Course Syllabus

 

BSC 1010C: General Biology I

Valencia College

Spring, 2022

Professor: Aurelia Zagorska Koval

Office Hours: Monday-Friday: 8am-10:00 pm, and Monday: 5pm-7pm online via Zoom,

Feel free to contact me anytime and we can schedule the ZOOM meeting when is convenient.Please identify which class you are and use the subject line “Meeting request” if requesting a meeting. Your message should include at least two times when you would like to meet and a brief (one-two sentence) description of the reason for the meeting. You can reserve time during Office Hours through Canvas Calendar if you so wish (not required). I strongly encourage you to ask questions about the syllabus and assignments by email. You should use email to ask questions about course content and policies, and as a tool to set up a one-on-one meeting with me if the online office hours conflict with your schedule.

E-mail: azagorskakoval@valenciacollege.edu

Course Description:

Welcome to the Fundamentals of Biology I (BSC1010C) course. This course, and the accompanying laboratory, provides a foundation for future advanced biology courses and is primarily intended for those students who plan on majoring in Biology or for those students who plan to pursue a career in the allied health sciences.

The course focuses on the cellular and molecular portion of biology. It emphasizes the basic principles and unifying concepts of modern biology. These include, but are not limited to, the chemical structure of living matter, the structure and function of living cells, the major metabolic functions of cells, reproduction, genetics and evolution.

Course Objectives:

By the end of the course you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate competency in the application of critical thinking and scientific reasoning.
2. Differentiate between living and non-living entities.
3. Model and categorize the fundamentals of molecular structure and functions associated with living organisms.
4. Compare and contrast the structure and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of the structure and functions of cell membranes and the implications for cellular processes.
6. Explain the processes of energy transformation as they relate to cellular metabolism.
7. Evaluate asexual and sexual reproduction as they relate to genetic variation.
8. Model the processes and patterns of inheritance in eukaryotic organisms.
9. Describe or model the regulation and expression of genetic information.

Textbooks:

You will need to purchase the following two packages for the online course for Spring  2022,

For the Online Labs for this course, you will need the following:

Valencia College Core Competencies:

The faculty of Valencia College has identified four core competencies that define the learning outcomes for a successful Valencia graduate. These competencies are at the heart of the Valencia experience and provide the context for learning and assessment at Valencia College. You will be given opportunities to develop and practice these competencies in this class. The four competencies are:

1. Think – think clearly, and creatively, analyze, synthesize, integrate and evaluate in the many domains of human inquiry
2. Value – make reasoned judgments and responsible commitments
3. Act – act purposefully, effectively and responsibly
4. Communicate – communicate with different audiences using varied means

Assessment Methods and Evaluation Scale:

Laboratories: The lab exercises for this class are virtual exercises provided by McGraw-Hill’s Connect Virtual Labs. You will need to purchase the access code (see the textbook list above). There is a video available in the “Virtual Labs” module in Canvas that shows you how to connect to the labs once you have your access code. There is a total of twelve lab exercises, and you will be completing one exercise each week of the semester. Each week’s exercise will open at 11:59pm on Sunday and be due at 11:59pm next Sunday. It is your responsibility to make sure you are aware of which exercise is due each week (see the semester agenda below) and make sure it is submitted on time.

MasteringBiology: Assignments have been created using the custom version of Pearson’s online adaptive learning software known as MasteringBiology. If you have purchased the printed textbook you will find an access code for MasteringBiology bundled with the book. If you have purchased a used book or have a version other than the Valencia custom edition, you will need to purchase a subscription to MasteringBiology through the portal found in the Canvas page for this class.

Class Discussion Board: One of the issues we will have this semester is creating a learning community, that helps everyone learn and master the course material, while not being able to meet in person. One way we can work on this is to use the Discussion Board feature in Canvas. For every chapter we cover this semester, you will need to post to do the following:

• Carefully review the chapter learning objectives for the week.
• Choose two learning objectives from the chapters, answer the question, or write a paragraph description of a topic. Each topic requires a minimum of one paragraph with ~100 words. 
• Click "Reply" to post your discussion and submit your work. 
• Review your peers' posts and respond to 2 of them with additional clarification, support, or resources to better understand the topics.

Exams: The course will include five module exams and one final exam. The five module exams will be worth 50 points each. There will be five module exams during the semester plus a comprehensive final exam at the end of the semester. The module exams will consist of 30 multiple choice questions (1 point/question; 30 points), 10 short answer questions (minimum of one paragraph answer per question – 2 points/question; 20 points) for a total of 50 points per exam. The comprehensive final exam consist of 40 multiple choice questions (1.5 points/question; 60 points), 20 short answer questions ( – 2 points/question; 40 points) for a total of 100 points. The final exam will be worth 100 points.

The college has adopted the Honorlock application as the remote proctoring application for online examinations this spring. This is an extension for the Chrome browser and is required to access the exams in Canvas, along with a webcam and microphone. You will be remotely monitored while taking the exam, including your internet activity, attempted use of other devices and interactions with other people at your location. Canvas will also keep a record of your internet activity, including during the exam. Any clearly identified evidence of cheating on an exam will result in a zero for the exam. A second incidence will result in you being administratively dropped from the class. You will be required to sign an academic honesty agreement, and this must be on file with me prior to the first exam – this will be password protected and you will only receive the password if your signed agreement is on file. Please Note: If, for any reason, HonorLock is not available for an exam, report it immediately to HonorLock tech support and your instructor. Any exam taken without HonorLock will receive a zero. Learn more about Honorlock by clicking on the following link: https://honorlock.com/students/ (Links to an external site.) 

The examinations are closed book - your textbook, study guides and any other notes may not be use during the examination. All portable devices (smartphones, smartwatches, etc) must be placed where you cannot reach or see them. You must complete the HonorLock ID authentication and room scan (including under your desk) process before you begin the examination. Video, sound and your computer activity will be recorded while you are taking the examination. Once you begin the exam, you will have 50 minutes to complete the examination. If you choose to leave the exam for any reason, the timer will continue to run. At the end of the 50-minute time period, your examination will be terminated and submitted, and you will not have another opportunity to take the examination. Make sure that you are prepared to stay at the computer for the full duration of the exam.

During the exams the following conditions must be observed:

1. You must work in a space where no other individuals are present, or enter the room, during your exam session.
2. Your face and eyes must be visible at all times. The lighting of your face must allow this – no backlighting to limit your visibility.
3. You may not look down or to the left or right. You must look at the screen. If you need to look elsewhere, you may look up for inspiration.
4. You must sit upright in your chair, face the screen and not move around or wriggle excessively in your chair.
5. There must be no extraneous background noise. No music, no other sounds in the room.
6. You may not read the questions and answers out loud. You may read them to yourself in your mind, but you may not read them out loud.

If there is a suspicion of cheating, you will be required to attend a Zoom conference with me during which you will have to answer a minimum of five random questions about material on the exam. If you are able to answer the questions, I will add 3 extra points to your exam score. If you cannot, your exam will be invalidated. Failure to attend this conference will be considered an admission of cheating and treated as such.

NOTE: Students must use a computer with reliable internet access because excuses or failure to complete assessments due to computer error will not be permitted.

Grading: At the end of the semester, final grades will be calculated as follows: 

1. Welcome Discussion post -10 points, Required Attendance Activity
2. Complete and submit the Honestly Agreement - 10 points, Required Attendance Activity
3. Module exams – five exam each of 50 points each, 250 points total
4. Final exam –  100points
5. McGraw Hill Lab activities – 10 points for each of 12 lab sessions (each comprised of multiple activities) for a total of 120 points 
6. Discussion boards – 16 discussion board posts, worth 10 points each, total of 160 points
7. Mastering Biology Dynamic Study Module - 16 of these, each worth 2.5 points, total of 40 points
8. MasteringBiology Homework – 16 of these, 10points each, total of 160 points 
9. Reading Questions - 16 of these, 2.5 points each, total of 40 points
10. Assessment assignment - 5 points

Total Points possible: 995

Grading: At the end of the semester, final grades will be calculated as follows: 

1. Module Exams  – 25,1%
2. Final exam – 20.1%
3. Laboratories – 20.1%
4. Discussion boards –  16%
5. MasteringBiology - 16%
6. Assessment - 0.5%
7. Welcome and Honestly Agreement - 2.0%

At the end of the semester, your score for each of these components will be added together and converted to a percentage. Grades for the semester will be awarded using the following scale:

A: 100%-86%

B: 85%-71%

C: 70%-56%

D: 55%-46%

F: 45%-0%

There will be no additional curving.

Class Policies:

Technology Requirements: The college uses the Canvas learning management system (LMS). The following link provides answers to common questions students may have about Canvas:

https://valenciacollege.edu/faculty/canvas-resources/student-faqs.phpLinks to an external site.

The following link lists the minimum computer requirements to successfully run Canvas:

https://community.canvaslms.com/docs/DOC-10721-67952720328 (Links to an external site.)

If you have any concern about whether your computer system is sufficient to support Canvas, please read this document. Please note – while Safari can be used for Canvas, Pearson has announced that Safari is not compatible with MasteringBiology. If you own an Apple-based system and use Safari, you will need to install a second browser to use to complete the required MasteringBiology assignments. The recommended browsers are Chrome and Firefox. In addition to the minimum requirements you are also required to have a webcam, either integral to your system or as an addition to your system.

In addition to these basic requirements, you will need to download the Google Chrome browser as it will be required for all online examinations this semester. This browser is available for Windows- based, Apple-based, and Chromebook systems. You will be required to install the Honorlock extension in the Chrome browser in order to access the exams in Canvas. This extension turns the browser into a lockdown browser and allows remote exam proctoring. For more information, see the paragraph on exams above. You will need to download, and install, a PDF app for your smartphone, such as CamScanner or Adobe Scan, and install it on your smartphone. This app turns your smartphone into a document scanner and saves your document into a single pdf document you can upload to Canvas.

Netiquette: The term "netiquette" refers to the awareness of the need for a certain code of behavior (etiquette) in electronic environments (the net) ... Net + Etiquette = netiquette. Netiquette, while a general term, is complex at specific levels because there are so many different kinds of electronic environments, and so many different situations in which we may find ourselves in those environments.

Classes focusing on areas where electronic communication play a key, if as yet undefined, role in technical and professional communication, and it is our responsibility to be aware of our textual presence as it reflects upon our professional responsibilities, to ourselves and to our parents and students.

In order to maintain a positive online environment, we all need to follow the netiquette guidelines summarized below.

All students are expected to:

• show respect for the instructor and for other students in the class
• respect the privacy of other students
• express differences of opinion in a polite and rational way
• maintain an environment of constructive criticism when commenting on the work of other students
• avoid bringing up irrelevant topics when involved in group discussions or other collaborative activities

The following list summarizes the kind of behavior that is not acceptable. Each item listed below is grounds for removal from the class.

Students should not:

• Show disrespect for the instructor or for other students in the class
• Send messages or comments that are threatening, harassing, or offensive
• Use inappropriate or offensive language
• Convey a hostile or confrontational tone when communicating or working collaboratively with other students

 

No Show Policy: Class attendance is required for online classes. The instructor will withdraw students who are not actively participating in an online class and/or do not submit the required attendance activity or assignment by the scheduled due date in week one as a "no show." If you are withdrawn as a “no show,” you will be financially responsible for the class, and a final grade of “W” will appear on your transcript for the course.

Attendance: The College believes that regular attendance and class participation are significant factors which promote success in college. Canvas, our course management system, logs your online activities and this record will be used to monitor your attendance. You are expected to participate in the weekly activities of the class, beginning during the first week of the semester and for the remainder of the semester, to remain in good standing in the class.

Withdrawal: You are responsible for initiating a voluntary withdrawal from the class prior to the published withdrawal date. You must withdraw prior to the withdrawal date in order to avoid being given an “F” grade. After the official withdrawal date, you cannot withdraw from the course and your grade will be what you have earned. Any student who withdraws from a class during a third or subsequent attempt in the same course will be assigned a grade of “F”.

Course Attempts/Course Withdrawal

Agencies and organizations which provide financial assistance/scholarships (federal and state government, businesses, etc.) may have requirements relative to withdrawal, course repeats and grade forgiveness which are more stringent than those described below. It is your responsibility to verify the effects of enrollment and/or withdrawal upon your financial assistance (financial aid, scholarships, grants, etc.).

According to State Rule 6A-14.0301, you may attempt the same course only three times at Valencia including the original grade, repeat grades and withdrawals at any point in the term. Students in Bachelor’s degree programs are limited to two attempts. The same course usually means the subject prefix and course number are the same when posted on a Valencia transcript. Courses that have been deemed equivalent will all count as attempts even if the current course number is not the same as your previous attempt(s). Being enrolled in a course for credit beyond the Drop/Refund Deadline counts as an attempt. The Drop/Refund Deadline for each term is listed in the Academic Calendar in the online official catalog.

After the Withdrawal Deadline

A student is not permitted to withdraw after the withdrawal deadline. A professor may withdraw you up to the beginning of the final exam period for violation of the class attendance policy, as published in the faculty member's syllabus, in which case you will receive a grade of “W”. If the professor does not withdraw you, your grade will be what you had earned.

For a complete policy and procedure overview on Valencia policy 4-07 (Academic Progress, Course Attendance and Grades, and Withdrawals) please go to:

https://catalog.valenciacollege.edu/academicpoliciesprocedures/courseattemptscoursewithdrawal/Links to an external site.

College Student Conduct Policy: Valencia is dedicated not only to the advancement of knowledge and learning but also to the development of responsible personal and social conduct. As a registered student, you assume the responsibility for conducting yourself in a manner that contributes positively to Valencia’s learning community and that does not impair, interfere with, or obstruct the orderly conduct, processes, and functions of the college as described in the Student Code of Conduct.

Academic Dishonesty: All forms of academic dishonesty are prohibited at Valencia College. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, furnishing false information, forgery, alteration or misuse of documents, misconduct during a test situation, and misuse of identification with intent to defraud or deceive. All work submitted by students is expected to be the result of the student’s individual thoughts, research, and self-expression. Whenever a student uses ideas, wording or organization from another source, the source shall be appropriately acknowledged.

Students shall take special notice that the assignment of course grades is the responsibility of the student’s individual professor. When the professor has reason to believe that an act of academic dishonesty has occurred, and before sanctions are imposed, the student shall be given informal notice and an opportunity to be heard by the professor. Any student determined by the professor to have been guilty of engaging in an act of academic dishonesty shall be liable to a range of academic penalties as determined by the professor which will include, but not be limited to, one or more of the following: loss of credit for an assignment, examination or project; a reduction in the course grade; or a grade of “F” in the course. At the option of the professor, the campus president may be furnished with written notification of the occurrence and the action taken. If such written notice is given, a copy shall be provided to the student.

Students guilty of engaging in a gross or flagrant act of academic dishonesty or repeated instances of academic dishonesty shall also be subject to administrative and/or disciplinary penalties which may include warning, probation, suspension and/or expulsion from the college.

Students with Disabilities: Valencia is committed to ensuring that all of its programs and services are accessible to students with disabilities. The Office for Students with DisabilitiesLinks to an external site.(OSD) determines reasonable and appropriate accommodations for qualified students with documented disabilities based upon the need and impact of the specific disability. Any student requiring course accommodations due to physical, emotional or learning disability must contact the instructor and provide a Notification to Instructor form by the end of the second week of class. To obtain a letter of accommodation, contact OSD at 407-582-2229.

Asking for help: Ask for help if you need it! Do not wait until the end of the semester to ask for help. The sooner you ask, the more beneficial it will be.

Brainfuse is our new  24/7 online tutoring and learning hub, which is available to all of Valencia’s students.  This service is best used as a back-up to Valencia’s Distance Tutoring service, not as a replacement.  Brainfuse is accessible through Canvas or by visiting www.valenciacollege.edu/tutoring 

Learning Support Services provides students with academic support through distance tutoring, face to face tutoring at the campuses, writing consultations, library services, and resources. Tutoring is offered in most academic disciplines including math, science, foreign languages, English for academic purposes (EAP), computer programming and writing assistance for any course.  Assistance with library research can be accessed online through Atlas or the tutoring LibGuide.  For more information on how to access tutoring and library research assistance, please visit the college-wide Learning Support Services LibGuide at: www.valenciacollege.edu/tutoring 

Please note: Brainfuse is our new  24/7 online tutoring and learning hub, which is available to all of Valencia’s students.  This service is best used as a back-up to Valencia’s Distance Tutoring service, not as a replacement.  Brainfuse is accessible through Canvas or by visiting www.valenciacollege.edu/tutoring

Academic Resources

We want you to stay connected to the latest academic resources we have available for you during this transitional time.

West Campus Bookstore:

Campus Store will be open Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Campus store window pick-up will be available Monday – Saturday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Downtown Campus
The Campus Store at the Downtown Campus is owned and operated by Barnes & Noble and will continue to operate online for the Fall 2021 term. Visit the Campus Store website for the Downtown Campus for more information and to order online.

Other Campuses
Valencia Campus Stores will be closed during the Fall 2021 term. Visit the Valencia Campus Store website for more information and online ordering.

Customer Service
Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
407-299-5000, extension 5310
onlineorder@valenciacollege.edu

Learning Support Services provides students with academic support through distance tutoring, face to face tutoring at the campuses, writing consultations, library services, and resources. Tutoring is offered in most academic disciplines including math, science, foreign languages, English for academic purposes (EAP), computer programming and writing assistance for any course.  Assistance with library research can be accessed online through Atlas or the tutoring LibGuide.  For more information on how to access tutoring and library research assistance, please visit the college-wide Learning Support Services LibGuide at: www.valenciacollege.edu/tutoring 

Academic Advising:

• Call: 407-582-1507
• Email: advising@valenciacollege.edu
• Visit https://valenciacollege.edu/students/student-services/support.php for links and information on how to get connected to each of the following:
• Virtual Answer Center or Virtual Advising Center (online Zoom access): Monday-Thursday 10a-7p, Fridays 9a-5p; Virtual Answer Center only – Saturdays 9a-1p
• Make an appointment (in person): Monday-Thursday 8a-5p, Fridays 9a-5p (East, West, and OSC only), Fridays - virtual only (DTC, LNC, WP, PNC).

Enrollment Services:

• (phone access): Monday-Thursday 8a-6p and Fridays 9a-5p (407-582-1507)

Financial Aid:

Contact FinAidOffice@valenciacollege.edu for their financial aid questions, as well as for potential assistance with financial support

Copyright: Material obtained during this course can only be circulated within the class only. Students must refrain from using or displaying the pictures, drawings, and presentations outside this course.

Consent: By continuing in this course the student accepts the professor’s policies and procedures to conduct class and lab, accepts the grading procedure, accepts all other things outlined in this syllabus, and accepts amendments/changes. Valencia College is committed to providing each student a quality educational experience. Faculty members have set high standards of instruction for themselves and for you. If you have a problem in a class, your first step is to talk to your instructor. If you are still dissatisfied, you may talk with the academic dean of the division for your class. We will work together to resolve any issues that arise.

COVID GUIDELINES: 

Throughout the COVID pandemic, Valencia College has been primarily focused on the health and well-being of its students and faculty and staff. This continues to be our priority as we return to more face-to-face classes, and college policy continues to be guided by science and the guidelines issued by the CDC and our partners at Orlando Health. I urge all students who are able to do so to get vaccinated and encourage friends and family to do so as well.  

Should you become ill with COVID, please inform me and your professors and coworkers both for your safety, the safety of our Valencia community. I will do what I can to assist you in completing successfully our coursework. Please inform our COVID liaison Tanya Mahan (COVIDillness@valenciacollege.edu) as well, so she can support you in this process. We are in this together! For more information, please consult: 

https://valenciacollege.edu/about/coronavirus/. 

  

Tentative Course Schedule:

(NOTE: This is a tentative schedule and the instructor reserves the right to change this schedule without notice)

Week	Dates	Lecture Schedule	Laboratory Exercise
1	Jan 10 - 16	Chapters 1 and 2	Lab 1 – The Scientific Method
2	Jan 17  - 23	Chapters 3	Lab 2 – pH and Buffers
3	Jan 24 - 30	Chapters 4; Exam 1 (ch.1-4)	Lab 3 – Introduction to Microscopy
4	Jan 31 - 6	Chapter 5	-
5	Feb 7 - 13	Chapter 6	Lab 4 – Cells
6	Feb 14 - 20	Chapter 7; Exam 2 (ch. 5-7)	Lab 5 – Diffusion I Lab 6 – Diffusion II
7	Feb 21 - 27	Chapter 8	Lab 7 – Enzymes
8	Feb 28 - 6	Chapter 9	Lab 8 – Respiration
9	March 7 -13	Valencia Spring Break
	March 14 - 20	Chapter 10; Exam 3 (ch. 8-10)	Lab 9 – Photosynthesis
11	March 21 - 27	Chapter 12 and 13	Lab 10 – Mitosis and Meiosis
12	March 28 - 3	Chapter 14	Lab 11 – Genetics
	April 4 - 10	Chapter 15 ;Exam 4 (ch.12-14)	Lab 12 – Human Phenotypes
14	April 11 - 17	Chapter 16 and 17
15	April 18 - 24	Chapter 17 (Exam5 ch.15-17)
16	April 25 - Mai 1	Final EXAM

 

Vacations and other important dates:
January 17 – Martin Luther King Day(College closed)
• January 18 - Drop/Refund Deadline
• February 11 - Learning Day(No classes)
• March 7 -11 – Spring Break (College closed)
• March 25- Withdrawal deadline
• April 25 - Finals Week begins

 

College Calendar: http://valenciacollege.edu/calendar

LETTER FROM THE DEAN

Expectations of a Valencia College Science Student

and

Expectations of Academic Integrity

Welcome to the Science Division of Valencia College’s West Campus; we are enthused to have this opportunity to assist you in achieving your educational goals.  Higher education is a privilege and an opportunity; it is your responsibility to realize that you are in control of those behaviors and actions that can enable success in this course.

From your professors, you can expect the following:

1. They will be prompt, courteous and respectful. 
2. They will provide a professional learning environment throughout the entire scheduled instructional period.
3. They will provide an up-to-date syllabus; when changes need to be made, they will announce changes in a manner that is conveyed to all students in their class.
4. They will provide you with a course that is of necessary rigor to prepare you for the career you have chosen; because the class you are taking transfers to a four year college or university, it will be taught with the same academic expectations.  The bonus of starting your education at Valencia, when compared to attending a four year college, is you will be able to get more personal attention with small class sizes and you will be able to save money; the classes are not easier.
5. They will offer time outside of class to discuss your questions.
6. They will be available to discuss your class concerns in private, outside of class time; you should try to resolve your class concerns with your professor before you try to voice your concerns with administrators.
7. They will respond to emails within 2 business days.
8. They will expect from you what they have expected from the many students who passed their classes in the past.

In return, this is what your professor will expect from you:

1. You will be prompt, courteous and respectful. 

            Prompt means you come to class on time, ready to work, with all assignments completed before you enter class or lab.  It means that you have studied, that all conversations, texting and diversions come to a stop and that you are ready to contribute to a positive learning environment from the beginning of the class or lab. 

            Courtesy means you are polite in your attitude and behavior towards your professor and classmates.

            Respectfulness means that you regard everyone’s classroom experience as valuable to them, that you accept your professor’s expertise and experience to create relevant course objectives and that you treat college and personal property with care.

1. You will read your syllabus; your syllabus is a contract between your professor and you.  Be aware of deadlines to complete assignments on time and know your professor’s attendance policy.  You will need to attend class for the full length of time allotted to your science class and lab.
2. You will be aware of Valencia College policies and procedures found in the college catalog; ignorance of policies and procedures doesn’t mean they don’t apply.
3. You will be serious about learning; it is your responsibility to be an active participant in your own learning.  You will need to devote sufficient time to learn the material presented by your professor; for most students, this means you will need to spend at least two hours studying for every hour of instruction.  Learning is an action verb; you will need to do more than sit through class and reread your notes to be successful.  To succeed in higher level classes, you must retain the information, concepts and skills you will learn; this can only happen if you work at learning to make the course content a part of your long term memory.  Do not cram!!
4. You will be encouraged to produce your own study guides.  Most college professors do not provide study guides, but they can give you tips that will help you produce your own study guides to gain a better understanding of the course content.
5. You will be expected to participate fully in classroom activities.  The work you produce must be your own; cheating in any form is not tolerated and your professor will have specific consequences, in their syllabus, which will be enforced should cheating occur.
6. You will be expected to contribute to a positive learning environment.  Avoid classmates who speak negatively, or who have a negative outlook, about your class or your professor.  Instead, get to know your professor during office hours; you will learn much more with a positive attitude.
7. You will be held to a high standard of maturity and responsibility.  Disruptive behaviors will not be tolerated in the classroom or lab.  First time disruptions will be handled by your professor and may include a request that you leave the class or lab.  Very serious or repeated disruptions will be reported, to the Dean of Science and the Dean of Students, with specific consequences that can include your permanent removal from the class.  Disruptions include:

• Being noisy when arriving late to class or leaving early.
• Carrying on private conversations while the professor is talking.
• Disrespectful language, tone and mannerisms.
• Sleeping or attempting to sleep in class.
• Repeatedly asking unnecessary or irrelevant questions.

My wish is that you get the best learning value from the science classes that you are taking.  With everyone abiding by the expectations in this letter, your science classes at Valencia should be the next step in achieving your academic dreams.

It is my hope that you will think about why it is important that we each show academic integrity and how cheating and plagiarism affect all of us, including those guilty of these academic crimes.  Some students think that it only hurts their grade if they get caught cheating or plagiarizing, but cheaters typically lie not only to others, but to themselves.  Eventually, cheaters pay a price.  

➢ Those who cheat typically fail licensure exams, since they don’t really know the material.   Without a professional license, they won’t be able to get employment.  Would you want to be treated by a doctor who cheated in order to pass an exam that covered his or her knowledge of your disease? Also, if they falsify a patient’s medical records, can you guess what can happen to them?

➢ Research scientists who falsify data are typically discredited and their reputations can be permanently ruined.

➢ Although you may think your professors have no clue when a student is cheating, usually your classmates do and some will inform your professor.

➢ Cheating becomes habitual.  See what happens when employees cheat their employer.

➢ Students who let others cheat off them are not doing anyone a favor.  If you are in a highly competitive field, you may ultimately be aiding your competition.

➢ Guess what a professor says to a student seeking a letter of recommendation when they know the student cheated or plagiarized.

➢ Finally, what happens to a person’s self-esteem and to their reputation when they act unethically by cheating or plagiarizing?  

Use the following as your guide: “Each student is required to follow Valencia policy regarding academic honesty.  All work submitted by students is expected to be the result of the student’s individual thoughts, research, and self-expression unless the assignment specifically states ‘group project.’  To get the most out of each of your classes, it is best to learn how to study for long term comprehension, not just to memorize facts.  Study so you can teach others what you are learning.  My motto is, “if you can’t teach what you are learning to others, you don’t really know the material.”  Academic dishonesty, in the forms of cheating and plagiarism, will not be tolerated and for most of our science professors will result in a student getting a zero on a test or assignment for the first offense and then an F for the course if a student is caught cheating or plagiarizing again; at that point the Dean of Students will also be notified.  Don’t throw away your dreams and your reputation by showing a lack of academic integrity. We wish you the best and want you to succeed and be proud of your accomplishments at Valencia. 

Dr. Robert Gessner

Valencia College West Campus Dean of Science