Aurora University Biology 3520 Syllabus: Spring 2008.
   

TTH 10:00AM 11:15AM STPH 123
Instructor: Peter ChenOffice hours: before or after class
Voicemail: 630-942-2800 x58218Phone (cell):
Email: Web: http://bio3520.nicerweb.com/

Course Description:
Schedule
BIOLOGY 3520 Animal Behavior, 3 semester hours
This course provides an introduction to animal behavior including overviews of proximate and ultimate causes of behavior, and detailed discussions of topics in behavioral ecology such as predation, foraging, habitat selection, mating, and social interactions.

Prerequisites:
Take Bio1220; (Biology of Organisms)

Required Textbook:
•   Lee Alan Dugatkin. Principles of Animal Behavior. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 2003.

Lectures:
Attendance in lectures is critical to success in this course. Attendance in lecture is worth 2 points for each class; points may be deducted for tardiness, leaving early, or for being disruptive in class.

Grading:
There will be 4 tests, each worth 200 points. The lowest score of the 4 tests is weighted at 50%; so the total possible points from the tests are 700. Tests are not cumulative. Makeup tests must be taken by the next scheduled class; otherwise a score of 0 will be recorded for that test. There will be 8 quizzes worth 10 points each, with the lowest score of the 8 dropped. The quizzes are unannounced. No makeups are available for quizzes. There will also be a written homework assignment.
 
AssignmentPoints
4 tests, 200 pts each700
8 quizzes, 10 pts each70
1 homework, 76 pts each76
Attendance (27 classes)54
Total900
GradePoints
A (90%)810
B (80%)720
C (70%)630
D (60%)540
F (<60%)<540
 
Grades and Tests:
The class web site will provide access to your grades. You will need to setup a password access your grade and also take tests online. I will try to grade tests and quizzes as soon as possible, so we can review them before moving to the next topic. You are encouraged to do the end of chapter problems on your own; they can be helpful in preparing for tests. If you miss a test, you need to make it up before the next class period.

Taking Notes:
Outlines for each class are posted on the web. You may use these as an aid in taking notes, or you may choose to take notes on your own paper. In either case, you are encouraged to take notes; achievement in class is strongly correlated with note taking!

Homework and Assignments:
You have homework assignment for every class: read the assigned material before coming to class, and bring your textbook to class. One specific written homework will be given during the semester. All assignments should be typed and include at least 2 references, unless otherwise specified, using either APA or MLA citation style. The textbook does not count as references. Attach copies of the specific pages you referenced, and use a highlighter to highlight the passages used. If the reference is available electronically, you can cut and paste the relevant sections and boldface or otherwise highlight your passages. Assignments should be submitted to me electronically as part of your record; you may use the class upload tool to submit your assignment.

Extra credit: Quizzes and tests nay contain extra credit questions; these may cover topics in the textbook not specifically addressed in class, or topics raised during discussions in class, so pay attention to class discussions and participate!

Withdrawal Policy:
The deadline to withdraw from class without receiving any grade is Friday, 01/11. Deadline to withdraw with an automatic "W" is Saturday, 03/29. Withdrawal after that date will require my approval, and only under extreme circumstances. However, I will not grant a request to withdraw if you are getting a failing grade at that time.

Plagiarism/Academic Dishonesty:
Academic dishonesty is prohibited. Cheating on quizzes and tests or plagiarism on written assignments will result in a grade of 0 and possible F for the course. Refer to the Aurora University Code Of Academic Integrity for a full description of this school Policy Statement; the Statement can also be found in the A-Book.

Questions:
If you have any questions about this class, or about your career here at Aurora University and beyond, please feel free to contact me by telephone, email, or in-person. If you need to see me at times other than before or after class, please make arrangements with me.

Conclusion:
Congratulations, you have finished reading the Syllabus for Biology 3520. Read the assignments and notes as carefully as you have read this, and you will do well!


 
This syllabus is a living document and is subject to change.

Bio3520 Aurora University Updated: Jan 07, 2008.