INTEGRATED LIFE SCIENCE
USU 1350
FALL 2002
Instructor: Dr. Rich Etchberger
208D Vernal Campus
435-789-6100
Email: usu1350live@ext.usu.edu
Office Hours: Open door policy or by appointment
Prerequisites: Enthusiasm
Text:
There is no
required text for this course. However, there will be many assigned readings and
literature reviews required.
Class Web Site:
http://www.uintahbasin.usu.edu/riche/live1350opener.htm
Course Objectives:
I will present an introduction to the diversity and interrelatedness of scientific concepts and methods of inquiry humans use in our world. I will provide a broad overview of the theoretical concepts and ideas with which students should become familiar. I will focus on science from a broad perspective with an emphasis on ideas rather than on facts. We will examine the historical context of science, the evolution of science, the impact of science on society, the impact of society on science, and how science and technology are linked. This course is one of the foundations for your academic careers.
Student Objectives:
Students should be able to understand and explain major principles of a variety of scientific endeavors and recognize the scientific terminology associated with them. Students should be able to understand science as a process and gain an understanding of the unifying principles of science. Students should be capable of illustrating how scientific principles might be related to their lives. With the understanding gained in this class, students should be able to describe and analyze current issues facing humans now and in the future.
GRADING POLICY
Your final grade will be based on your performance on 3 1-hour exams, writing assignments, and other class assignments.
All exams are comprehensive and questions will cover lecture notes, reading assignments, problem sets, writing assignments, and class discussions.
Grading Scale
90 - 100% = A
80 - 89% = B
70 - 79% = C
60 - 69% = D
< 60% = F
University Policy on Incomplete Grades
Students are required to complete all courses for which they are registered by the end of the semester. In some cases, a student may be unable to complete all of the course work because of extenuating circumstances, but not due to poor performance or to retain financial aid. The term "extenuating" circumstances includes: (1) incapacitating illness which prevents a student from attending classes for a minimum period of two weeks, (2) a death in the immediate family, (3) financial responsibilities requiring a student to alter course schedule to secure employment, (4) change in work schedule as required by employer, or (5) other emergencies deemed appropriate by the instructor. The student may petition the instructor for time beyond the end of the semester to finish the work. If the instructor agrees, two grades will be given, an "I" and a letter grade for the course computed as if the missing work were zero. Documentation of the circumstances cited to justify an incomplete grade is required. The student is required to complete the work by the time agreed upon, or not longer than 12 months. If no change of grade is submitted by the instructor within the prescribed period, the "I" will be removed and the letter grade originally submitted with the "I" will remain as the permanent grade for the course. Arrangements to complete the missing course work are to be made directly with the instructor awarding the "I" grade, and in accordance with departmental policy. In the absence of the original instructor, special circumstances must be handled by the department head. Documentation of required work to be completed in order to remove the "I" grade must be filed with the department office. The "I" grade should generally not require a complete repeat of the course. A student should not reregister for the course. An incomplete grade will not be given because of poor performance.
Academic
Honesty
I and the University expect that students and faculty alike maintain the highest standards of academic honesty. For the benefit of students who may not be aware of specific standards of the University concerning academic honesty, please see page 20 of the 2000 - 2002 Utah State University Catalog or ask me.
Students with Disabilities
I encourage students with disabilities to discuss their needs with me. Course materials in alternative format -- large print, audio, and Braille -- will be provided in cooperation with the Disability Resource Center. Reasonable accommodation will be provided for all persons with disabilities to ensure equal opportunity for participation in class. Disabilities require medical documentation.