BIOL 2306
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1st 5½ Week Session (35070) (001) June 1 – July 7, 2009 2nd 5½ Week Session (36775) (002) July 8 – August 13, 2009 |
THE LIVING PLANET
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Keeping in Touch & Using Blackboard Course Format Videos Print Materials
Students With Disabilities
Objectives
Exams and Testing Centers Extra Credit Grades Schedule- 1st
5½ Week Schedule- 2nd 5½ Week
Study Tips Student IDs| Scholastic Integrity |Withdrawals| Incompletes LRS Web Resources Student
Information Sheet
Enrollment
in BIOL 2306 requires that you have scored at least a 5 on the skill level
placement test for the Reading and Writing or you must
be exempt from taking that test. See the Texas Success Initiative. Dr. Muzos may drop you from this class without notice
if you do not meet this prerequisite.
PROFESSOR: Dr. Steve Muzos
OFFICE: Room 820 Pinnacle Campus (PIN)
TELEPHONE: 223-8228 (with voice mail)
Email: smuzos@austincc.edu
ALWAYS
add BIOL 2306 to the subject
line.
Do NOT send attachments
Add this address to your email “safe” list.
WEB PAGE: http://www2.austincc.edu/muzos
FAX: (512) 223-8213 Add a cover sheet with Dr. Muzos' name.
OFFICE HOURS:
June 1 - July 7
Mon.-Thurs.
11:30 - 11:50 a.m.
Mon.-Thurs.
4:00 - 4:45 p.m.
July 8 -
August 13
Tues. & Thurs. 4:00 - 5:20 p.m.
Other
Hours by Appointment
Please feel
free to drop by or call during these office hours, or make arrangements in
advance in order to contact Dr. Muzos at other times.
Note: To view the video clips here in the syllabus, you need to install the current RealPlayer. To download this free program, and if you have any problems watching the video clips in this syllabus, click this link.
(Even though the streaming video mentions an email list, ignore that.)
You are required to do the following for this class.
In order to learn how to do these things, go to the Blackboard login site and click on the "Student Guide - Getting Started With Blackboard" link. You can also access the Blackboard system itself from the "Log In to Blackboard" link on Dr. Muzos’ web site.
It is a good idea to stay in touch with other students who are enrolled in this course in order to form real or virtual study groups. You can post questions and comments to everyone through the Blackboard Discussion Board or you can use the real time Chat Room from the site. You will receive Super Extra Credit for asking and answering questions about BIOL 2306 in the Bb Discussion Board (the button on the left side of the 2306 Bb screen).
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Your Guide to Finding Information in
Bb |
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Getting
Started Log in, click the “My ACC” tab at the top of the page, then click on the “The Living Planet” link. The “Announcements” page for BIOL 2306 should appear. Now, use the table below. |
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Button on left side of the screen |
Topics Available |
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Assignments |
Course Calendar The Video Episodes Study Guide - Information & Corrections Exams and Study Tips Using the Discussion Board Extra Credit BIOL 2306 Chat Room |
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Course Information |
Overview Orientation for BIOL 2306 Syllabus Your Responsibilities |
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Info: Units 1-6 |
General Information and Links Information and Resources for each unit |
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Discussion Board |
This is where to post and read messages about the course |
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Email etc. |
Send email to other students |
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Tools |
Calendar Grades Personal Information User manual |
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Faculty Information |
Dr. Muzos’ office hours and contact information |
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Announcements |
All course announcements |
The Living Planet is an ACC Distance Learning course, available by personal computer with modem (PCM) format, with material available in video tape and DVD formats. The episodes are not broadcast on cable. Copies of the video or DVDs of the episodes are available in the ACC libraries. The course consists of six units of material which survey the major groups of plants and animals, and their evolution and natural history. Students must watch 12 one-hour video programs (episodes), which were produced by the BBC and narrated by David Attenborough. These videos are required course materials. They do not have closed captions available.
Students occasionally say that they have trouble understanding David Attenborough's British accent. Here are suggestions if you have that happen to you.
This course is offered through the Virtual
College of Texas (VCT) as well as for students enrolled through
ACC. See the ACC VCT Student
Information page as well. VCT students should be in touch with the
local contact person at their local campus for information about facilities and
testing for this course. The names of local contacts may be found at the VCT
web site, then click on the Administrative button, click on VCT Contacts, then
click on the region for your local college.
If you have questions about ACC or Distance Learning courses call the DISTANCE LEARNING HELP LINE at 223-8026, or toll free at 1-888-223-8026, from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Mon.-Fri.
The video episodes are numbered, and each one also has a title, which corresponds to the titles given in the Study Guide.
1 The
Building of the Earth
2 The Frozen World
3 The Northern Forests
4 Jungle
5 Seas of Grass
6 The Baking Deserts
7 Community in the Skies
8 Sweet, Fresh Water
9 Margins of the Land
10 Worlds Apart
11 Oceans
12 New Worlds
Great News! The video episodes for BIOL 2306 are available as streaming video through Bb. This means that you can watch any episode at any time on your computer through Bb. If you have broad band service it runs smoothly; if you have dial up it may be a bit slower. You also need to have speakers on your computer, but only if you want to hear it! The streaming videos are in Flash media, which is probably already installed on your computer. If it is not already installed, a window should pop up when you try to view the videos telling you that you need to install a Flash plugin, so just do what it says.
Here is how to access the videos.
1) Go to your Bb page for BIOL 2306.
2) Click on the: "Assignments" button
Then “The Video Episodes”
Then “Watch the Videos”
Then “Living Planet Videos” – I know, it is a lot of links, but now you are there!
4) Click on the link to the episode that you want to watch.
You can probably figure out the controls for volume and to start, pause and
stop, etc.
If you need help or have comments, just post a message to the Bb
Discussion Board.
LIBRARY CHECKOUT
Episode copies are available in the ACC Library at each of the following
locations:
PURCHASE
The video mentioned the possibility of purchasing the videotapes for this course. If you can find
them, be sure to get the complete 12 programs, not a shorter 3-4 program set
that is not complete enough for this course.
The Living Planet series is now available in DVD
format. If you choose to buy these, you may try your favorite video
sales outlet, or use your favorite search engine to find them on the web. Be
sure that it has all 12 complete episodes, and that it is rated for play in
Region 1 (
The study guide BIOL 2306, Living Planet Concepts and Questions, 9th edition, August 2007, by Speer, Maxim, & Strong is required. The study guide is available from the following outlets.
The Study Guide includes the objectives for the course.
You may want to consider a supplemental book called the Geography Coloring Book, which should be available in the bookstore. It is being used in some sections of this course to help students locate the regions discussed in the videos. Another good resource for the same material would be a world atlas, which you should be able to find at any bookstore, including used book stores. Web sites are also useful, and are listed in Bb.
Although it is out of print, and not required, the companion book, The Living Planet: A Portrait of the Earth, by David Attenborough, may be available for purchase at used bookstores and from web-based book vendors. Copies are also on 2-hour reserve in the library at CYP, EVC, NRG, PIN, RGC, RVS, and SAC. VCT students may find copies at their local campus library or through interlibrary loan. Be aware that some topics covered in the book are not mentioned in the videos and vice versa.
There are various places in this course where
the video (or other sources) and the Study Guide do not agree completely.
The Study Guide and its references provide the most recent information, so you
should consider it to be the more accurate source. Dr. Muzos may post
corrections or additions to the information in the Study Guide in Bb, in which
case assume that what he says is the most accurate.
EXAM QUESTIONS ARE BASED ON MATERIALS IN THE VIDEO EPISODES, STUDY GUIDE, REFERENCES AND WEB SITES LISTED IN THE STUDY GUIDE, AND ANY POSTINGS OR ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM DR. MUZOS.
All students who require accommodations must give Dr. Muzos a current
copy of their ACC accommodations letter and discuss their situation with Dr.
Muzos during office hours of the first week of class.
Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented disabilities. Students with disabilities must request reasonable accommodations through the Office for Students with Disabilities on the campus where they expect to take the majority of their classes. Students are encouraged to do this before the start of the semester.
All exams are available in
the ACC Testing Centers at Cypress Creek, Eastview,
Northridge, Pinnacle,
There are two different exams for each unit (Form A and Form B) from which to choose. You may take either one of them first and use the other form as an alternate exam. Each exam is scored as being worth 167 points, even though there are extra points available on the exam. Take your initial exam for each of the 6 units in sequence. Exams may include material from previous units.
Some exams may become available online in the ACC testing centers. If that happens Dr. Muzos will post information on Bb.
Form A has all
three of the following three types of questions.
1) 41
multiple-choice, true-false, or matching questions worth three points each. The
2) 30 points of fill-in-the-blank and short answer questions
Samples: The rhododendron
forests discussed in the video are found in
If you walk uphill from them, which habitat will you be in? ______________________
3) Six Geography/ Map Questions worth three points each. You will be asked to identify and locate features, populations, and places that were mentioned in the study guide and the videos. A list of these can be found in Bb by clicking on the “Info: Units 1-6” button on the left side of the BIOL 2306 page. Look up the locations as you study the material. World atlases are available at various ACC Library locations to help you. One suggested web site for looking up locations is World Atlas.Com , others are listed in Bb at the "Assignments" link
Sample maps are provided in the study guide, although they do not have all of the features on them. The quizzes will use a copy of the map found on page ii of the Study guide which is also available on the web as described in Bb at the "Assignments" button, then the “Exams and Study Tips” link. Be sure to look at the Discussion Board of Bb for additional help.
Sample map questions:
Shade in the
proper location of
Put an X where matamata turtles are found naturally.
Form B is an essay exam requiring you to answer 10 of 14 questions, worth 17 points each. Here is a sample question.
1. Assume that you are in a forest and are
watching an animal called an XXXXXXX.
a. Name and describe the type of forest in which you
must be standing.
b. Name five other specific organisms that you might
find in this forest.
c. Which specific areas of the world contain these
types of forests.
d. Describe the feeding style of this animal.
You may
not repeat the same exam form once you have taken it for a unit.
Dr. Muzos will count the higher score if you take both forms.
Be sure to fill out the
The
If you are not satisfied with your grade, you may take the other exam form for that unit, but you must wait at least 24 hours before taking the alternate exam for the same unit. You may go back and take the alternate exam form for a unit at any later time during the semester, until the Absolute Exam Deadline.
Dr. Muzos will keep all exams and grade
sheets. Students are not allowed to copy or keep any of these materials.
GRADES AND HELP
are available from Dr. Muzos by:
If you have
questions about ACC or Distance Learning courses, call the Distance Learning
Help Line Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., at 223-8026, or toll
free at 1-888-223-8026, from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Mon.-Fri.
EXTRA
CREDIT
Video
Clip
There are three ways to get extra credit in this course.
1. Find one web site which applies to the material in a Unit. (maximum of 3 points per unit)
· Post (to the Bb discussion for that unit) a description of how the information in the site is useful for the Unit, and explain why you picked that particular site. Include the complete web address (URL), including http:// . . . . so that it becomes an active link. References from Wikipedia and other encyclopedia-type sites are not allowed.
You may post one URL per unit, as long as no one else has already posted that URL.
URLs for any unit must be posted no later than two calendar days after the recommended deadline for the exam for that unit except that Unit 6 URL’s are due the day before the Absolute Deadline.
2. LEARNING STYLE SELFASSESSMENT (3
points)
Complete the online workshop called Learning Style Self Assessment before you take your
first exam for this course. Click the "Assignments" button,
then the “Extra Credit” link in Bb for specific instructions.
3. PASSPORT TO SUCCESS (3 points)
Complete the online workshop called Passport
to Success before you take your second exam for this course.
Click the "Assignments" button then the “Extra Credit” link in Bb for
specific instructions.
4. CHARITABLE WEB DONATIONS (free to you) --- (maximum of 8 points total for the course) --- Visit and "donate" to any or all of the web sites on the clawz page described below. You may donate to each site only once per day. Each of the sites uses support from sponsors, and each time you "donate" at that site the sponsors actually provide real donations to the cause supported by that web site. These donations are free to you, and do not result in you receiving any junk email or spam in return. Basically you receive ½ point for each ‘donation.’ Click the "Assignments" button then the “Extra Credit” link in Bb for specific instructions.
5. SUPER EXTRA CREDIT (maximum of 12 points total for the course)
· Ask a relevant question on the Bb Discussion Board. (1 point for each posting)
· Be the first one to post a correct answer to another student's question on the Bb Discussion Board. (1 point for each posting)
o Send them by ACC campus mail to Dr. Muzos at PIN, to arrive by the deadline.
o Bring them to Dr. Muzos' office at 820 PIN during office hours there, or at other times just slide them under his office door (not under the door to the hallway) by the deadline.
o Send them by U.S. mail to Dr. Muzos, ACC, Biology Department, 7748 Highway 290 W, Austin, TX 78736, to arrive by the deadline.
o Send by email to smuzos@austincc.edu in the message of the email, not as an attachment. You can copy and paste from your word processing program. ALWAYS add BIOL 2306 in the subject line of all email.
To find your grades in Bb, click on the “Tools” button, then click the “My Grades” link.
Your points for all the course activities are totaled at the end of the course, and in Bb. Scores for this course are not "curved." The following scale is used to determine your final course grade:
Total Points Earned Course Grade
900 or
more
A
800-899.5
B
700-799.5
C
600-699.5
D
below
600
F
Use the chart below to keep
track of your grades.
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UNIT |
Form A 167 points/exam |
Form B 167 points/exam |
URL EXTRA CREDIT 3 pts./unit |
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2 |
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3 |
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4 |
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5 |
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6 |
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Web Donations (8) |
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TOTALS |
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COURSE TOTAL |
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COURSE GRADE |
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Use the following scale if you want to know a letter grade for each of your individual exams.
150-171 = A
133.5-149.5
= B
116.5-133
= C
100-116
= D
The Course Calendar is available in Bb from the Assignments button.
The schedule contains both Recommended Deadlines (they are flexible) and Absolute Deadlines (they are not flexible). It allows about the same amount of time for each unit, with a little extra time for Unit 1 to help you get started. Please note that any exams which are taken after the Absolute Deadline will not be graded.
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BIOL 2306
DEADLINES for SUMMER 2009 – 1st Session |
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VIDEO PROGRAM (EPISODE NUMBER |
RECOMMENDED DEADLINE (these are flexible) |
ABSOLUTE DEADLINE* |
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Exam 1 |
1 & 2 |
June 8 |
July 7* |
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Exam 2 |
3 & 4 |
June 14 |
July 7* |
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Exam 3 |
5 & 6 |
June 20 |
July 7* |
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Exam 4 |
7 & 8 |
June 26 |
July 7* |
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Exam 5 |
9 &10 |
July 1 |
July 7* |
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* ALL exams taken on July 6 & 7, 2009 must be taken at
the PIN Testing Center. |
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Exam 6 |
11& 12 |
July 7* |
July 7* |
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Required Online
Orientation |
June 7 |
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Withdrawal from the course without a grade of “W” |
June 9 ??? |
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Unit 1 extra credit |
June 10 |
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Unit 2 extra credit |
June 16 |
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Unit 3 extra credit |
June 22 |
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Unit 4 extra credit |
June 29 |
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Withdrawal from the course with a grade of “W” |
June 30 |
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Unit 5 extra credit |
July 3 |
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Super Extra Credit |
July 6 |
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Unit 6 extra credit |
July 6 |
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Web Donations extra credit |
July 6 |
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* ALL exams taken
on July 6 & 7, 2009 must be taken at the PIN Testing Center.
Be careful to
pay attention to the hours for the
The Course Calendar is available in Bb from the Assignments button.
The schedule contains both Recommended Deadlines (they are flexible) and Absolute Deadlines (they are not flexible). It allows about the same amount of time for each unit, with a little extra time for Unit 1 to help you get started. Please note that any exams which are taken after the Absolute Deadline will not be graded.
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BIOL 2306
DEADLINES for SUMMER 2009 - 2nd Session |
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VIDEO PROGRAM (EPISODE NUMBER |
RECOMMENDED DEADLINE (these are flexible) |
ABSOLUTE DEADLINE* |
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Exam 1 |
1 & 2 |
July 15 |
August 13* |
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Exam 2 |
3 & 4 |
July 21 |
August 13* |
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Exam 3 |
5 & 6 |
July 27 |
August 13* |
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Exam 4 |
7 & 8 |
August 1 |
August 13* |
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Exam 5 |
9 &10 |
August 7 |
August 13* |
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* ALL exams taken on August 12 & 13, 2009 must be taken
at the PIN Testing Center. |
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Exam 6 |
11& 12 |
August 13* |
August 13* |
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Required Online
Orientation |
July 14 |
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Withdrawal from the course without a grade of “W” |
July 16 ?? |
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Unit 1 extra credit |
July 17 |
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Unit 2 extra credit |
July 23 |
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Unit 3 extra credit |
July 29 |
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Unit 4 extra credit |
August 3 |
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Unit 5 extra credit |
August 9 |
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Withdrawal from the
course with a grade of “W” |
August 6 |
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Super Extra Credit |
August 12 |
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Unit 6 extra credit |
August 12 |
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Web Donations extra credit |
August 12 |
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* ALL exams taken
on August 12 & 13, 2009 must be taken at the PIN Testing Center.
Be careful to
pay attention to the hours for the
The ACC Distance Learning web site has a Distance Learning Online Student Handbook with suggestions on how to succeed in courses with this type of format. Read it.
For tips on preparing for
tests see Test Taking Skills
For testing tips see Strategies For Test Questions
In addition, the following are recommended for each of the six units.
names of organisms, chemicals, materials, and places
detailed
characteristics, adaptations, diets, and behaviors of organisms
explanations
of processes and physical phenomena
dates and
time lines
interactions
of organisms with each other and with their environment
specific
examples for everything
exact
locations of places, organisms, events, etc. (on a map)
habitats
etc.
See Resources
for Distance Learning Students.
Unless Dr. Muzos gives you specific instructions otherwise, do your own assignments and only your assignments.
All students must adhere to the current policies and procedures of ACC. Students should be familiar with the current ACC policies in the ACC Student Handbook (available in the Student Development Office), and the current ACC General Catalog (also available in the Admissions and Records Office. Violations of ACC policies and procedures will be handled according to the Student Discipline Procedures as described in the current ACC Student Handbook.
Dr. Muzos will keep all exams and answer sheets. Students are not allowed to copy or keep any of these materials.
Students are responsible for withdrawing themselves from the course. Students who have not successfully completed at least four of the six exams (with a minimum grade of at least 70%) before the WITHDRAWAL DEADLINE should withdraw themselves from the course, since they are likely to have a difficult time completing the course on schedule.
If a student plans to withdraw voluntarily from the course, he or she must complete all necessary paperwork at the Admissions and Records office by the withdrawal deadline in the ACC Course Schedule. Dr. Muzos does not need to sign it.
Dr. Muzos may withdraw students for not completing the required online orientation by the deadline, for not keeping a working email address in Bb, for lack of progress, or the violation of course/syllabus requirements, however he is not required to do so. It is the responsibility of all students to check their status at all times and to turn in their own withdrawal form if they decide to drop the course. Students not completing all work by the Unit 6 deadline, and who do not withdraw themselves will receive a letter grade unless they qualify for, have requested, and been approved by Dr. Muzos for an Incomplete grade.
The State of
A grade of "I" (INCOMPLETE) will be given only
if all of the following requirements are met.
Incompletes will not be given for procrastination. Please note that exceptions to these guidelines will NOT be made for extenuating circumstances.
ACC library on-line services are available to all ACC students.
Follow these links for additional ACC Library services, which are available to Distance Learning students, including off-site access to ACC, and access to reference librarians .
Electronic reference sources and
full-text articles .
After you have read this syllabus and watched the video clips, you are almost done with the orientation. In order to finish the on-line orientation you must complete the Student Information Sheet, and submit it electronically to Dr Muzos. When you submit it on line you will get to a page called "THANK YOU FOR FILLING OUT THIS FORM," where your information is listed. PRINT A COPY OF THAT PAGE for your own records. You will receive a confirmation email from Dr. muzos within a few days. If you have problems, send email to Dr. Muzos for help at smuzos@austincc.edu (always mention BIOL 2306 in the subject line).
THE ENTIRE STAFF HOPES THAT YOU
ENJOY THE COURSE!
HAVE A GREAT SEMESTER!!!
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Last Updated May 31, 2009 by Steve Muzos
Video production magic by Stevan
Sanchez
Technical wizardry by Peg Raiford