COURSE DESCRIPTION: The course is designed to introduce students to current environmental challenges.  Using a case study approach, students read about current major environmental challenges and controversies, including the origin of environmental challenges; what is known and unknown; what solutions are available; local versus international consequences of implementing solutions, and estimates the risk and costs of solutions. The interaction of science, technology and society will be discussed as they apply to these issues.

COURSE LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Define the general characteristics, anatomy, physiology, and life cycles of important insect groups.
2. List the important orders of insects and related organisms.
3. Demonstrate the principles of insect identification.
4. Define and describe patters of insect biodiversity.
5. Explain the importance of insects to ecosystems functioning.
6. Describe potential impact of different species on agriculture, human health, and society.

There are two required books: 

1. The Complete Insect - David A. Grimaldi

2. Common Insects of Texas and Surrounding Sates: A Field Guide – John Abbott and Kendra Abbott           

GRADING POLICY

Grades for the course will be based on the following:

Course Grade = 550 Total Possible Points From:

300 points - 3 Exams (100 points each); lowest exam score is automatically dropped.

100 Points – 2 Identification Practicals (50 points each)

100 Points – 10 Weekly Quizzes (10 points each)

50 Points – 1 Presentation on assigned insect orders

Three exams will be given during the semester. The course will be graded on a standard grade scale (70- 79% = “C”; 80-89%= “B”, etc.). There will be no large curve at the end of the course to drastically alter averages and “save the day”. Regardless of how convincing the arguments or how much you feel you deserve it; I do not “give” grades not earned. I simply do the math at the end of the semester and what you earned is your final grade.

No Makeup Exams

There are no makeup exams. If you miss an exam, and have a valid excuse, your grade will be calculated using the two exams you take (Two exams are the minimum number required to pass the class). 

Exam Structure

 Each exam is 22 questions (20 exam questions and 2 extra credits questions).  The exams may contain multiple-choice and matching type questions. The tests are timed and generally you will be given 30 minutes to complete 20 questions.  So be ready because you cannot start over once a test has begun. The extra credit questions are drawn from posts to my web page (markshepherdjournal.com) and my Instagram page (markshepherdphd).  Students are encouraged to sign up on my web page and follow on my Instagram so that you receive notification of new posts.  Each exam is a standalone measure of how well you have learned the material covered in the designated chapters. When appropriate, and related to the material covered, questions from previous exams may be included in subsequent exams.   The final exam is not comprehensive, but the material does build on itself, so don’t clear your memory after each exam!

Final Exam

The final exam must be taken to pass the course.  

Quizzes

There are 10 Quizzes that occur at the end of the class.  Students are given 10 minutes to complete the quiz.  The quiz must be turned in by the time the class is over. 

Wise Advice

If you are having trouble (one exam is below the grade level you are happy with) or have any questions, seek help from me immediately. Don't wait until the last weeks of the semester, or the last test, to become "concerned" - it will do no good.

Keep up with the reading. Read the chapters before they are covered in class.

The notes cover some of the text information (with other material added); they are not a substitute for reading assignments. Some test questions will come from the text alone.

Studying for exams: 1). Reread the chapter. 2). Review the terms in the chapters as well as all figures: (Repeat as needed.)

ATTENDANCE/CLASS PARTICIPATION

It is not possible to miss numerous classes and pass the course.   Students are responsible for checking into Blackboard, reviewing posted materials, and keeping up with readings. Regular and timely exam completion is

expected of all students.  If exam completion is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class.

WITHDRAW AND INCOMPLETE POLICIES

should you decide to withdraw from the class, it is your responsibility to ensure that your name is removed from the rolls.  I do, however, reserve the right to drop a student should it be necessary.  If a student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is recorded before the Final Withdrawal Date.

Students are responsible for understanding the impact that withdrawal from a course may

have on their financial aid, veterans’ benefits, and international student status.  Per state

law, students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2007 or later at any public Texas college or university may not withdraw (receive a “W”) from more than six courses during their

undergraduate college education. Some exemptions for good cause could allow a student

to withdraw from a course without having it count toward this limit. Students are strongly

encouraged to meet with an advisor when making decisions about course selection, course loads, and course withdrawals.”

An incomplete (grade of "I") will only be given if extenuating circumstances, such as illness or death of a loved one, keep a student from completing the final examination (or 70% of the graded exams and coursework).  Incompletes must be requested in writing with documentation of the extenuating circumstances. If a grade of “I” is given, the final examination must be taken by a date set by the student and professor. This date may not be later than two weeks prior to the end of the next semester.

1.      Prior to the end of the semester in which the “I” is to be awarded, the student must meet with the instructor to determine the assignments and exams that must be completed prior to the deadline date.  This meeting can occur virtually or in person.  The instructor should complete the Report of Incomplete Grade form.

2.      The faculty member will complete the form, including all requirements to

complete the course and the due date, sign (by typing in name) and then

email it to the student.  The student will then complete his/her section, sign (by typing in name), and return the completed form to the faculty member to complete the agreement.  A copy of the fully completed form can then be emailed by the faculty member to the student and the department chair for each grade of Incomplete that the faculty member submits at the end of the semester.   

3.      The student must complete all remaining work by the date specified on the form above.  This date is determined by the instructor in collaboration with the student, but it may not be later than the final withdrawal deadline in the subsequent long semester.  

4.      Students will retain access to the course Blackboard page through the subsequent semester in order to submit work and complete the course. Students will be able to log on to Blackboard and have access to the course section materials, assignments, and grades from the course and semester in which the Incomplete was awarded.  

5.      When the student completes the required work by the Incomplete deadline, the instructor will submit an electronic Grade Change Form to change the student’s performance grade from an “I” to the earned grade of A, B, C, D, or F. 

If an Incomplete is not resolved by the deadline, the grade automatically converts

to an “F.”  Approval to carry an Incomplete for longer than the following semester

or session deadline is not frequently granted.”

CLASS CONDUCT - ACC expects professional conduct from faculty and students.

Conduct that interferes with the ability to teach or learn will result in removal from class pending review by the Dean of Student Affairs. Rude behavior includes disturbing class by entering the classroom late in an inconsiderate fashion (i.e. so quietly take the nearest seat) or interrupting lectures (disruptive talking, sharpening pencils, etc.). Read your student handbook, you agreed to everything in it by registering for class!