All cell phones; pagers or automatic alarm watches should be turned off before entering the classroom in order to prevent disturbing the class.   Unless you are using a laptop or notebook computer assist you in taking notes, these should also be turned off and put away during the lecture period.  

A.  Course Organization

Biological Science is primarily a lecture course presented as three 50-minute lectures per week.  Demonstrations will be used to illustrate particular principles, as applicable.  This class is one in which we are continually building on the material that we have previously covered.  It is suggested that you keep abreast of the material and study some after each class as opposed to trying to “cram” prior to the exams.  During the lecture period, all cell phones; pagers or automatic alarm watches should be turned off before entering the classroom in order to prevent disturbing the class.  It is strongly recommended that students retain and consult their syllabus and read associated text chapters.

B.  ASU Policies and Regulations

The student has the responsibility to review information regarding their rights and responsibilities in the ASU Student Handbook.   Please refer to the ASU Student Handbook for university policies and regulations, particularly those pertaining to attendance, inclement weather, enforcement of academic integrity (e.g., cheating, plagiarism), and other pertinent material.  Copies of the Student Handbook are available online off of the internet at http://studentlife.astate.edu/codeofconduct.htm or by contacting the Office of the Dean of Students at Arkansas State University (Telephone No. 870 972- 2034).   REVIEW AND READ THIS DOCUMENT TO FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH THE ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY.   THE STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT IS A GUIDE TO YOUR RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES!  CHEATING AND ACADEMIC DISHONESTY WILL NOT BE TOLERATED!

C.  Handicap Policy

Any student having a certified handicapping condition should see the instructor and/or Disability Services (Telephone No. 870 972-3964) about making any necessary course modifications as early in the course as possible.

D.  Examinations (Tentative Dates) 

Day of the week	Date in 2006	Exam Sequence	Points possible
Friday	Feb. 10	Exam I	100
Wednesday	March 15	Exam II	100
Friday	April 21	Exam III	100
Comprehensive Final Exam (with some emphasis on most recently covered material)	May 1
		From 10:15 am to 12:15 pm	200
TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE FROM EXAMS = 500 points

Exams will be handed out at the beginning of class and will be collected at the end of the class period.  Should a student arrive late, he/she will not be given extra time.  Memorizing course information will be insufficient to receive full credit on exams.  A student must know, understand, and be able to apply content presented in this class.  Exam format will consist primarily of multiple choice, although other types of questions (e.g., true or false questions, short answer, fill-in-the blank, essay, definitions of terminology, problem-solving exercises, etc.), may be utilized by the instructor to assess the level of understanding and integration of knowledge on the part of the student. Students need to bring a No. 2 pencil to the exam to use for written responses to questions on exams.  Announced quizzes, unannounced quizzes, and additional assignments may be given during the course of the semester, and these scores integrated into the total possible number of points a student can earn and counted toward the "participation" component of the final grade.

Testing conditions: Once an exam has been handed out, students are not allowed to leave the classroom and return.  Please make every effort to come to the classroom prepared for the test.  If it is necessary for you to wear a hat, the bill must be turned so your face is not obscured during the test.  All cell phones; pagers or automatic alarm watches should be turned off before entering the classroom in order to prevent disturbing the class.  All personal items must be stored under your desk so that the exam proctor may use the aisles during the exam.  Writing utensils will not be provided.  Grades will be available as soon as possible.  It is ILLEGAL according to The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) for your instructor to post grades in a public place or to give these out over the phone or e-mail these without expressed written permission from the student.  Be patient, you will get your graded tests and assignments as soon as possible. 

E.  Grading Scale

Letter grades will be determined from the percentage of points earned by the student from the total number of possible points (550 points).  The exams will count toward 500 points of the total 550 points possible, while the remaining 10% of your grade will be based on participation and attendance (50 points).  

• A = 100 to 90%
• B = 89 to 80%
• C = 79 to 70%
• D = 69 to 60%
• F = Below 60%

F.  Make up Policy

Exams must be taken on the date scheduled.  Make-up exams will be given only for approved documented excuses.   A student must contact the instructor by telephone at (870) 972-8473 or by E-mail at mhuss@astate.edu (or departmental secretary - Telephone No. 870 972-3082) no later than the date of the exam and be prepared to have documentation.  Not following this procedure may result in a failing grade on that exam.

G.  Flexibility Clause

Circumstances may arise during the course that  prevent the instructor from fulfilling each and every component of this syllabus;  therefore, the syllabus should be viewed as a guide and is subject to change.  Students will be notified prior to any changes.