-- A syllabus given to you by your college professor is an outline of the main points of a course of study
(from The American Heritage Dictionary). It is an academic contract, which some professors may ask you to sign, between you, the student, and the professor. It lists all the class rules such as attendance, grades, assignments, etc. It will help you to do your job, i.e., attend class, do the assignments, and study for exams. (If students fail to perform their duties in their job description, they will not be paid, i.e., receive a passing grade.) Some parts of the syllabus are etched in stone, while others, such as the lecture outline, are tentative. You should review the syllabus whenever you are unsure about something regarding the course.
(Rodriguez, D.D. 2000. How to turn your syllabus into a contract. Teaching for success 12 (1): 8.)
 1. YOUR PROFESSOR
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Dr. J.A. Nilsson
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Office:
Pecan Campus,
Room M - 142
Office Hours Fall 2009 Semester:
Tuesday: -- Pecan Campus: 5:30 - 6:30PM, 9.00 - 10.00PM
Wednesday -- Starr County: 5.30 6.00PM, 9.00 10.00PM
Thursday Pecan Campus: 4:00 5:30PM
 Also online 24/7 at the Blackboard Class Help Desk.
In addition by appointment in the Pecan Office. Weeks when the class meets online students must make an appointment for an in office meeting.
After being located at the Starr County campus for over 10 years, my faculty office is now at the Pecan Campus. Online students and Students at the Starr County Campus, since I do not have an office at this campus, may meet with the instructor in the classroom following a class, or if the student feels it is a private matter, ONE student at a time, BY APPOINTMENT in my office.
For "office" matters concerning the whole class I recommend sharing this with the whole class, and for hybrid students it may be discussed at the END of regular class time.
However, to make it easier to reach the instructor on a daily basis, for both hybrid students and online students I have an on-line office on STC Blackboard: For matters concerning the whole class use the Blackboard Bulletin Board called Class Help Desk; for private matter use the Blackboard e-mail. Friday is the designated "office hour" time when I answer most online messages, but I do my best to answer messages every day. However, I do claim the right to decide if a message is in need of an immediate response or not.
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Telephone:
(956) 872-2334 |
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E-mail: nilsson@southtexascollege.edu Students: to avoid drowning in spam to my STC e-mail -- you should use the Blackboard Class Help Desk or e-mail for class business. |
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Faculty Home Page:
Dr. Nilsson's CyberOffice
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How to contact your professor between classes:
Try to ask up "office hour questions"/"class questions" on the Blackboard Class Help Desk (or via e-mail if you don't want all students to read your message). If you are in a hybrid class you can also use the first few minutes of class, or at the end of a class meeting.
Be aware that I (like many other STC faculty) teach overloads and I travel to various campuses. (I teach at both the Starr County Campus and the Pecan Campus.)
The best way to contact me is via Blackboard (WebCT). You need an Blackboard (WebCT) ID and password. All students registered at STC have a Blackboard (WebCT) ID and password. If you don't know these you may obtain the information online or from the Distance Learning Help Desk. If you need an answer to something before the next class period, your chances of reaching me are best via the Blackboard (WebCT) Bulletin Board called "Class Help Desk". I try to answer all urgent e-mail, but I claim the right to decide if a message needs an immediate response.
Office hours are posted on my office door or is announced in class during the first class meeting or on the class web site.
2. LOCATION & TIMES
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See the Semester Calendar.
There are two versions of this class, an online class, which do not meet in the classroom, and a hybrid class, which meet in the classroom as per the Semester Calendar. For the hybrid class, when the class meets in the class room, see Semester Calendar, you must make arrangements to be ON TIME! Absent students or late students will "earn" grade deductions.
3. TEXTS
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You must obtain the text book for this course:
For textbook information go to the Welcome -- Start Here! page or the Textbook Page on the Environmental Biology Hub.
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You are expected to use the textbook to study for the class outside of the classroom. You do NOT have to bring the TEXT BOOK to class meetings.
 Students are required to read the textbook for the instructor to be able to teach the concepts the course encompasses. (From FOUNDATION SKILLS in the Biology Department Master Syllabus.) To succeed in this class -- at least if you wish to have a high grade, you MUST use your textbook as a LEARNING TOOL!
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4. COURSE DESCRIPTION
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This is a study of human interaction and the effect upon plant and animal communities. Conservation, pollution, energy and other contemporary ecological problems will be discussed. Prerequisites: None. (From South Texas College Course Catalog.)
5. COURSE OUTLINE
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The COURSE OUTLINE follows the textbook chapters. For an abbreviated list see the Semester Calendar, for a more detailed list see your textbook.
The Semester Calendar follows the course outline..
6. COURSE OUTCOME
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General GOAL is SET BY THE INSTRUCTOR:
To provide students with knowledge about biological principles of the internal and external environment, integrating information from various disciplines of the natural, cultural, and technological worlds -- as related to ourselves and the real world we are living in, instilling a responsibility to get involved and try to do something about the problems we have created.
To challenge students to use critical and reflective thinking about the problems humankind is facing because of our interaction with the natural world, to come up with your own opinion -- your own understanding of the puzzle -- based on facts about the real world.
Also see the
for more information.
Specific COURSE COMPETENCIES is SET BY THE INSTRUCTOR.
Basic INTELLECTUAL COMPETENCIES is SET BY the TEXAS HIGHER EDUCATION COORDINATING BOARD:
Even though this course is not part of the STC core curriculum, and therefore is not required to follow the recommendations by the coordinating board, the recommendations are still listed in this syllabus because of the high number of elementary education students that usually register for the course.
In Texas each higher education institution's core curriculum must be designed to satisfy a series of "basic intellectual competencies" - reading, writing, speaking, listening, critical thinking, and computer literacy. These competencies are essential to the learning process. "Although students can be expected to come to college with some experience in exercising these competencies, they often need further instruction and practice to meet college standards and, later, to succeed in both their major field of academic study and their chosen career or profession." (Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board)
Exerts from the Lower-Division Academic Course Guide Manual by the TEXAS HIGHER EDUCATION COORDINATING BOARD:
READING: Reading at the college level means the ability to analyze and interpret a
variety of printed materials - books, articles, and documents. A core curriculum
should offer students the opportunity to master both general methods of analyzing
printed materials and specific methods for analyzing the subject matter of individual
disciplines.
WRITING: Competency in writing is the ability to produce clear, correct, and
coherent prose adapted to purpose, occasion, and audience. Although correct
grammar, spelling, and punctuation are each a sine qua non in any composition, they
do not automatically ensure that the composition itself makes sense or that the writer
has much of anything to say. Students need to be familiar with the writing process
including how to discover a topic and how to develop and organize it, how to phrase
it effectively for their audience. These abilities can be acquired only through practice
and reflection.
SPEAKING: Competence in speaking is the ability to communicate orally in clear,
coherent, and persuasive language appropriate to purpose, occasion, and audience.
Developing this competency includes acquiring poise and developing control of the
language through experience in making presentations to small groups, to large
groups, and through the media.
LISTENING: Listening at the college level means the ability to analyze and interpret
various forms of spoken communication.
CRITICAL THINKING: Critical thinking embraces methods for applying both
qualitative and quantitative skills analytically and creatively to subject matter in order
to evaluate arguments and to construct alternative strategies. Problem solving is one
of the applications of critical thinking, used to address an identified task.
COMPUTER LITERACY: Computer literacy at the college level means the ability
to use computer-based technology in communicating, solving problems, and
acquiring information. Core-educated students should have an understanding of the
limits, problems, and possibilities associated with the use of technology, and should
have the tools necessary to evaluate and learn new technologies as they become
available.
7. ATTENDANCE POLICY
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Nobody forced you to register for this class -- hopefully, so you must therefore make arrangements to PARTICIPATE -- be in class for the assigned class meetings and be ON TIME!, or go online and do the required work.
I am interested in you participating in the class, but I am not interested in if or why you cannot attend. If you cannot attend class, take care of the problem preventing you from attending. If you have to miss a class, or know you will be late, let me know. Don't just disappear. However, you do not have to call in or send e-mail, just explain to me ahead of time in class, or in class after you return. However, if you miss a class you will lose grade points. All assignments are due on time. There is normally no make-up for a missed class activity. Major portions of the hybrid class are online, and all portions (soon) of the online class; try to stay current with assignments. Come back to class as soon as you can.
Attendance in the hybrid class is important! You are expected to:
1. attend all scheduled classes,
2. be on time,
3. actively participate in class activities,
4. remain in class until the class is dismissed. If you have problems attending class you should have registered for the online version of the class.
When we meet in the classroom late students will not be allowed to sign the beginning-of-the-class-roster -- if there is one, and students leaving early will not be allowed to sign the end-of-the-class-roster. Students repeatedly tardy, or repeatedly leaving early, without permission from the instructor may be dropped from the course.
If you do not attend a scheduled class, if you are not ON TIME, if you do not actively participate in class activities (i.e., if you are physically present but "mentally absent"), and if you do not remain in class until the class is dismissed you may be marked absent.
Your commitment to your education is reflected in your attendance and punctuality! The attendance record is part of a students education attitude and poor attendance and tardiness will be reflected in the course grade.
The definition of ABSENCE.
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Do NOT ask anyone to sign your name on an attendance roster. Each and all students must sign their own name on the attendance rosters. The person signing for another person, and the person asking, may be disciplined according to the rules of academic integrity.
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8. WITHDRAWAL
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The official biology department policy allows for dropping students with 6 absences -- based on six regular 50 minutes, MWF classes.
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This instructor does not necessarily drop students, so if you are unable to complete the course it is YOUR responsibility to complete the necessary paperwork for the withdrawal. Withdrawing is a formal procedure which YOU must initiate. If you don't your name will remain on the roster and you will receive a grade at the end of the semester, usually an F.
If I decide to drop a student from the course because of excessive absences or non-participation an attendance warning will NOT be given.
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Withdrawal? CLICK HERE
9. LECTURES
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There are no lectures in the online class. The hybrid class views videos and may do some short discussions on the video topic. Attendance will be taken, and the definition of absence is a failure to sign the attendance rosters by the time they are collected by the instructor. The semester calendar is subject to change with notice at the discretion of the instructor.
10. LABORATORIES
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There are no laboratories for this class.
11. GRADING (Assessment of Learning)
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Please note: Instructors do NOT give grades, students EARN them.
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While ideally you are here for the love of life science, reality mandates that grades must be assigned. (Your learning must be assessed.)
Even though your instructor is a very friendly person 
do not expect to receive a grade higher than that earned by your scored work. The final course grade will reflect how much you have learned in this class.
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You learn  You earn!
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Grading procedures are administered equally to all students in the course. The grade will be based on a straight percentage basis from total points earned in Exams and Assignments outlined in the Grade Criteria.
(The Grading Criteria is subject to change with notice at the discretion of the instructor.)
Scored work? CLICK HERE
Extra Credit? CLICK HERE
Grading (Assessment ) Criteria:
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Performance Scoring:
What does it mean to get an A, a B, a C, etc.? CLICK HERE
12. ASSESSMENTS (TESTS)
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As stated above, while ideally you are here for the love of life science, reality mandates that grades must be assigned. I must be able to assess if a student has learned something. The assessments used to assess learning are as follows:
Chapter Quizzes, so called because they follow the textbook chapters, are open book, online quizzes on Blackboard (WebCT). Number of questions vary. The format of the chapter quiz questions vary.
Worksheet Quizzes, so called because they are based on previous paper worksheets for various class discussion reading assignments, are open book, online quizzes on Blackboard (WebCT). Number of questions vary. The format of the worksheet quiz questions vary.
The Midterm Exam. Presently there is no midterm exam.
The Final Exam is based on the chapter quizzes, is a comprehensive, timed, open book online exam. You are expected to show that you remember concepts learned earlier in the semester. The format of the Final Exam is the same as the chapter quizzez, but also contain questions from required worksheets, and the geography drills.
The Geography Drills information is provided online. Number of questions or maps used on the test vary. Students are responsible for the geographical names listed online.
13. Make-Up Policy
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There are under normal circumstances NO make-up assignments. All assignments are to be completed as per the Semester Calendar. All your work for a course grade is due on time. (Some semesters the instructor may post specific notes about exceptions to this no make-up rule. However, you should understand that the regular class activities are easy to complete, the make-ups may be more complex and may involve writing essays.)
Also see note about INCOMPLETES below. If you qualify, you may make arrangements for an 'incomplete'. Special rules applies for "incomplete" work -- the grade "I". See the "incompletes" below, the STC catalog or your instructor for further explanation.
14. READING ASSIGNMENTS
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In addition to QUIZZES, you have the opportunity to earn a grade for several On-line Reading and Discussion Assignments. This satisfies the reading requirement of the BASIC INTELLECTUAL COMPETENCIES as required by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
Also see note by Author Richard Peck.
Cartoon © Wiley Miller
15. DEADLINES
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Deadlines are real! Students are expected to learn the material and stay on schedule. All assignments are due by the due date indicated. Late work (subject to 10 - 50 percent grade reduction) will not be accepted unless you have permission from the instructor. (You have to have a really good reason to receive permission.)
So, what is your best strategy? CLICK HERE
Cartoon © Wiley Miller
16. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY (Statement on Cheating and Plagiarism)
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Cheating will not be tolerated CLICK HERE
Plagiarism is a special form of cheating CLICK HERE
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Your work in class is expected to be your own! You may talk to others and discuss a topic with others, but you are required to complete the assignment itself on your own. In writing assignments, except for assignments that are considered group work, where collaboration is allowed, it is best not to compare assignments with each other until after all of you have submitted them. Non-group work assignments that are so similar so that there is no doubt that you have collaborated with each other will be considered under the rules of academic integrity.
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In addition, do NOT ask anyone to sign your name on an attendance roster. Each and all students must sign their own name on the attendance rosters. The person signing for another person, and the person asking, may be disciplined according to the rules of academic integrity.
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17. STUDY HINTS
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A regular fall/spring semester extends a period of over more than three months. Do not let this lead you into a false security that you have "all the time in the world" to finish your assignments. Summer semesters, on the other hand, move along fastER. Regular semester or Summer semester, make sure that you budget your time wisely. Do not attempt to short-cut the work, and do not delay your studies until just before deadlines.
Here are some hints that may be helpful:
Study time: Study every day. As a rule of thumb you should (depending on previous knowledge, study techniques, and grade desired) study
2-3 hours per week per credit hour.
here to see what STCC Math Instructor Merrie Van Loy thinks about this.
An opinion!? CLICK HERE
Another opinion!? CLICK HERE
You may want to form study groups. The Blackboard (WebCT) Class Help Desk can be used for this purpose.
For further information and more helpful tips read Tips for Biology Success.
18. COMPUTER USE
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Several assignments, both in the online and the hybrid class, and helpful course learning tools require the use of a computer. This satisfies the computer literacy requirement of the BASIC INTELLECTUAL COMPETENCIES as required by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
Computer use? CLICK HERE
19. GENERAL INFORMATION
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Click on the links to read about some general and common sense rules you are responsible to know about.
Lab safety: CLICK HERE
Negative and/or dangerous environment: CLICK HERE
Disruptive behavior: CLICK HERE
Withdrawal: CLICK HERE
Beepers, cell phones, tape recorders: CLICK HERE
TURN OFF YOUR CELL PHONE BEFORE YOU ENTER THE CLASS ROOM! DO NOT USE THE CELL PHONE IN THE CLASS ROOM! IF YOU NEED TO USE THE CELL PHONE DURING A BREAK -- LEAVE THE ROOM!
Visitors: CLICK HERE
STUDENTS NOT REGISTERED FOR THE COURSE -- NO MATTER WHO IS RESPONSIBLE, MUST AS PER STC REGULATION LEAVE THE CLASS ROOM!
ADA Students with Disabilities Statement (from the Biology Department Master Syllabus): Reasonable accommodations may be made that allow disabled students to be successful at STCC. Accommodations may be provided for those students who submit the appropriate documentation by an outside/independent professional evaluator or agency. Contact an STCC ADA/DSS Counselor in the Annex (Pecan) or call (956) 688-2006. Students may volunteer to inform the Instructor about their disability and associated classroom limitations, if applicable.
Developmental Studies Policy Statement (from the Biology Department Master Syllabus):
Failure to remain in at least one Developmental Studies course for students who have not met the passing standard on an approved assessment instrument in reading, writing, and/or mathematics may result in the student's withdrawal from ALL college courses.
All developmental courses including the College Success course will be included in the Semester Grade Point Average (GPA) for all students at STCC.
Students in Developmental Studies will be limited to a maximum of 13 credit hours of course work per semester and 7 credit hours per summer session.
Students taking 12 or more credit hours per semester who have not met the passing standard on an approved assessment instrument will be required to take two or more developmental courses every semester if they are deficient in more than one academic skill (reading, writing, and mathematics).
This document is available in an alternative format upon request.
20. INCOMPLETES
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If you qualify, you may make arrangements for an 'incomplete'. You must contact the instructor and ask for one. The instructor will not automatically assign "I" to students who miss an assignment. It must be a SERIOUS petition for an incomplete grade -- before the instructor turn in the grades to STC. Special rules applies for "incomplete" work -- the grade "I". See the "incompletes" below, the STC catalog or your instructor for further explanation.
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An "incomplete" is NOT a way of making up a missed assignment. An "incomplete" is NOT the same as a "make-up". You don't qualify for an incomplete because you didn't remember to do the assignment.
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Under NORMAL circumstances the only assignments you may qualify for an incomplete (the grade "i") are assignments late during the semester.
At the discretion of the instructor, and following the STCC policy, an "I" can be given to a student who is passing the course, for extreme emergencies late in the semester (documented illness and other documented unavoidable circumstances). (See the STC catalog for further details.) An "I" must be completed the semester following the semester the "I" was given.
Some of the rules for an incomplete:
i. Your must have a passing grade, calculated from the other assignments, when you ask for an incomplete.
ii. An incomplete must be completed the following semester. If not completed the "i" reported to the college by the instructor will automatically be changed to an F by the college grade computer.
iii. An incomplete can usually only be given for emergencies and official STC college excuses, e.g., you are representing STC in some event that collide with an assignment that cannot be made up.
iv. Unless circumstances are unusual, to be considered for an incomplete you can, usually, only miss one assignment.
21. STUDENT CONTRACT
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It is the student responsibility to read the syllabus. You must familiarize yourself with the provisions of this syllabus. Make sure you know the course requirements by referring to the course syllabus throughout the semester.
You must acknowledge that you have read this students contract by taking the Syllabus Contract Quiz on Blackboard as noted in the semester calendar, or your name may be removed from the course roster. However, note that this instructor does not necessarily drop students, so if you are unable to complete the course it is the student's responsibility to complete the necessary paperwork for the withdrawal. Withdrawing is a formal procedure which YOU must initiate. If you don't your name will remain on the roster and you will receive a grade at the end of the semester, usually an F.
WebCT bulletin board acknowledgment of receiving the syllabus information:
... some final words:
The course content may vary from this outline to meet the needs of a particular class, and the schedule may be changed due to unforeseen circumstances. The instructor therefore reserves the right to alter (add, delete, or revise) any items of the course, syllabus and course calendar, online or via verbal instructions in class. The student is responsible for taking note of any such changes and acting accordingly.
Also notice the following: If the instructor and the textbook disagree on factual material, the instructor is correct!!!
Unless you have already have clicked on the links when encountered higher up in the syllabus, for further educational philosophies of the instructor click on the following links:
I'm the Teacher, You're the Student
Has anyone ever told the students that?
Thank you for reading the syllabus! Your Environmental Biology Professor
Copyright © 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, Jan A. Nilsson. Page created 08.I.1998, last updated 18.I.2009, most likely during the wee hours of the morning on an outdated G3 PowerBook clunker owned by Jan A. Nilsson. Web page layout and design © and intellectual property Jan A. Nilsson. Content on Dr. Nilsson's CyberOffice may not be used for commercial purposes. All rights reserved. Except for educational purposes and 'fair use' (see below), reproduction of the whole or any part of the contents without written permission is prohibited. If used for educational purposes and 'fair use', including photographs, source must be given. (Some clip art, texts and backgrounds used on Dr. Nilsson's CyberOffice downloaded for educational purposes and/or 'fair use' from Internet free domain has no source.)
-- Disclaimer: "Dr. Nilsson's CyberOffice", at the time of writing located as a file under the South Texas College's (STC) web server with the general URL http://www.southtexascollege.edu/, is the intellectual property of Dr. Jan A. Nilsson, member of STC biology faculty. The content of Dr. Nilsson's CyberOffice does not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of the STC faculty, staff, administration, and Board of Trustees.
-- Fair Use Notice:
Web pages on Dr. Nilsson's CyberOffice are used for educational purposes; I understand the "fair use notice" below as the correct interpretation of the copyright law. Fair non-commercial use is necessary in order to maintain an open and free Internet -- as originally intended. As an educator I thank whom it may concern for allowing the use of material under the "fair use rule" for educational purposes to educate this and future generations.
 If anyone feels that his or her material cannot be used this way I will immediately remove it if notified. 
(Statement originating from www.sullivan-county.com/)
"This site [may contain] copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental, political, human rights, economic, democracy, scientific, and social justice issues, etc. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use', you must obtain permission from the copyright owner."
-- Statement not related to the instructor of this course:
To comply with TEACH Act guidelines, instructors are asked to include the following statement as a footer in each online class home page:
South Texas College
Copyright Notice for Distance Education and Web-Enhanced Classes
Course materials may be protected by copyright. United States copyright law, Title 17 USC and South Texas College policy prohibit unauthorized use, duplication, or retransmission of course materials. See http://www.copyright.gov/legislation/pl107-273.html#13301 and STC policy at http://www.southtexascollege.edu/president/policies/pdf/3000/3835.pdf
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Statement not related to the instructor of this course:
All South Texas College syllabi must include the following statements regarding Statement of Equal Opportunity, alternative format and ADA services:
Statement of Equal Opportunity: No person shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any program or activity sponsored or conducted by South Texas College on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status or disability.
Alternative Format Statement: This document is available in an alternative format upon request by calling 956-872-2023 (biology department faculty secretary who maintains the syllabus and can provide a copy upon request).
ADA Statement: Individuals with disabilities requiring assistance or access to receive services should contact disABILITY Support Services at (956) 872-2173.
