BIOL*1500DE Humans in the Natural World Course Outline · Calendar Description . This course will examine past and present human interactions with Nature from an ecological perspective

BIOL*1500DE Humans in the Natural World

Course Outline

Winter 2016 Department of Integrative Biology

College of Biological Science

Instructor Contact

Instructor Name: marie Thrse Rush-Smyth

Phone Number: (519) 824-4120 Ext. 58379

Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Office: SC1, 2502

Instructor Name: Carole Ann Lacroix

Phone Number: (519) 824-4120 Ext. 56444

Email: [email protected]

Office: SC1, 2507

Course Information

Course Title: Humans in the Natural World

Pre-Requisites: None

Co-Requisites: None

Equates: ZOO*1500

Restriction(s): Students in the BAS, BSC and BSC(ENV) program cannot take this

course for credit.

Credits: 0.50

Course Website (If applicable): CourseLink

Method of Delivery: Distance Education, Fully Online

mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://courselink.uoguelph.ca/

Calendar Description

This course will examine past and present human interactions with Nature from an ecological perspective. It investigates current global issues that require multi-disciplinary environmental analysis.

Course Description

This course is designed for non-science students and will examine past and present human interactions with nature from an ecological and evolutionary perspective.

The major topics to be covered are

Academic Integrity Science and the Scientific Method Evolution and Natural Selection Species and Speciation Genetic Engineering Nutrients, Metabolism and Human Diet Photosynthesis and Global Warming Evolution and Disease Biodiversity and Conservation Population Ecology and Human Population Growth Tragedy, Games, and Triumph Course Summary and Review

Course Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, you should be able to:

To define and recall many basic natural science terms and concepts; To evaluate scientific hypotheses, experiments, and claims related to the natural

world; and

To apply the knowledge gained in the course to make more informed decisions, refine opinions, and engage in societal debates related to science.

Method of Learning

Pedagogical Values

This course aims to support the mission statement and the learning objectives set out by the University of Guelph in the Undergraduate Calendar. This means that this course will be research intensive and learner-centered. Ultimately we want students to be capable of self-assessment, critical inquiry, and active learning.

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Optional Link: Read the University of Guelph Mission Statement in the Undergraduate Calendar.

Optional Link: Read the University of Guelph Learning Objectives in the Undergraduate Calendar.

Teaching Philosophy

In support of the University Mission statement, we will adopt a learner-centered approach to teaching. In this course, that means that instructors are not the only ones responsible for depositing knowledge into the minds of students. Instead, you are expected to take an active role in your own learning. The instructors will provide opportunities for you to learn independently and from one another, and will coach you in the skills needed to do so effectively. Metaphorically speaking, the instructors will not be the sage on the stage but rather the guide on the side, because research shows this method can lead to an increased motivation to learn, greater retention of knowledge and a deeper understanding of the material.

Course Structure

The course is divided into twelve units, with each unit taking one week to complete. In each unit you should

Read the course notes (found on the course website under the link for the appropriate Unit), required pages in the textbook, and other learning resources that are provided (e.g., websites, animations, articles, videos, podcasts, special learning tools) and make sure that you can achieve the learning objectives.

Answer the study questions provided at the end of each section. These questions illustrate the type of information that you should be learning and will guide you through the learning resources in preparation for the quizzes and final exam.

Complete the summary table. This table will not be submitted nor graded. It should simply be used for your study purposes.

Review the Glossary of terms and use the online Flashcards to test your knowledge of the definitions.

Vote in the Opinion Poll

Learning Resources

*Required Textbook(s)

Title: Biology: Science for Life with Physiology

Author(s): Colleen Belk & Virginia Borden Maier

Edition / Year: 5th Edition, 2014

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Publisher: Pearson Prentice Hall

ISBN: 978-0321922212

Title: A Short Guide to Writing About Biology

Author(s): Pechenik, J.A.

Edition / Year: 8th Edition, 2013

Publisher: Pearson Education Inc.

ISBN: 978-0205075072

You may purchase the textbook(s) at the University of Guelph Bookstore or the Guelph Campus Co-op Bookstore.

DVD/Video

An Inconvenient Truth Author(s): Al Gore, Davis Guggenheim Published by: Paramount Classics and Participant Productions, 2006

eReserve

For this course you will be required to access electronic resources through the University of Guelph McLaughlin Library. To access these items visit the eReserve link in the top navigation bar. Note that you will need your Central Login ID and password in order to access items on reserve.

For further instructions on accessing reserve resources, visit How to Get Course Reserve Materials.

If at any point during the course you have difficulty accessing reserve materials, please contact the e-Learning and Reserve Services Staff at:

Tel: 519-824-4120 ext. 53621 Email: [email protected] Location: McLaughlin Library, First Floor, University of Guelph

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http://www.bookstore.uoguelph.ca/http://www.guelphcampus.coop/bookstorehttp://www.guelphcampus.coop/bookstorehttp://www.lib.uoguelph.ca/find/find-type-resource/course-reserves-ares/how-get-course-reserve-materialhttp://www.lib.uoguelph.ca/find/find-type-resource/course-reserves-ares/how-get-course-reserve-materialtel:519-824-4120%20ext.%2053621mailto:[email protected]

Schedule: Week 1

Unit 01: Introduction and Academic Integrity

Required Reading

Website:

Unit 1 Content

eReserve:

Links 1.1 - 1.6

Activities & Assignments

Quiz 1

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Schedule: Week 2

Unit 02: Science and the Scientific Method

Required Reading

Website:

Unit 2 Content

Textbook:

Belk, C. & Maier, V.B. Chapter 1, pg. 3-26

eReserve:

Links 2.3.1 - 2.3.4


Quiz 1

Debate 1 Response

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Schedule: Week 3

Unit 03: Evolution and Natural Selection

Required Reading

Website:

Unit 3 Content

Textbook:



eReserve:

Links 3.1 3.4


Debate 1 Response

Debate 1 Rebuttal

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Schedule: Week 4

Unit 04: Species and Speciation

Required Reading

Website:

Unit 4 Content

Textbook:

Belk, C. & Maier, V.B. Chapter 12, pg. 257-264, 265-268

Belk, C. & Maier, V.B. Chapter 10, pg. 209-222, 265-274, 274-282 (extending Calculating Allele Frequencies section pg 268-270)

eReserve:

Links 4.1 4.7


Debate 1 Rebuttal

Quiz 2

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Schedule: Week 5

Unit 05: Genetic Engineering

Required Reading

Website:

Unit 5 Content

Textbook:


eReserve:

Links 5.1 5.14


Quiz 2

Debate 2 Response

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Schedule: Week 6

Unit 06: Nutrition, Metabolism, and Human Diet

Required Reading

Website:

Unit 6 Content

Textbook:


eReserve:

Links 6.1 6.4


Debate 2 Response

Debate 2 Rebuttal

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Schedule: Week 7

Unit 07: Photosynthesis and Global Warming

Required Reading

Website:

Unit 7 Content

Textbook:


eReserve:

Links 7.1 7.12


Debate 2 Rebuttal

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Schedule: Week 8

Unit 08: Evolution and Disease

Required Reading

Website:

Unit 8 Content

Textbook:


eReserve:

Links 8.1 8.5


Quiz 3

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Schedule: Week 9

Unit 09: Biodiversity and Conservation

Required Reading

Website:

Unit 9 Content

Textbook:



eReserve:

Links 9.1 9.3


Quiz 3

Debate 3 Response

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Schedule: Week 10

Unit 10: Population Ecology and Human Population Growth

Required Reading

Website:

Unit 10 Content

Textbook:


eReserve:

Links 10.1 10.7


Debate 3 Response

Debate 3 Rebuttal

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Schedule: Week 11

Unit 11: Tragedy, Games, and Triumph

Required Reading

Website:

Unit 11 Content

eReserve:

Links


Debate 3 Rebuttal

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Schedule: Week 12

Unit 12: Course Summary and Review

Required Reading

Website:

Unit 12 Content

Textbook:

Belk, C. & Maier, V.B. Review

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Course Evaluation

The grade determination for this course is indicated in the following table.

Table 1: Course Evaluation

Assignments Value

Online Quizzes (3 @ 10%) 30%

Online Debates (3 @ 10%) 30%

Final Exam 40%

Total 100%

Course Policies

Asking Questions

This is a distance education course, and questions of a general nature about the course content, quizzes, debates, optional concept maps and final exam should be posted in the Main Class conference on the course website. The Main Class conference will be monitored by the instructors on a daily basis, Monday to Friday (excluding holidays) during normal working hours. Questions of a personal nature such as requests for extensions due to illness should be emailed to the instructor.

Appropriate Use of Conferences

This course has been designed to foster interaction between students and with the instructors. The conferences provide a means for course members to share ideas, opinions, and resources. The use of these computer conferences is a privilege, not a right, which may be revoked at any time for abusive conduct.

Please show respect for the opinions of others at all times, even if you do not agree with their ideas. We encourage you to disagree, critique and add new insights, but this must be done in a positive manner. Discussions in the online conferences must be treated the same as face to face discussion. In the conferences others cannot see such things as facial expression and body language, both of which we normally take into account when talking face to face with someone. Therefore, be very careful in the phrasing of your contributions and responses, as they may be interpreted differently than what you had intended. Please respect your fellow students. You MUST NOT post racist, sexist,

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homophobic, or other similar remarks that are likely to cause offence. Please keep in mind that the conferences are public places. Anyone with access to the course website has the capability of seeing conference postings.

Late Policies

All online quizzes must be completed by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the due date. Late submissions will NOT be accepted and will receive a grade of zero.

Debate responses and rebuttals must be posted in the Debate Conference AND on the Dropbox page AND in .doc or .docx file formatbefore 11:59 pm on the due date. The 11:59 pm deadline will be strictly enforced, i.e., there will not be any grace period. Late submissions will be accepted for 24 hours after the deadline with a 10% late penalty. Submissions posted after the 24 hour late period will NOT be accepted and will receive a grade of zero.

Assignment of Grades

Work in this course is evaluated according to the University of Guelph grading standards. For a definition of the numerical grades you receive please see Resolution 1 in the section on Grading Procedures under Grades in VIII: Undergraduate Degree Regulations and Procedures in the University of Guelph 2015-2016 Undergraduate Calendar.

Required Link 1: See Resolution 1 under Grading Procedures in the Undergraduate Calendar for a description of grading standards used at the University of Guelph.

Grading rubrics will be used to illustrate the specific grading criteria used to evaluate the debates. These are available on the Assessment page under Debate Guidelines and Resources.

You may check your grades at any time during the semester through the Grades page on the course website.

Re-evaluation of Debates

If you have questions about the way your debate response or rebuttal was graded, please contact the TA who marked it by email. Their name and email address will be included with their feedback in the attachment on the Dropbox page. If you still have questions after discussing it with the TA then you should email the instructor. The instructor will take an independent look at the response or rebuttal, and your mark could go up or down as a result. All requests for re-grading MUST be made within one week of the return of the feedback.

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Academic Consideration

If you miss deadlines for medical, psychological, or compassionate reasons, please contact the instructor as soon as possible to make alternate arrangements. For more details about academic consideration see the section on Academic Consideration, Appeals and Petitions in the University of Guelph 2015-2016 Undergraduate Calendar.

Required Link 2: See the section on Academic Consideration, Appeals and Petitions for details regarding academic consideration.

Academic Integrity

Although we do encourage you to share thoughts and ideas while studying for the course, all material submitted for grading MUST BE YOUR OWN work! The University takes a serious view of academic misconduct, including plagiarism. The penalties for academic misconduct are severe and can lead to expulsion from the University and the revocation/rescinding of a degree. For clarification on Academic Misconduct, please refer to the University of Guelph 2015-2016 Undergraduate Calendar.

Required Link 3: See the section on Academic Misconduct in the University of Guelph 2015-2016 Undergraduate Calendar.

Instructors Role and Responsibility to Students

In this course you can expect your instructors to

Clearly define the course learning objectives Provide well articulated activities that enhance learning Ensure timely and fair grading procedures Notify you of events, deadlines, announcements concerning grades, and other

official information

Provide and adhere to well defined policies and procedures as described in the course outline, the DE Handbook, and the Undergraduate Calendar

Provide assistance, when asked, if you are having difficulties in the course Access the course website daily, Monday to Friday excluding holidays, to post

course news updates and respond to questions in the conferences

Reply to email correspondence in a timely fashion Foster and uphold an environment of academic integrity and a love of learning

Student Learning Responsibilities

Your success in this course depends on your response to the opportunities this course offers you. As a student in this course, you are responsible for

Knowing the course learning objectives

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Understanding and adhering to policies and procedures as described in the course outline, the DE Handbook and the Undergraduate Calendar

Understanding grading procedures Contacting the course instructors if you are having difficulties in the course Accessing the course website at least 3 times per week to check course news

updates, conference postings, and on-line resources

Checking your email account (the one listed on the Class List) regularly for important communications from the course instructors or teaching assistants

Reading the appropriate chapters of the textbooks, course notes, and other assigned resources on the course website and through e-reserve

Reading all announcements and other class material distributed on-line Completing all required web activities, online quizzes, and online debates Familiarizing yourself with the course schedule of dates with particular attention

to deadlines

Initiating action, in advance of debate and quiz due dates, by consulting your instructor or program counsellor if extenuating circumstances affect your academic performance

Understanding what constitutes academic misconduct and refraining from it

Technical Requirements

Students are responsible for ensuring that their computer system meets the necessary specific technical requirements of their program.

Technical Support

If you need any assistance with the software tools or the website, contact the Open Learning and Educational Support (OpenEd) Help Desk.

Open Learning and Educational Support University of Guelph Day Hall, Room 211

Email: [email protected] Tel: 519-824-4120 ext. 56939 Toll-Free (CAN/USA): 1-866-275-1478

Hours of Operation (Eastern Time):

Monday - Friday: 8:30am 8:30pm Saturday: 10:00am 4:00pm Sunday: 12:00pm 6:00pm

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https://www.uoguelph.ca/cme/mba/computer-requirementsmailto:[email protected]

Policies and Procedures

As a student of the University of Guelph, it is important for you to understand your rights and responsibilities and the academic rules and regulations that you must abide by.

If you are a registered University of Guelph Degree Student, consult the Undergraduate Calendar for the rules, regulations, curricula, programs and fees for current and previous academic years.

If you are an Open Learning Program Student, consult the Open Learning Program Calendar for information about University of Guelph administrative policies, procedures and services.

Email Communication

University of Guelph Degree Students

As per university regulations, all students are required to check their uoguelph.ca e-mail account regularly: e-mail is the official route of communication between the University and its students.

Open Learning Program Students

Check your email account (the account you provided upon registration) regularly for important communications, as this is the primary conduit by which the Open Learning and Educational Support will notify you of events, deadlines, announcements or any other official information.

When You Cannot Meet Course Requirements

When you find yourself unable to meet an in-course requirement due to illness or compassionate reasons, please advise your course instructor in writing, with your name, ID number and email contact.


Consult the Undergraduate Calendar for information on regulations and procedures for Academic Consideration.

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Please refer to the Open Learning Program Calendar for information on regulations and procedures for requesting Academic Consideration.

Drop Date


The last date to drop one-semester courses, without academic penalty, is indicated in the Schedule section of this course website. See the Undergraduate Calendar for regulations and procedures for Dropping Courses.


Please refer to the Open Learning Program Calendar.

Copies of Assignments

Keep paper and/or other reliable back-up copies of all assignments: you may be asked to resubmit work at any time.

Accessibility

The University of Guelph is committed to creating a barrier-free environment. Providing services for students is a shared responsibility among students, faculty and administrators. This relationship is based on respect of individual rights, the dignity of the individual and the University community's shared commitment to an open and supportive learning environment.


Students requiring service or accommodation, whether due to an identified, ongoing disability or a short-term disability should contact the Student Accessibility Services as soon as possible.

For more information, contact SAS at 519-824-4120 ext. 56208 or email SAS or visit the SAS website.


If you are an Open Learning program student who requires academic accommodation, please contact the Academic Assistant to the Director. Please ensure that you contact us before the end of the first week of your course (every semester) in order to avoid any

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delays in support. Documentation from a health professional is required for all academic accommodations. Please note that all information provided will be held in confidence.

If you require textbooks produced in an alternate format (e.g., DAISY, Braille, large print or eText), please contact the Academic Assistant to the Director at least two months prior to the course start date. If contact is not made within the suggested time frame, support may be delayed. It is recommended that you refer to the course outline before beginning your course in order to determine the required readings.

The provision of academic accommodation is a shared responsibility between OpenEd and the student requesting accommodation. It is recognized that academic accommodations are intended to level the playing field for students with disabilities.

Academic Misconduct

The University of Guelph is committed to upholding the highest standards of academic integrity and it is the responsibility of all members of the University community faculty, staff, and students to be aware of what constitutes academic misconduct and to do as much as possible to prevent academic offences from occurring. University of Guelph students have the responsibility of abiding by the University's policy on academic misconduct regardless of their location of study; faculty, staff and students have the responsibility of supporting an environment that discourages misconduct. Students need to remain aware that instructors have access to and the right to use electronic and other means of detection.

Please note: Whether or not a student intended to commit academic misconduct is not relevant for a finding of guilt. Hurried or careless submission of assignments does not excuse students from responsibility for verifying the academic integrity of their work before submitting it. Students who are in any doubt as to whether an action on their part could be construed as an academic offence should consult with a faculty member or faculty advisor.

The Academic Misconduct Policy is detailed in the Undergraduate Calendar.

Acceptable Use

The University of Guelph has an Acceptable Use Policy, which you are expected to adhere to.

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mailto:[email protected]://www.uoguelph.ca/registrar/calendars/undergraduate/current/c08/c08-amisconduct.shtmlhttp://www.uoguelph.ca/cio/content/aup-acceptable-use-policy

Copyright Notice

All content within this course is copyright protected. Third party copyrighted materials (such as book chapters and articles) have either been licensed for use in this course, or have been copied under an exception or limitation in Canadian Copyright law.

The fair dealing exemption in Canada's Copyright Act permits students to reproduce short excerpts from copyright-protected materials for purposes such as research, education, private study, criticism and review, with proper attribution. Any other copying, communicating, or distribution of any content provided in this course, except as permitted by law, may be an infringement of copyright if done without proper license or the consent of the copyright owner. Examples of infringing uses of copyrighted works would include uploading materials to a commercial third party web site, or making paper or electronic reproductions of all, or a substantial part, of works such as textbooks for commercial purposes.

Students who upload to CourseLink copyrighted materials such as book chapters, journal articles, or materials taken from the Internet, must ensure that they comply with Canadian Copyright law or with the terms of the Universitys electronic resource licenses.

For more information about students rights and obligations with respect to copyrighted works, see Fair Dealing Guidance for Students.

Grades

The assignment of grades at the University of Guelph is based on clearly defined standards, which are published in the Undergraduate Calendar for the benefit of faculty and students.

Grading System

In courses, which comprise a part of the student's program, standings will be reported according to the following schedule of grades:

Letter Grade Percentage

A+ 90-100

A 85-89

A 80-84

B+ 77-79

B 73-76

B 70-72

C+ 67-69

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Letter Grade Percentage

C 64-66

C 60-62

D+ 57-59

D 53-56

D 50-52

F 0-49

Statement of Students Academic Responsibilities

Your success as a student depends above all on your own response to the opportunities and responsibilities that the university environment provides. The University of Guelph is committed to supporting you in your intellectual development and responding to your individual needs. To this end, a broad network of advising, counselling, and support services is provided to assist you in meeting your personal and academic goals.

For more information on your responsibilities as a student, see Statement of Students Academic Responsibilities.

Plagiarism Detection Software

Students should be aware that faculty have the right to use software to aid in the detection of plagiarism or copying and to examine students orally on submitted work. For students found guilty of academic misconduct, serious penalties, up to and including suspension or expulsion from the University can be imposed.

Recording of Materials

Presentations which are made in relation to course workincluding lecturescannot be recorded or copied without the permission of the presenter, whether the instructor, a classmate or guest lecturer. Material recorded with permission is restricted to use for that course unless further permission is granted.

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Religious Holidays

Should a student need to miss scheduled tests, mid-term examinations, final examinations, or requirements to attend classes and participate in laboratories for religious reasons, please advise the instructor within two weeks of the distribution of this course outline so that alternate arrangements can be made.

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Structure BookmarksFigure

Documents

BIOL*1500DE Humans in the Natural World Course Outline · Calendar Description . This course will examine past and present human interactions with Nature from an ecological perspective