Syllabus

Kennesaw State University

SCI 1101/07

CRN: 11722

Science, Society & Environment I

Spring 2012

 Instructor: Kyle Vermillion 

Time and Place: Saturdays  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: http://www.scribd.com/rkv

In this class you'll not use Vista.

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.  For best results, do not use the Facebook login. Set up your own Scribd.com account.  Please do not pay for this sevice. You may get a message that the files are archived and there is a fee. If you get this message, email me and I'll correct it.  How to Use Scribd.com

1.       Go to: http://www.scribd.com

2.       Create a Scribd account (don’t use Facebook for this class, it doesn’t work well for our purposes).

a.       Find the signup tab (top right).

b.      Enter your email address and create a username and password.

c.       Now you can access the files at: http://www.scribd.com/rkv                      (for SCI 1101)

 With all scribd based files, download the files and then print them. You'll save a lot of time and paper!!!!

 

If you still have problems, email me at kyle1946@yahoo.com

 Class Schedule (1/5/2012)

http://www.scribd.com/doc/77258284/SCI-1101-Schedule-Spring-2012

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 Saturdays. 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 four classes, students will be asked to answer a question. The student’s papers will be graded as extra credit (3 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.

Required Text: Environment, The Science Behind the Stories by Withgott and Brennan  (4th edition).

 You must also purchase the rights to use the web based Mastering Environmental Science. Both are available in the KSU bookstore. 10% on your grade will be based on homework that is available only on the Mastering Environmental Science site.


Students will have a detailed lecture/video schedule. This schedule will also provide test dates. All class files (except the lab exercises and Mastering Environmental Science web based homework) 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 and the Mastering Environmental Science homework is weighted at 10%, 30 points. There are 300 points in total (100%).


Grading example

Test 1, 80%; test 2, 95%; final exam, 85%; lab grade, 90% (.9 x 70 = 63 points); homework, 80% (.8 x 30 = 24 points); and extra credit points 10.

total points = (95 + 85+ 63 + 24 +10)

Class percentage grade = (total points x 100)/300 = (277 x 100)/300

Class percentage grade = 27,700/300 = 92%, an A

 (Note: In this example,the  test 1 grade was 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/schedule/index.htm  
Guidance for completing the laboratories will be presented in class and posted online.

Homework

You will have standard course wide homework assignments which you will do with the online MasteringEnvironmentalScience site. The homework will count as 10% of your final course grade. More information concerning homework will be posted here soon (After 1/5/2012).

Here is a link to PPP file which guides you through registration with MasteringEnironmentalScience. Set up your account ASAP.

The course ID is: MESVERMILLION11722

http://www.scribd.com/doc/77265618/Mastering-Environmental-Science-FDOC-PPT-Fall-2010

As with all scribd based files, download the file and then print it. You'll save a lot of time and paper!!!!

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.