Syllabus

Kennesaw State University

SCI 1101/08

CRN: 81754

Science, Society & Environment I

Fall Semester 2010

 Instructor: Kyle Vermillion 

Time and Place: Sat 8:00 AM – 10:45 AM ; SC 109

Contact Information: email: kyle1946@yahoo.com

 (Please use this email address for contacts!)

 Office hours by appointment. phone: 770-423-6158 (This is the department's number. I'll check my messages on Saturdays only. To contact me, it will be better to use email).

 Course URL:  www.kylevermillion.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/kyle.vermillion

Linkedin:  http://www.linkedin.com/pub/kyle-vermillion/15/562/4a4

Class files: www.scribd.com/rkv

It is extremely important for you to: (1) join scribd.com (free); (2) learn to use the site; and (3) subscribe to my account so that you'll have access to all of the class files. Please do not pay for this sevice. You may get a message that the files are archived and there is a fee. This is something new. I'm working on getting up new free files for you  ASAP! (Posted on 8/16/2010 at 2:35 AM).

SCI 1101 - Science, Society, and the Environment Course Description
3 Class Hours 2 Laboratory Hours 4 Credit Hours; Prerequisite: ENGL 0099, READ 0099, MATH 0099, if required.

This course is the first in a two part sequence that fulfills the general education science requirement. Using the context of environmental issues it introduces students to the basic nature of matter, energy, and living systems and to the nature of science. Emphasis is placed on making decisions about scientific issues. Science 1101 is not designed for science majors and is not a prerequisite for introductory courses in biology, chemistry, or physics.*
In our time together, we’ll study three lecture units and complete one unit of laboratory. Our lecture units cover: An introduction to environmental science; basic chemistry with special emphasis on hydrocarbons; and an overview of ecology and biogeography. Online exercises provide the laboratory experience (there is no laboratory room or facility). You may complete the online laboratory exercises at any convenient location.

Here is the class website: http://kylevermillion.com Important information will be posted here and updated weekly (of course if you are reading this, you likely have found the site!). Pleas note: There two classes on this site. Be sure to follow the tabs for SCI 1101.
Class materials will be posted on the scribd.com site. Students must open a free scribd.com account; learn to use the site; and download all class files from scribd.com. This is your first assignment. Do these things ASAP. Here is the site where the class materials are found: http://www.scribd.com/rkv.
Vista will not be used in this class. No test results will be posted. Test results will be provided in class.

Class Format
We’ll meet once a week on Saturday mornings from 8 to 10:45 AM. Typically, we first have a lecture-discussion followed by a break. After the break we’ll view a video. Each video will have a video question guide. Answer these as you view the video. We’ll then have a short break followed by a lecture discussion.
Randomly, at the end of about five classes, students will be asked to answer a question. The student’s papers will be graded as extra credit (2 points per assignment). These assignments serve two purposes: (1) to check attendance; and (2) provide a few extra credit points for the students in attendance. Class attendance is not required, but it is highly recommended.

Students will have a detailed lecture/video schedule. This schedule will also provide test dates. All class files (except the lab exercises) as posted at: http://www.scribd.com/rkv.

Testing
The tests will be based on the following: (1) lectures; (2) study guides; (3) video guides; (4) laboratory exercises; and (5) glossaries. The type of questions will be: (1) multiple choice; (2) matching; (3) fill-in-the blank; and (4) true-false. Each test and the final will have approximately 60 questions.
Two tests are given plus a cumulative final examination. The first test covers unit 1 material and test two focuses on ecology.
There are no makeup tests or pretests given to students. If you miss taking a test, you will receive a zero for that test grade. The lower of your two test grades will be dropped and the higher score will be averaged with your final exam and laboratory grades to determine your final course grade.
Grades
Each test and the final are worth 100 points each. The laboratory counts 70 points. There are 270 points in total (100%).
Grading example (1)
Test 1, 80%; test 2, 95%; final exam, 85%; lab grade, 90% (.9 x 70 = 63 points); extra credit points 10
(95 + 85+ 63 + 10)/270 = 253/270 = .937 = 94% (Note: Test grade 1 is dropped)
Grading example (2)
Test 1 85%; test 2 zero (missed the test); final exam 80%; lab grade 90% (.9 x 70 = 63 points); extra credit points 10
(85+ 80+ 63+ 10)/270 = 238/270 = .881 = 88% (Note: Test 2 is dropped)
Grade ranges: A 100-90%; B 89-80; C 79-70%; D 69-60%; F 59-0%

Laboratory
The laboratory grade counts 25% of the class grade. This laboratory grade will be determined in either of two ways totally at the discretion of the instructor. The two possible assessment methods are: (1) inclusion of laboratory - based questions on the tests and final exam; or (2) the marking of a laboratory portfolio submitted on the day of the final exam. Early in term, students will be notified as to which laboratory assessment method will be used. Here is the laboratory link: http://science.kennesaw.edu/biophys/gened/1101labs/
Guidance for completing the laboratories will be presented in class and posted online.

Inclement Weather
Occasionally, we have bad weather to the degree that classes at KSU are cancelled. If such conditions arise, please check the KSU weather alert online and/or my website, www.kylevermillion.com for class closings announcements. In the event that a class is cancelled, any assignments, lectures, or tests scheduled for that date will be due or executed on the following class meeting.
Last Day to Withdraw without Penalty
This day is posted on the term’s academic calendar. Students should familiarize themselves with KSU’s class withdrawal policy which is written in the University’s handbook. *KSU Course Catalogue, 2010.