Biology 3310-002 Biology of Texas
Spring, 2008
TTh  2-3:20 124 LS.



I. Grading:

A.        Three lecture exams 75%

1. Identification
2. Written exam

 

 B. Final examination 25%


II. Textbook: None. Notes available from PhiSigma Biological Society. Cost to be determined.  There will also be some notes available online.  Handouts will be used to supplement notes. Slides can be studied on the internet. (Requires login and password) http://www.uta.edu/biology/neill  

 

III. Office hours:


Dr. Robert Neill
454 L.S. 2-4 M 2-3 W
other times by appointment
Phone 272-2414
email: neill@uta.edu


IV. Make up examinations will be given at the time of the final if you have an excused absence. Make up exams will probably be essay. No more than one make up exam will be given.


V. Student with Disabilities. If you require an accommodation based on disability, I would like to meet with you in the privacy of my office in the first week of the semester to be certain you are appropriately accommodated.

 

Americans with Disabilities Act:

 

The university of Texas at Arlington is on record as being committed to both the spirit and letter of federal equal opportunity legislation: reference Public Law 93112--The Rehabilitation ''Act of 1973 as amended. With the passage of new federal legislation entitled Americans with Disabilities Act - (ADA), pursuant to section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, there is renewed focus on providing this population with the same opportunities enjoyed by all citizens.


As a faculty member, I am required by law to provide "reasonable accommodation" to students with disabilities, so as not to discriminate on the basis of that disability. Student responsibility primarily rests with informing faculty at the beginning of the semester and in providing authorized documentation through designated administrative channels.


VI. Course description: Biology of Texas is the study of the ecology, taxonomy and natural history of the flora and fauna of Texas. Prerequisites: one semester of general biology or permission of instructor. 


VII. Objectives:


 1. To become familiar with the identification and biology of many indicator organisms in Texas.
2. To develop interests and appreciation for Texas biology.
3. To enhance your awareness of your surroundings.


VIII. Important dates.

 

1. Spring break March 17-21
2. Last day of classes - May 2
3. FINAL EXAMINATION - Comprehensive, Wednesday, May 6 2-4:30.

 

IX. Attendance. No attendance policy for this class but attendance is recommended.


Class Schedule.

1. Introduction
2. Biomes
3. Vegetation of Texas
4. Flowering plants
5. First Examination
6. Trees of Texas
7. Selected Arthropods
8. Second Examination
9. Birds of Texas
10. Third Examination
11. Snakes of Texas
12. Lizards
13. Fish
14. Amphibians
15. Final Examination


X. Academic Dishonesty


It is the philosophy of The University of Texas at Arlington that academic dishonesty is a completely unacceptable mode of conduct and will not be tolerated in any form. All persons involved in academic dishonesty will be disciplined in accordance with University regulations and procedures. Discipline may include suspension or expulsion from the University.

 

"Scholastic dishonesty includes but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, collusion, the submission for credit of any work or materials that are attributable in whole or in part to another person, taking an examination for another person, any act designed to give unfair advantage to a student or the attempt to commit such acts." (Regents' Rules and Regulations, Part One, Chapter VI, Section 3, Subsection 3.2. Subdivision 3.22).


XI. Drop for non-payment of tuition.


Payment must be received by the term due date of January 9, 2008 or your registration will be cancelled.  If your registration is cancelled for non-payment, you may reregister for classes but only is seats are available.

 

XII.  Incomplete grade.

 

" A grade of X (incomplete) may be assigned for a course if, in the opinion of the instructor, there are extenuating documental circumstances which prevent the student from completing the required work within the semester of enrollment for the course.  The incomplete must be removed by the end of the final examination period of the following semester, excluding the summer session, for the student to receive credit for the course.  If the incomplete is not removed during the allotted time period, it will revert automatically to an F."

 

XIII.  Student Responsibilities.

 

A.    Familiarize yourself with course syllabus

B.    Attend class regularly, on time, and remain the entire class period.  Attendance will be taken.

C.    Assume responsibility for your own learning

D.    Adhere strictly to standards of academic honesty

E.    Show respect for instructor and fellow students at all times.

 

XIV.  Final Review Week

 

A period of five class days prior to the first day of final examinations in the long sessions shall be designated as Final Review Week.  The purpose of this week is to allow students sufficient time to prepare for final examinations.  During this week, there shall be no scheduled activities such as required field trips or performances; and no instructor shall assign any themes, research problems or exercises of similar scope that have a completion date during or following this week unless specified in the class syllabi.  During Final Review Week the  instructor shall not give any examinations constituting 10% or more of the final grade, except makeup tests and laboratory examinations.  In addition, no instructor shall give any portion of the final examination during Final Review Week.

 

XV.  Student Support Services

 

The University of Texas at Arlington supports a variety of student success programs to help you connect with the University and achieve success. They include learning assistance, developmental education, advising and mentoring, admission and transition, and federally funded programs.  Students requiring assistance academically, personally, or socially should contact the office of Student Success Programs at 817-272-6107.

 

XVI.  Bomb Threats

 

If anyone is tempted to call in a bomb threat, be aware that UTA will attempt to trace the phone call and prosecute all responsible parties.  Every effort will be made to avoid cancellation of presentations/tests caused by bomb threats.  Unannounced alternate sites will be available for these classes.  Your instructor will make you aware of alternate class sites in the event that your classroom is not available.

 

The University of Texas at Arlington has adopted the University email address as an official means of communication with students.  Through the use of email, UT-Arlington is able to provide students with relevant and timely information, designed to facilitate student success.  In particular, important information concerning registration, financial aid, payment of bills, and graduation may be sent to students through email.

 

XVII.  Student Learning Outcomes.  To appreciate the biological diversity and natural history of Texas.

 

XVIII.  Dropping a Course: If you decide to drop this course (or any other, for that matter) you must obtain a drop slip from the departmental undergraduate advisors office (for Biology, the advisor is Ms. Jane Pugh, Room 346 Life Science or you may go to the main office in the Biology Department 337 Life Science). Please fill it out, have the instructor of the course you wish to drop sign the slip and return it to the advisor's office or the Biology Office.

 

MavMail

 

UT Arlington has adopted MavMail (e-mail) as an official means of communication with students.   Students are required to check MavMail regularly.  Further information regarding your student email account can be found at:   http://www.uta.edu/oit/email/

 

After Hours Safety Escort

The Sam Mav Escort service provides a service to assist students, faculty, staff and campus visitors to reach their destinations after regular business hours. The hours of service are 7:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., Sunday through Saturday.  817-272-3381