absence over four. Ten absences earns a grade of "F". Make up exams may consist of essay questions.__________

I understand the basis of the final grade as follows: PERCENTAGE GRADE SCALE
Exam Score Average 60%  A = 90 - 100%
Two Oral Presentations and Research20%B = 80 - 89%
Daily Assignments & Lecture Notebook15%C = 65 - 79% 
Active Participation, Attendance5%D = 51 - 64% 
Total100%F = 0 - 50%

NAME: (Print) __________________________________________DATE:________

NAME: (Sign) _______________________________________________________