For All Science Classes

Course Information:

Attendance Policy

• The student is expected to attend all class and laboratory sessions.
• Tardiness and leaving prior to dismissal from class and laboratory sessions is not acceptable and could result in penalties that could effect your final grade.
• Quizzes given at the beginning or ending of class and missed because of the student's tardiness or early exit from the class, cannot be taken as a makeup quiz.
• If the student has to miss a class, he/she is responsible for the material and announcements covered.
• Absences in excess of 20% of the scheduled instructional time for a course is defined as unsatisfactory progress and may result in administrative withdrawal or failure in the course.

Grading / Assessment

• Evaluation of students will be by tests, periodic quizzes (to check on progress), and written papers. All lecture tests, lab tests, quizzes and papers, including the final exam, will be of equal value in computing the final numerical grade for the semester. 75% of the final grade will be from lecture tests, quizzes,  projects, and any other assigned lecture materials; and 25% from lab exercises and reports.
   
• Students will be assessed weekly by quizzes, tests,  or short essays.
   
• Tests:
   
  • All major test copies and answer sheets, including the final exam are retained by the instructor. The instructor will review the test results with the class, and on an individual basis when requested. The student may keep the quizzes.
  • A test will be announced two weeks prior to the administration of the test.
  • Tests are administered during the lecture period. They are multi-chapter, and contain multiple choice, completion and essay questions.
     
• Quizzes:
   
  • Announced and unannounced quizzes are given periodically to check student understanding and progress.

Grading Scale

Numerical Average	Grade
90 ­ 100	A
80 ­ 89	B
70 ­ 79	C
60 ­ 69	D
Below 60	F

All major test copies and answer sheets, including the final exam are retained by the instructor. The instructor will review the test results with the class, and on an individual basis when requested by the student. The student my keep the quizzes

Written Work

• All written work is to be original and performed by the student. This includes all tests, quizzes, laboratory reports, and any other written work assigned by the instructor. Collaborative work is NOT acceptable unless assigned by the instructor. (Also see Cheating and/or Plagiarism Policy below.)

Reading Assignments

• The time element will not allow the instructor to cover in lecture every detail in the assigned reading, therefore it is the student's responsibility for knowing all the information contained in the textbook reading assignments for tests.
• Outside readings and written papers are required and will be assigned by the instructor and will require the use of the library and World Wide Web resources.

Cheating and/or Plagiarism Policy

• Any evidence of cheating on a test will result in the student receiving a "0" for the test. The instructor will be the final authority on whether cheating or plagiarism has occurred.  Plagiarism is defined as "the appropriation or imitation of the language, ideas and thoughts of another author and the representation of them as one's original work". (The Random House College Dictionary, Revised Edition. 1984). One must be particularly careful of plagiarism when doing writing assignments.  Make sure that your answers are in your own words. If you are going to copy information to support your answer then cite your source. If you are unsure about how to do citations or plagiarism in general, then consult resources such as The Wadsworth Handbook, 7th Edition, 2005.
   

Makeup Work / Tests

The student will be allowed to make up a missed lecture or lab test ONLY if the instructor is informed of the absence on or prior to the day the test is given. Documentary evidence may be required to validate any excuse for missed tests. Makeup tests must be taken within seven days (7) after the absence, otherwise a zero grade will be issued for the test. Note: Due to their very nature some laboratory tests may not be made up. If the instructor is not notified, the student will receive a grade of "0" for the missed test

Cellular (mobile) Phones, iPods, Laptop computers and any other portable electronic equipment

• Because of inappropriate use of cell phones and other portable electronic equipment and their disruption of the educational process in the classroom it is requested that all of the above be turned off during the lecture and laboratory periods. We realize that emergencies do occur, and all students can be contacted by having emergency calls placed to the college switchboard and a college representative will come to the classroom and contact the student. (Franklin - 757.569.6700, Suffolk - 757.925.6300, and Smithfield - 757.925.6340.)  If there is a legitimate reason for having cell phones, etc. turned on during class, i.e. after 7 pm when nobody is at the switchboard, then please make sure you notify the instructor. The use of laptop computers for taking notes is allowed as long as that is the only function for which it is  being use. Failure to follow this directive may result in immediate removal from or permanent withdrawal from the class.

Student & Classroom Behavior

Students are expected to act in a civil manner and respect the rights and opinions of other students and the instructor. Student/instructor interaction is a function of the learning experience and should be approached in a manner conducive to the learning process. Disruptive behavior, such as rudeness; (chatting while other students and/or your Professor are talking), text messaging, offensive, suggestive or threatening behavior; and dishonesty, in class and lab will not be tolerated and may result in immediate administrative withdrawal from class and/or expulsion from the College.

Extra Credit Projects

• NO extra credit projects will be considered.

Field Trips

• This course may require a few field trips.

Learning Resources

• The use of the Learning Resources Center (LRC),  World Wide Web (WWW),  and BlackBoard,  are an integral part of this course. Many lab assignments and materials for lecture will require use of the Learning Resources Center.  Electronic access is available in the computer lab, science lab and the library. If you have a home computer with Internet access, these learning resources can be utilized from home.

ADA Compliance

• In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities ACT (ADA) regulations, adjustments to courses have been addressed and are on file in the Vice President of Financial and Administrative Services Office.
   
• Students with documented disabilities may be eligible for accommodations in their classes.  If you require such modifications, contact either Monette Williams on the Franklin Campus at 569.6725 (Room 120D) or Hyler Scott on the Hobbs Campus at 925.6308 (Room 100G).  Please provide your instructor with proper documentation form the Student Support Services Office before the end of the second week of classes so that appropriate adjustments can be arranged.  All Discussions are confidential.

Page updated: Tuesday, 09 June 2009