GENERAL
INFORMATION FOR BIOLOGY 4490/5490
Special
Topics: Organisms in Extreme Environments
Spring
2011
Course webpage: http://faculty.uca.edu/johnc/oee4490.htm
Purpose and content of course: The course will investigate the physiology and ecology of eukaryotic organisms that are known to survive major environmental stresses including high and low temperatures, desiccation, high irradiance, anoxia, osmotic stress, pH extremes, exposure to toxins and extreme competition for resources. The focus will be on (although not limited to) 4-5 model organisms including: 1) Artemia salina (Brine Shrimp), 2) selected Tardigrades (Water bears), 3) Gambusia affinis (Mosquitofish), 4) Polypodium polypodioides (Resurrection Fern) and 5) selected Chironomids (Non-biting midges). Students will be introduced to each species by introductory lectures backed by reading appropriate parts of the text and selected primary literature. The laboratories will address both identifying and quantifying extreme environments, (particularly those found in Arkansas) and studying the mechanisms employed by organisms to successfully live within these habitats.
Text: Wharton, David. 2002. Life at the Limits: Organisms in Extreme Environments, Cambridge University Press
Instructor: Dr. John Choinski, Professor of Biology, LSC 022 or LSC 026 (Research laboratory)
Office hours: 830-1130a M, W and by appointment.
E-mail: johnc@uca.edu; Internet: http://faculty.uca.edu/~johnc/index.htm
Class/laboratory meetings: 300-600p M, W (LSC 027) (CRN 23798, 23812)
Assignment of 'WP' grades: A student may officially withdraw from a course or the university so long as the withdrawal is within the dates specified in the academic calendar for the semester. If a student withdraws from a course or the university during the change-of-course period, no grade will be recorded.
After the change-of-course period, a withdrawal grade (W - Withdrawn, WP - Withdrawn Passing, or WF - Withdrawn Failing) will be recorded according to the deadlines specified in the academic calendar for the semester and, when applicable, at the discretion of the course instructor, so long as the course instructor has not already dropped the student for non-attendance.
If a student discontinues attendance without officially withdrawing, an instructor may drop the student for non-attendance and report a withdrawal grade of WF, but must do so by the deadline date for a student to officially withdraw with a WP or WF specified in the academic calendar for the semester.
For those students who are eligible for a 'WP' or "WF' grade, you will not be assigned a 'WP' unless your grades indicate you would have had a reasonable chance of passing the course at the time you officially drop.
Makeup quizzes/late reports:
MAKEUP QUIZZES WILL NOT NORMALLY BE GIVEN.
LATE LAB REPORTS WILL NOT NORMALLY BE ACCEPTED.
Note: You may petition to take a makeup quiz (or turn in a late lab report) under
extraordinary circumstances, but you will need to substantiate why you missed
(e.g. bring a note from a physician regarding a serious illness, etc.) If
you have to miss a quiz (or turn in a late lab report) because of attendance at
a recognized university activity, notice of your absence must be given
beforehand.
Attendance: Attendance at every class meeting is expected. YOU MUST GET TO CLASS ON TIME. TWO UNEXCUSED ABSENCES (OR CONSISTENT TARDINESS) WILL RESULT IN BEING DROPPED FROM THE COURSE WITH A 'WF' GRADE.
Academic Integrity & Conduct: Students are expected to uphold the highest standards of academic integrity. Incidences of academic dishonesty such as cheating on quizzes or plagiarism on lab reports will be dealt with according to the policies and procedures outlined in the student handbook. Incidences of sexual harassment will be dealt with based upon policies outlined in the student handbook. You are responsible for being familiar with this document. Students found in violation will be dismissed from the class with a WF and a report filed with the appropriate academic advisor. Students are expected to show respect for the instructor and their fellow students while in class and (other than asking relevant questions) refrain from talking or disrupting the class. Should you be asked to leave the class for any conduct violation, you will be dropped with a WF grade. NOTE: Cell phones must be turned off during lectures.
UCA Academic Integrity Policy: The University of Central Arkansas affirms its commitment to academic integrity and expects all members of the university community to accept shared responsibility for maintaining academic integrity. Students in this course are subject to the provisions of the university's Academic Integrity Policy, approved by the Board of Trustees as Board Policy No. 709 on February 10, 2010, and published in the Student Handbook. Penalties for academic misconduct in this course may include a failing grade on an assignment, a failing grade in the course, or any other course-related sanction the instructor determines to be appropriate. Continued enrollment in this course affirms a student's acceptance of this university policy.
Disclaimer: Every attempt will be made to keep within the schedules set by this syllabus, although from time to time changes may be made. The instructor will endeavor to inform the class of these changes as soon as possible.
Disability: UCA adheres to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you need accommodation under this Act because of a disability, contact the UCA Office of Disability Services (450-3613) at the beginning of the semester.