Understanding Biotechnology, A. Borem, F. R. Santos, and D.E Santos, 2003, Prentice HallText:
Course website: The course website is used extensively in this course. All paper assignments, weekly reading assignments and project assignments will be posted online.
http://faculty.stcc.edu/rapp/biot151/biot151.htm
Course Description:
This course will provide a general introduction into the field of Biotechnology. Research trends and methodologies currently employed within the field will be discussed along with the impact these endeavors promise to have on the quality of life. Discussions will focus primarily on current biotechnological news topics and expand into the ethics of various contemporary biotechniques such as genetic engineering, genetic testing, and cloning. Students will be expected to participate actively in classroom discussions and give periodic short in-class presentations.
Course Objectives:
To gain familiarity with the current issues associated with the implementation of biotechnological advances. Students should be able to understand and discuss news reports describing new “breakthrough” technologies and their potential impact on society. Students will be able to perform critical evaluation of biotechnologies and their role within our culture.
General Conduct:
Students are expected to observe the code of conduct outlined in the college catalog. Behavior that disrupts the establishment or maintenance of the learning environment will not be tolerated and will result in dismissal from the course following one warning. Cell phones and beepers MUST BE DISABLED before entering lecture. Students who disrupt the class with said items will be asked to leave and will not be allowed to return to that class.
Attendance:
This is college. It is your responsibility to come to class. Attendance at all classes is strongly advised. Due to the nature of this course, attendance is particularly important, and is therefore a large part of your grade. A student who is absent from lecture is responsible for the content of that class as well as any announcements made. There may be one absence during the semester, after which the course grade will be reduced according to how many classes are missed. Students should arrive promptly and remain until the end of the class. The instructor reserves the right to refuse late arrivals. If you are late for class or leave class early it will be considered an absence.
Academic Dishonesty:
Cheating, plagiarism, illicit collaboration and misrepresentation of one’s own work will not be tolerated. The result of such will be failure in the assignment, paper, etc. or failure in the course. In addition, the student(s) will be reported to the Dean of Students for disciplinary action, including removal from the class. There will be no warnings given.
Grading:
Grading will be based upon attendance, classroom participation, and presentation on an assigned topic.
|
Attendance |
25% |
|
Participation (Includes active involvement in class discussion) |
25% |
|
weekly reading assignments |
35% |
|
Writing Assignment and class presentation |
15% |
Grading of homework and course participation will be based on:
§ Timely and satisfactory completion of required assignments
§ Participation in class
|
Late (0 points) |
(73-82) |
(83-92) |
(92-100) |
|
No response or a response submitted more than 1 week after the due date
No feedback will be provided from the instructor |
Submitted after the due date but not “Late” OR submitted by the due date but Response is incorrect or incomplete. Response lacks depth.
Minimal effort. |
Submitted by the due date.
Response is correct but incomplete. Response shows depth of thought. Response shows Individual thinking*. Good effort. |
Submitted by the due date.
Response is correct and complete Response demonstrates outstanding depth of thought. Response is reflective, includes integration of reading and class discussion. |
(adapted from E-Moderating: The Key to Teaching and Learning Online by Gilly Salmon, p. 143)
*Examples of Individual thinking:
Articulating, explaining and supporting positions and issues
Exploring and supporting issues by adding explanations and examples
Reflecting on and re-evaluating personal opinions
Weekly Reading Assignments:
The reading assignments are designed to help you come prepared for in-class discussion. The reading assignments will be assigned approximately one week prior to their due date. All reading assignments are due at the beginning of class. Reading assignments handed in one class period late will have a grade reduced by 18 points. Reading assignments turned in more than one class period after the due date will not be accepted. Also, no make-up reading assignments will be given under any circumstances. The reading assignments handed in should be originals and in your own handwriting or may be typed. Reading assignments will be posted online.