Introduction to General Biology I course syllabus

Summary

Dr. Ronald Raquel introduces the syllabus for a summer 2023 course, emphasizing the use of Canvas and Top Hat platforms for assignments and grading. The course is divided into lecture and lab components, with specific grading criteria for pre- and post-exercises, daily typed notes, and exams. A strong recommendation is made for purchasing a specific textbook, and a detailed explanation of the grading scale, attendance policy, and assignment submission process is provided. The syllabus also outlines the importance of preparation and participation for student success.

Takeaways

• 📅 The class is for the summer of 2023 and is structured as an accelerated program over six weeks.
• 📚 The syllabus and important course documents can be found on Canvas, the learning management system.
• 👋 Dr. Ronald Raquel (Roderick L. Rolle) is the instructor for the course.
• 📖 Students are strongly recommended to purchase a specific textbook, with the 12th edition being the preferred but not the only acceptable version.
• 🛒 The textbook and Virtual Lab exercises are to be purchased through a company called Top Hat, with an ISBN/BN number provided.
• 🏆 The grading for the course is divided between lecture (64%) and lab (36%), with specific weight given to different components such as exams and daily notes.
• 📝 Daily typed notes are a significant part of the lecture grade and are expected to be submitted before class.
• 🚫 Strict policies are in place regarding cell phone use and the prohibition of mechanical pencils during lectures to minimize distractions.
• 🧪 The lab component involves working with sensitive materials, so food and drink are not allowed in the lab classroom.
• 📅 Attendance is crucial; students cannot miss more than four days in the six-week course, with each day equivalent to two days of a regular semester.
• 🔍 The course is divided into units, with each unit having pre-exercises, post-exercises, and exams, which are weighted differently in the grading scale.

Q & A

Who is the instructor for the summer class of 2023?

The instructor is Dr. Ronald Raquel, also referred to as Roderick L. Rolle.

What is the platform used for the class syllabus and assignments?

The platform used is Canvas, which includes features like home, announcements, and grades.

How can students view the class in student mode on Canvas?

Students can view the class in student mode on Canvas by navigating to the 'home' section and then selecting 'student view'.

What is the recommended textbook for the class and is there a specific edition required?

The recommended textbook is not specified by title in the script, but it is suggested that any edition can be used, with the 12th edition mentioned as an example that might be more expensive than older versions.

How can students purchase the required textbook and lab exercises?

Students can purchase the textbook and lab exercises through a company called Top Hat, using the provided ISBN BN number.

What is the grading breakdown for the course between lecture and lab components?

The grading breakdown is 64 percent for the lecture component and 36 percent for the lab component.

How are the lecture and lab activities submitted?

Lecture activities are mostly submitted through Canvas, while lab activities are submitted through Top Hat.

What is the policy on cell phone usage during lecture time?

Students are required to turn off their cell phones or put them on silent during lecture time and are not allowed to play on their phones.

What is the instructor's policy on mechanical pencils in class?

The instructor finds mechanical pencils to be very distracting and does not allow their use in class.

What is the maximum number of absences allowed in the course?

The course allows for no more than four absences, but due to the accelerated nature of the summer program, missing two days is equivalent to missing four days in a regular semester.

How are the lecture and lab assignments weighted in terms of grading?

In the lecture portion, the unit exam is weighted the heaviest at 51 percent, followed by typed notes at 38 percent. In the lab portion, daily assignments account for 50 percent, with pre-lab and post-lab quizzes each accounting for 25 percent.