History of Biological Sciences

Course Details

Course Number: BIOL 5011 Section Number: 170

Fall 2012

Location: Bolin Hall

Classroom Number: 222

Days & Times:

W 5:30 - 6:20 PM

Course Attachments

BIOL5011FALL12SYLLABUS BIOL5011FALL12-20120821-152751.pdf

Textbooks

Moore, John A. 1993. Science As a Way of Knowing ISBN: 0674794826

MSU Faculty Member

Dr. Michael M. Shipley
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Course Objectives

Literature & History of the Biological Sciences (BIOL 5013) was a graduate-level course designed to immerse students in the methods of scientific writing and publication along with a look at the rich history of the life sciences. The course has been broken down into two courses: Writing in The Biological Sciences (BIOL 5012), which focuses on the primary scientific literature and scientific writing, and this History of The Biological Sciences course (BIOL 5011), which explores the history of the discipline of biology. Major events in the development of the biological sciences will be emphasized with the goal of allowing students to place their research interests and career goals in the context of a historical perspective.

Course Expectations

You will be expected to attend all scheduled class meetings, to be punctual and attentive. Make‑up work is available only for those students who have an excused absence. Students should refer to the current MSU Handbook and Activities Calendar for university policy on academic dishonesty, class attendance, student rights and activities.

Grading Standards

The grade for this class will be based on the student’s performance as discussion leader, the quality of the short paper, and their performance on the Internet quiz. The breakdown for the grade is as follows:

Discussion - 60%

Short Paper - 25%

Quiz - 15%

100%

There is no set standard for each letter grade in this course. This course will be graded on a competitive basis among all students from BIOL 5011.

Final Exam12/12/2012 5:45 PM

Submission Format PolicyNote: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Late Paper Policy

No late papers will be accepted

Plagiarism Policy Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception. Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters. We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student. We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed. Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Students with Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Safe Zones Statement The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

Contacting your Instructor All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MWSU e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Attendance Requirements

See attached syllabus

Other Policies

See attached syllabus

Writing Proficiency Requirement All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you've earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.