CLASS EXPECTATIONS for Bio 101
GENERAL COURSE PROCEDURES:

• Class will meet online; CLICK HERE for details.
• Students are expected to read Class Notices and other online postings several times each week because they are subject to change, especially just before exams.
• Regular class attendance is expected.  Students who repeatedly miss classes always do poorly.
• Students are expected to read chapter assignments before class, then again after class.
• Tests are listed on the syllabus (and any changes are posted on Class Notices).
  Please DO NOT USE GOOGLE DOCS (or any link to a cloud-based service) to submit your tests or any other assignments; just use regular email.
• Remember that all plans are subject to change, so you need to check Class Notices frequently.
  
  
• Please email me at any time if you have a question or a problem.     Suggestions are always welcome.

ALL STUDENTS WILL BE EXPECTED:

1. To view class materials frequently, at least a few times each week.
2. To be prepared for studying each day both mentally and intellectually.
3. To pay attention, work hard and do their best.
4. To read the textbook and other course materials carefully and thoroughly, with the aim of learning the material.
   • RECOMMENDATION: Before class, read the assignment, paying attention to boldface words and to the illustrations (and their captions). After class, reread everything thoroughly for full detail.
5. To ask for assistance when they need it. (Extra help can be arranged.)
6. To enjoy learning new skills.
7. To develop new and increased understanding of the scientific inquiry process.
8. To develop new and increased understanding of living systems.
9. To develop new and increased understanding of the world around them.
10. To become familiar with the web pages posted for this class.
11. To keep an alert mind, focused on learning, not sleep-deprived or impaired in any other way.
12. To e-mail me with any questions, concerns, or special needs.
13. To cooperate with other students in an environment of mutual learning and mutual respect.
14. To treat their fellow students and teachers with respect.
15. To be familiar with and to abide by the University's policies on academic honesty, as explained here.

• Meeting the above expectations is your responsibility. "A teacher can open the door to learning, but you must enter on your own."   —Confucian proverb

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM ME, the teacher:

1. Love of learning (a life-long passion)
2. Love of teaching (another life-long passion)
3. Willingness to help every student, as much as they need
4. Fairness to all
5. A commitment, which I take seriously, to make sure that every student who takes seriously their commitment to live up to the expectations listed above will:
         (a) learn a lot and acquire knowledge,     (b) acquire many useful skills, and     (c) earn a high grade.
   

Individual help is available for those who need it.
If you have any special needs, it is your responsibility to inform your instructor, preferably by email.
If the information that you seek can be found online, please look there first. I will try to respond to emails as soon as I can.
    As a student, you might experience any of a range of issues that can be barriers to learning. These include strained relationships, anxiety, high levels of stress, alcohol/drug problems, financial challenges, feeling down, or loss of motivation. If you feel yourself struggling with an issue, such as mental or physical health, please feel free to approach me. I will try to be flexible and accommodating as well as to assist you in getting the help you might want. You may also wish to contact Counseling Services (508-929-8072) or Health Services (508-929-8875) directly if you need them.



OUTCOMES— WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO GET OUT OF THIS COURSE:
From any educational experience, you will get two kinds of outcomes. They are both important, but very different:

CREDENTIALS, like a degree, a certificate, or a grade in a course: These will help you get your first job or graduate school placement.
      For more about grading in this course, go back to the class syllabus and click the link to "grading".

KNOWLEDGE and SKILLS:  These will help you do well in your first job or in graduate school, or your second or third job as well, so the importance
      is more lasting.     If you work seriously to fulfill the expectations listed above, you will gain both subject knowledge, including an understanding of
      science, biology and biological systems at all levels, and also important learning skills, such as:

How to plan your work How to read, carefully and critically How to evaluate what you read  (especially when different sources say different things)

How to look up useful information How to work cooperatively and collaborate with others How to organize knowledge that you have learned How to write up and communicate your knowledge to others

Additional skills gained in lab courses: How to use lab equipment (safely) How to mix and pour lab chemicals (safely) How to examine things carefully & compare them How to measure things and record data

Now go back and look at the above list of skills, and think about why an employer would value an employee who has those skills (and can teach them to others), but would be more inclined to get rid of an employee who displays a lack of one or more of these skills. Your knowledge and skills, not your credentials, will help you to keep your job, or get a promotion, or get a good letter of recommendation for your next job.

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STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: Accommodations for students with disabilties are arranged on a case-by-case basis in cooperation with the Office of Student Accessibility Services in the Administration Building (first floor). If this may apply to you, it is your responsibility to send me email to make me aware of your particular situation and the accommodations that may be necessary and appropriate.
Worcester State University is committed to providing reasonable academic accommodations for all students with disabilities. If you have a disability and are concerned about the format or requirements of this course, please meet with me to discuss ways to ensure full participation. Students must be registered with Student Accessibility Services in order to receive academic accommodations. Student Accessibility Services is located in the Administration Building, Room 131 and can be reached by phone (508-929-8733) or email (sas@worcester.edu). Please notify me if you need this syllabus in an alternative format.
The Department of Biology makes every effort to assure that risks to students are minimized. Students with any medical or other conditions, including but not limited to pregnancy, asthma or conditions that compromise the immune system, that may affect use of, or ability to come into contact with substances used in our laboratories, whether airborne or directly, or to safely work in this environment, should consult with their physician regarding participation in any lab and advise the instructor. The Department of Biology and/or the Office of Student Accessibility Services will make every effort to work with students and their personal physician to determine appropriate accommodations.

To contact Dr. Minkoff: please e-mail me at eminkoffbates.edu
I am here to help.