Course Objectives: Participants in this course will have the opportunity to:
1. Discuss alterations in body system functions in individuals across the life span.
IX-1
I. A. 1
I.M
2. Interpret manifestations of selected pathophysiological and psychopathological processes and compensatory changes in maintaining homeostasis.
VIII-1, IX-2
I.14, I.15-17, II.1
3. Analyze relationships between known or suspected risk factors and pathophysiological and psychopathological processes.
VII-1, IX-3
I. 1-6, I.8, I.12-14
4. Explore the interrelationship between pathophysiological and psychopathological function across the life span.
IX-3
I.9, I.12, I.18, I.24
5. Correlate clinical signs, symptoms, and diagnostic test results with pathology.
I.9, I.12, I.14
Discussion Board Assignment: Class participation is an important expectation of this course. Students are expected to offer comments, questions, and replies to the discussion question that have been posed for each module as well as to classmate postings. Students are expected to actively participate in each module's discussion each week (as assigned) throughout the semester. The faculty role is as an observer and facilitator.
I will be reading all messages and I will participate in the discussion infrequently. Students may work ahead on the discussion boards but posting on past week's boards will not allow for stimulating discussions with your classmates. Initial posting is required by Thursdays at 5pm. Discussion closes on Sunday at 10pm.
Discussion Board Evaluation Sheet-Criteria & Explanation
Criteria
Explanation
Focused on topic
Clear indication that the response is motivated by the particular reading and that the writer explores the implications of the reading related to clinical practice.
Organization of ideas/thoughts
There is a sense in the response that ideas lead to each other and that there are connections being made.
Critical thinking evident in responses
The response is just not a summary but an attempt by the writer to push toward a particular personal meaning/understanding of the content.
Correlations of contributions to assigned readings
The response refers consistently to the reading and to particular ideas and situations within the reading as well as professional experiences that have made an impression.
Thoughtfulness in interactions
Evidence of graduate level thinking.
Listening to others
The response illustrates that the writer has been paying attention to those who have interesting and provocative things to say.
Grammar/mechanics
Few grammar or sentence mechanics errors—none that interfere with the meaning the writer wants to convey.
Use of other resources/citations
The response makes connections to information, writers and other texts the writer has read or seen.
Scores: 0, 1 or 2 points for each criterion. Rating Scale: 2-outstanding, 1-acceptable, 0- unacceptable
Quizzes and Examinations are to be wholly the student’s own work.
Quizzes: Quizzes are time limited. The quizzes may be entered only once. Quizzes will be open for 24 hours (10pm-10pm, closing on the posted date). Reference materials may be used; however, no human help is acceptable (“no phoning a friend”).
Examinations: Examinations are time limited, primarily multiple-choice and short answer. The exams may be entered only once. There are five exams. Exams will be open for 16 hours (6am-10pm, closing on the posted date). Examinations must be proctored. Students are responsible for securing proctor sites and submitting the appropriate and complete documentation.
Evaluation:
Course Grade
Discussion board
30%
Quizzes
10%
Exams
60%
100
Note: An overall course grade of at least 80% must be achieved to progress in the Master of Science in Nursing Program. See the Graduate Catalog.
Grades:
90 - 100
B
80 – 89
C
74 – 79
D
70 – 73
F
< 70
I expect that your work will be turned in on time. Discussion postings will not be graded if late. All work will be submitted via WebCT/Blackboard.
Academic Honesty: The MSN Program expects the highest level of academic integrity of Master’s students. Academic honesty involves the submission of work that is wholly the student’s own work, unless group work has been authorized. In addition, academic honesty involves the citation of other authors’ works according the 6th edition of the APA Publication Manual. Plagiarism in any aspect of the course requirements results in no credit for that activity.
“By enrolling in this course, the student expressly grants MSU a ‘limited right’ in all intellectual property created by the student for the purpose of this course. The ‘limited right’ shall include but shall not be limited to the right to reproduce the student’s work product in order to verify originality, authenticity, and educational purposes.”
Americans with Disabilities Act:
The following is the ADA/504 statement that the faculty approved on May 9, 1995:
Midwestern State University does not discriminate on the basis of an individual’s disability and complies with Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act in its admission, accessibility, and employment of individuals in programs and activities.
MSU provides academic accommodations and auxiliary aids to individuals with disabilities, as defined by law, who are otherwise qualified to meet academic employment requirements. For assistance, call (940) 397-4618 or (940) 397-4515, TDD.
Please see the instructor outside of class to make arrangements involving special accommodations.
It is the student’s responsibility to declare any disabilities. After declaration, preferably at the beginning of each semester, the student needs to contact individual instructors to determine any reasonable accommodations that may be required.