Course Policy
.DAKIN.CPS.BIO.1113 Hinds Community College
INSTRUCTOR: Dr. O. DAKIN
1. COURSE TITLE: BIO 1113 PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY I
2. COURSE DESCRIPTION: Investigations of basic biological science.
3. COURSE GOALS & OBJECTIVES: The student will have:
1. Knowledge of scientific thought and methodology.
2. Knowledge of scientific applications to current biological issues.
3. Gain an understanding of the chemical basis for life.
4. Describe structure and functions of cells.
5. Describe cellular reproduction.
6. Explain the basics of genetics and solve genetic problems.
4. INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES: Reading and web assignments, instructor notes, references to other materials, and weekly quizzes. This course is NOT self-paced. Students are expected to maintain the scheduled due dates for assignments.
5. OUTCOME COMPETENCIES: knowledge of basic principles of biology.
6. METHODS OF EVALUATION: The course grade will be determined by proctored Tests/Exams and Quizzes. See GRADE DETERMINATION for details.
7. ATTENDANCE and WITHDRAWAL: Attendance is taken by student completion of the assignment or weekly quiz by the scheduled due date. Students must follow the Hinds Community College guidelines on withdrawal as per the Attendance and Withdrawal Policy in the Student Handbook.
8. GRADING: The final course grade is based on a percentage of the points earned out of the total points available during the course. Grading scale: A = 90% of the total points; B = 80%; C = 70%; D = 60%; F = less than 60% of points. In accordance with Distance Learning policy: A student will not pass this course if he/she does not pass at least one proctored test with a grade of D.
9. ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY: Students are expected to conduct themselves with honesty and integrity throughout the course. Evidence of cheating or being caught cheating including plagiarism will be grounds for dismissal from the course with a grade of "F" and possibly from the college. No materials (no notes, books, electronic equipment) are allowed to be used during a proctored Test.
10. TESTING POLICY
Quizzes – At completion of the lesson, the student will take an online quiz. For quizzes any materials may be used. For credit the assignment quiz must be completed by the due date. Quizzes and tests/exams will be available for a certain time period after which they "close" and will be unavailable to the student. In fairness to students that completed the assignment on time, quizzes will not be reopened.
TESTS/EXAMS - There will be two proctored Tests/Exams; mid-term and final. Proctored means that the test MUST be taken at an approved test center and will be supervised by a facilitator called a proctor. It is each student’s responsibility to make an appointment with the proctor at the campus of your choice for the test during its available time. Students should be advised to schedule their proctored exam as far in advance as possible. See proctoring information on the website.
Additional Information:
The major tests/exams are non-comprehensive over selected chapters; there is no comprehensive exam. All students are required to take all tests; no students are exempt from any tests as there are no comprehensive exams.
PROBLEMS WITH QUIZZES OR TESTS/EXAMS: You are only allowed to access a test/exam once so be prepared! If you are "LOCKED OUT" of a Test/Exam the circumstances will be reviewed and I reserve the right to either open or not reopen the test/exam or quiz for you
11. Official Hinds CC Notice of Non-discrimination Statement: Hinds Community College offers equal education and employment opportunities and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability or veteran status in its programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Dr. George Barnes, Vice President for Administrative and Student Services, 34175 Hwy. 18, Utica, MS 39175; 601.885.7001.
Official Hinds CC Disability Support Services Statement: Hinds Community College provides reasonable and appropriate accommodations for students with disabilities. Disability Services staff members verify eligibility for accommodations and work with eligible students who have self-identified and provided current documentation. Students with disabilities should schedule an appointment with the designated Disability Services staff member on their respective campuses to establish a plan for reasonable, appropriate classroom accommodations.
Raymond Campus 601.857.3310 Jackson Campus – NAHC 601.376.4803
Utica Campus 601.885.7045 Jackson Campus – ATC 601.366.1405
Rankin Campus 601.936.5544 Vicksburg-Warren Campus 601.629.6807
12. OTHER MATTERS: Policies, procedures, and college regulations are accessible to students on the College Website at www.hindscc.edu. There you will find the Student Handbook, the College Catalog, Transfer Guides, and other helpful links.
YOUR COMPUTER: Be sure that your computer meets the MSVCC requirements before you begin the course, as updating after the course begins is not a good option. Always have a "backup" computer available. Most public libraries has computer for your use.
YOUR EMAIL: Be sure that your email address is valid and correct. It is the student's responsibility to inform MSVCC of change of email addresses. I cannot reply to your email if you do not have a valid email address. Always include your name in the Subject line of emails.
SPECIAL NOTE CONCERNING EMAIL: You can email me at ohdakin@hindscc.edu. I will answer all email within 48 hours except on weekends and/or Holidays. Please note that I may not open or reply to "nameless" emails so ALWAYS include your name in the Subject line of email. This is unfortunate but necessary to void computer Viruses.
Common courtesy applies to emails: include a salutation/greeting, state your question or comment in correct/standard English, and then close with your name.
My office number 601-857-3596. Calls will be returned as soon as possible if you leave an understandable number! Office hours vary from semester to semester.