BIOL*1500DE
Humans in the Natural World
Course Outline
Winter 2016
Department of Integrative Biology
College of Biological Science
Instructor Contact
Instructor Name: marie Thérèse Rush-Smyth
Phone Number: (519) 824-4120 Ext. 58379
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Office: SC1, 2502
Instructor Name: Carole Ann Lacroix
Phone Number: (519) 824-4120 Ext. 56444
Email: [email protected]
Office: SC1, 2507
Course Information
Course Title: Humans in the Natural World
Pre-Requisites: None
Co-Requisites: None
Equates: ZOO*1500
Restriction(s): Students in the BAS, BSC and BSC(ENV) program cannot take this
course for credit.
Credits: 0.50
Course Website (If applicable): CourseLink
Method of Delivery: Distance Education, Fully Online
Calendar Description
This course will examine past and present human interactions with Nature from an
ecological perspective. It investigates current global issues that require multi-disciplinary
environmental analysis.
Course Description
This course is designed for non-science students and will examine past and present
human interactions with nature from an ecological and evolutionary perspective.
The major topics to be covered are…
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Academic Integrity
Science and the Scientific Method
Evolution and Natural Selection
Species and Speciation
Genetic Engineering
Nutrients, Metabolism and Human Diet
Photosynthesis and Global Warming
Evolution and Disease
Biodiversity and Conservation
Population Ecology and Human Population Growth
Tragedy, Games, and Triumph
Course Summary and Review
Course Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, you should be able to:
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To define and recall many basic natural science terms and concepts;
To evaluate scientific hypotheses, experiments, and claims related to the natural
world; and
To apply the knowledge gained in the course to make more informed decisions,
refine opinions, and engage in societal debates related to science.
Method of Learning
Pedagogical Values
This course aims to support the mission statement and the learning objectives set out by
the University of Guelph in the Undergraduate Calendar. This means that this course will be
research intensive and learner-centered. Ultimately we want students to be capable of selfassessment, critical inquiry, and active learning.
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Optional Link: Read the University of Guelph Mission Statement in the Undergraduate
Calendar.
Optional Link: Read the University of Guelph Learning Objectives in the Undergraduate
Calendar.
Teaching Philosophy
In support of the University Mission statement, we will adopt a learner-centered approach to
teaching. In this course, that means that instructors are not the only ones responsible for
depositing knowledge into the minds of students. Instead, you are expected to take an
active role in your own learning. The instructors will provide opportunities for you to learn
independently and from one another, and will coach you in the skills needed to do so
effectively. Metaphorically speaking, the instructors will not be “the sage on the stage” but
rather “the guide on the side”, because research shows this method can lead to an
increased motivation to learn, greater retention of knowledge and a deeper understanding
of the material.
Course Structure
The course is divided into twelve units, with each unit taking one week to complete. In
each unit you should…
 Read the course notes (found on the course website under the link for the
appropriate Unit), required pages in the textbook, and other learning resources
that are provided (e.g., websites, animations, articles, videos, podcasts, special
learning tools) and make sure that you can achieve the learning objectives.
 Answer the study questions provided at the end of each section. These questions
illustrate the type of information that you should be learning and will guide you
through the learning resources in preparation for the quizzes and final exam.
 Complete the summary table. This table will not be submitted nor graded. It
should simply be used for your study purposes.
 Review the Glossary of terms and use the online “Flashcards” to test your
knowledge of the definitions.
 Vote in the Opinion Poll
Learning Resources
*Required Textbook(s)
Title: Biology: Science for Life with Physiology
Author(s): Colleen Belk & Virginia Borden Maier
Edition / Year: 5th Edition, 2014
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Publisher: Pearson Prentice Hall
ISBN: 978-0321922212
Title: A Short Guide to Writing About Biology
Author(s): Pechenik, J.A.
Edition / Year: 8th Edition, 2013
Publisher: Pearson Education Inc.
ISBN: 978-0205075072
You may purchase the textbook(s) at the University of Guelph Bookstore or the Guelph
Campus Co-op Bookstore.
DVD/Video
An Inconvenient Truth
Author(s): Al Gore, Davis Guggenheim
Published by: Paramount Classics and Participant Productions, 2006
eReserve
For this course you will be required to access electronic resources through the
University of Guelph McLaughlin Library. To access these items visit the eReserve link
in the top navigation bar. Note that you will need your Central Login ID and password in
order to access items on reserve.
For further instructions on accessing reserve resources, visit How to Get Course
Reserve Materials.
If at any point during the course you have difficulty accessing reserve materials, please
contact the e-Learning and Reserve Services Staff at:
Tel: 519-824-4120 ext. 53621
Email: [email protected]
Location: McLaughlin Library, First Floor, University of Guelph
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Schedule: Week 1
Unit 01: Introduction and Academic Integrity
Required Reading
Website:
Unit 1 Content
eReserve:
Links 1.1 - 1.6
Activities & Assignments
Quiz 1
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Schedule: Week 2
Unit 02: Science and the Scientific Method
Required Reading
Website:
Unit 2 Content
Textbook:
Belk, C. & Maier, V.B. – Chapter 1, pg. 3-26
eReserve:
Links 2.3.1 - 2.3.4
Activities & Assignments
Quiz 1
Debate 1 Response
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Schedule: Week 3
Unit 03: Evolution and Natural Selection
Required Reading
Website:
Unit 3 Content
Textbook:
Belk, C. & Maier, V.B. – Chapter 10, pg. 200-227
Belk, C. & Maier, V.B. – Chapter 11, pg. 236-248
eReserve:
Links 3.1 – 3.4
Activities & Assignments
Debate 1 Response
Debate 1 Rebuttal
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Schedule: Week 4
Unit 04: Species and Speciation
Required Reading
Website:
Unit 4 Content
Textbook:
Belk, C. & Maier, V.B. – Chapter 12, pg. 257-264, 265-268
Belk, C. & Maier, V.B. – Chapter 10, pg. 209-222, 265-274, 274-282 (extending
‘Calculating Allele Frequencies’ section pg 268-270)
eReserve:
Links 4.1 – 4.7
Activities & Assignments
Debate 1 Rebuttal
Quiz 2
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Schedule: Week 5
Unit 05: Genetic Engineering
Required Reading
Website:
Unit 5 Content
Textbook:
Belk, C. & Maier, V.B. – Chapter 9, pg. 177-183
eReserve:
Links 5.1 – 5.14
Activities & Assignments
Quiz 2
Debate 2 Response
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Schedule: Week 6
Unit 06: Nutrition, Metabolism, and Human Diet
Required Reading
Website:
Unit 6 Content
Textbook:
Belk, C. & Maier, V.B. – Chapter 3, pg. 52-63
eReserve:
Links 6.1 – 6.4
Activities & Assignments
Debate 2 Response
Debate 2 Rebuttal
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Schedule: Week 7
Unit 07: Photosynthesis and Global Warming
Required Reading
Website:
Unit 7 Content
Textbook:
Belk, C. & Maier, V.B. – Chapter 5, pg. 87-102
eReserve:
Links 7.1 – 7.12
Activities & Assignments
Debate 2 Rebuttal
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Schedule: Week 8
Unit 08: Evolution and Disease
Required Reading
Website:
Unit 8 Content
Textbook:
Belk, C. & Maier, V.B. – Chapter 20, pg. 450-459
eReserve:
Links 8.1 – 8.5
Activities & Assignments
Quiz 3
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Schedule: Week 9
Unit 09: Biodiversity and Conservation
Required Reading
Website:
Unit 9 Content
Textbook:
Belk, C. & Maier, V.B. – Chapter 13, pg. 286-308
Belk, C. & Maier, V.B. – Chapter 15, pg. 335-361
eReserve:
Links 9.1 – 9.3
Activities & Assignments
Quiz 3
Debate 3 Response
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Schedule: Week 10
Unit 10: Population Ecology and Human Population Growth
Required Reading
Website:
Unit 10 Content
Textbook:
Belk, C. & Maier, V.B. – Chapter 14, pg. 317-329
eReserve:
Links 10.1 – 10.7
Activities & Assignments
Debate 3 Response
Debate 3 Rebuttal
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Schedule: Week 11
Unit 11: Tragedy, Games, and Triumph
Required Reading
Website:
Unit 11 Content
eReserve:
Links
Activities & Assignments
Debate 3 Rebuttal
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Schedule: Week 12
Unit 12: Course Summary and Review
Required Reading
Website:
Unit 12 Content
Textbook:
Belk, C. & Maier, V.B. – Review
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Course Evaluation
The grade determination for this course is indicated in the following table.
Table 1: Course Evaluation
Assignments
Value
Online Quizzes (3 @ 10%)
30%
Online Debates (3 @ 10%)
30%
Final Exam
40%
Total
100%
Course Policies
Asking Questions
This is a distance education course, and questions of a general nature about the course
content, quizzes, debates, optional concept maps and final exam should be posted in
the Main Class conference on the course website. The Main Class conference will be
monitored by the instructors on a daily basis, Monday to Friday (excluding holidays)
during normal working hours. Questions of a personal nature such as requests for
extensions due to illness should be emailed to the instructor.
Appropriate Use of Conferences
This course has been designed to foster interaction between students and with the
instructors. The conferences provide a means for course members to share ideas,
opinions, and resources. The use of these computer conferences is a privilege, not a
right, which may be revoked at any time for abusive conduct.
Please show respect for the opinions of others at all times, even if you do not agree with
their ideas. We encourage you to disagree, critique and add new insights, but this must
be done in a positive manner. Discussions in the online conferences must be treated
the same as face to face discussion. In the conferences others cannot see such things
as facial expression and body language, both of which we normally take into account
when talking face to face with someone. Therefore, be very careful in the phrasing of
your contributions and responses, as they may be interpreted differently than what you
had intended. Please respect your fellow students. You MUST NOT post racist, sexist,
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homophobic, or other similar remarks that are likely to cause offence. Please keep in
mind that the conferences are public places. Anyone with access to the course website
has the capability of seeing conference postings.
Late Policies
All online quizzes must be completed by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the due date. Late
submissions will NOT be accepted and will receive a grade of zero.
Debate responses and rebuttals must be posted in the Debate Conference AND on the
Dropbox page AND in .doc or .docx file formatbefore 11:59 pm on the due date. The
11:59 pm deadline will be strictly enforced, i.e., there will not be any grace period. Late
submissions will be accepted for 24 hours after the deadline with a 10% late penalty.
Submissions posted after the 24 hour late period will NOT be accepted and will receive
a grade of zero.
Assignment of Grades
Work in this course is evaluated according to the University of Guelph grading
standards. For a definition of the numerical grades you receive please see Resolution 1
in the section on Grading Procedures under Grades in VIII: Undergraduate Degree
Regulations and Procedures in the University of Guelph 2015-2016 Undergraduate
Calendar.
 Required Link 1: See Resolution 1 under Grading Procedures in the
Undergraduate Calendar for a description of grading standards used at the
University of Guelph.
Grading rubrics will be used to illustrate the specific grading criteria used to evaluate the
debates. These are available on the Assessment page under Debate Guidelines and
Resources.
You may check your grades at any time during the semester through the Grades page
on the course website.
Re-evaluation of Debates
If you have questions about the way your debate response or rebuttal was graded,
please contact the TA who marked it by email. Their name and email address will be
included with their feedback in the attachment on the Dropbox page. If you still have
questions after discussing it with the TA then you should email the instructor. The
instructor will take an independent look at the response or rebuttal, and your mark could
go up or down as a result. All requests for re-grading MUST be made within one week
of the return of the feedback.
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Academic Consideration
If you miss deadlines for medical, psychological, or compassionate reasons, please
contact the instructor as soon as possible to make alternate arrangements. For more
details about academic consideration see the section on Academic Consideration,
Appeals and Petitions in the University of Guelph 2015-2016 Undergraduate Calendar.
 Required Link 2: See the section on Academic Consideration, Appeals and
Petitions for details regarding academic consideration.
Academic Integrity
Although we do encourage you to share thoughts and ideas while studying for the
course, all material submitted for grading MUST BE YOUR OWN work! The University
takes a serious view of academic misconduct, including plagiarism. The penalties for
academic misconduct are severe and can lead to expulsion from the University and the
revocation/rescinding of a degree. For clarification on Academic Misconduct, please
refer to the University of Guelph 2015-2016 Undergraduate Calendar.
 Required Link 3: See the section on Academic Misconduct in the University of
Guelph 2015-2016 Undergraduate Calendar.
Instructor’s Role and Responsibility to Students
In this course you can expect your instructors to…
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Clearly define the course learning objectives
Provide well articulated activities that enhance learning
Ensure timely and fair grading procedures
Notify you of events, deadlines, announcements concerning grades, and other
official information
Provide and adhere to well defined policies and procedures as described in the
course outline, the DE Handbook, and the Undergraduate Calendar
Provide assistance, when asked, if you are having difficulties in the course
Access the course website daily, Monday to Friday excluding holidays, to post
course news updates and respond to questions in the conferences
Reply to email correspondence in a timely fashion
Foster and uphold an environment of academic integrity and a love of learning
Student Learning Responsibilities
Your success in this course depends on your response to the opportunities this course
offers you. As a student in this course, you are responsible for…
 Knowing the course learning objectives
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 Understanding and adhering to policies and procedures as described in the
course outline, the DE Handbook and the Undergraduate Calendar
 Understanding grading procedures
 Contacting the course instructors if you are having difficulties in the course
 Accessing the course website at least 3 times per week to check course news
updates, conference postings, and on-line resources
 Checking your email account (the one listed on the Class List) regularly for
important communications from the course instructors or teaching assistants
 Reading the appropriate chapters of the textbooks, course notes, and other
assigned resources on the course website and through e-reserve
 Reading all announcements and other class material distributed on-line
 Completing all required web activities, online quizzes, and online debates
 Familiarizing yourself with the course schedule of dates with particular attention
to deadlines
 Initiating action, in advance of debate and quiz due dates, by consulting your
instructor or program counsellor if extenuating circumstances affect your
academic performance
 Understanding what constitutes academic misconduct and refraining from it
Technical Requirements
Students are responsible for ensuring that their computer system meets the necessary
specific technical requirements of their program.
Technical Support
If you need any assistance with the software tools or the website, contact the Open
Learning and Educational Support (OpenEd) Help Desk.
Open Learning and Educational Support
University of Guelph
Day Hall, Room 211
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 519-824-4120 ext. 56939
Toll-Free (CAN/USA): 1-866-275-1478
Hours of Operation (Eastern Time):
Monday - Friday: 8:30am – 8:30pm
Saturday: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Sunday: 12:00pm – 6:00pm
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Policies and Procedures
As a student of the University of Guelph, it is important for you to understand your rights
and responsibilities and the academic rules and regulations that you must abide by.
If you are a registered University of Guelph Degree Student, consult the Undergraduate
Calendar for the rules, regulations, curricula, programs and fees for current and
previous academic years.
If you are an Open Learning Program Student, consult the Open Learning Program
Calendar for information about University of Guelph administrative policies, procedures
and services.
Email Communication
University of Guelph Degree Students
As per university regulations, all students are required to check their uoguelph.ca e-mail
account regularly: e-mail is the official route of communication between the University
and its students.
Open Learning Program Students
Check your email account (the account you provided upon registration) regularly for
important communications, as this is the primary conduit by which the Open Learning
and Educational Support will notify you of events, deadlines, announcements or any
other official information.
When You Cannot Meet Course Requirements
When you find yourself unable to meet an in-course requirement due to illness or
compassionate reasons, please advise your course instructor in writing, with your name,
ID number and email contact.
University of Guelph Degree Students
Consult the Undergraduate Calendar for information on regulations and procedures for
Academic Consideration.
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Open Learning Program Students
Please refer to the Open Learning Program Calendar for information on regulations and
procedures for requesting Academic Consideration.
Drop Date
University of Guelph Degree Students
The last date to drop one-semester courses, without academic penalty, is indicated in
the Schedule section of this course website. See the Undergraduate Calendar for
regulations and procedures for Dropping Courses.
Open Learning Program Students
Please refer to the Open Learning Program Calendar.
Copies of Assignments
Keep paper and/or other reliable back-up copies of all assignments: you may be asked
to resubmit work at any time.
Accessibility
The University of Guelph is committed to creating a barrier-free environment. Providing
services for students is a shared responsibility among students, faculty and
administrators. This relationship is based on respect of individual rights, the dignity of
the individual and the University community's shared commitment to an open and
supportive learning environment.
University of Guelph Degree Students
Students requiring service or accommodation, whether due to an identified, ongoing
disability or a short-term disability should contact the Student Accessibility Services as
soon as possible.
For more information, contact SAS at 519-824-4120 ext. 56208 or email SAS or visit the
SAS website.
Open Learning Program Students
If you are an Open Learning program student who requires academic accommodation,
please contact the Academic Assistant to the Director. Please ensure that you contact
us before the end of the first week of your course (every semester) in order to avoid any
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delays in support. Documentation from a health professional is required for all academic
accommodations. Please note that all information provided will be held in confidence.
If you require textbooks produced in an alternate format (e.g., DAISY, Braille, large print
or eText), please contact the Academic Assistant to the Director at least two months
prior to the course start date. If contact is not made within the suggested time frame,
support may be delayed. It is recommended that you refer to the course outline before
beginning your course in order to determine the required readings.
The provision of academic accommodation is a shared responsibility between OpenEd
and the student requesting accommodation. It is recognized that academic
accommodations are intended to “level the playing field” for students with disabilities.
Academic Misconduct
The University of Guelph is committed to upholding the highest standards of academic
integrity and it is the responsibility of all members of the University community – faculty,
staff, and students – to be aware of what constitutes academic misconduct and to do as
much as possible to prevent academic offences from occurring. University of Guelph
students have the responsibility of abiding by the University's policy on academic
misconduct regardless of their location of study; faculty, staff and students have the
responsibility of supporting an environment that discourages misconduct. Students need
to remain aware that instructors have access to and the right to use electronic and other
means of detection.
Please note: Whether or not a student intended to commit academic misconduct is not
relevant for a finding of guilt. Hurried or careless submission of assignments does not
excuse students from responsibility for verifying the academic integrity of their work
before submitting it. Students who are in any doubt as to whether an action on their part
could be construed as an academic offence should consult with a faculty member or
faculty advisor.
The Academic Misconduct Policy is detailed in the Undergraduate Calendar.
Acceptable Use
The University of Guelph has an Acceptable Use Policy, which you are expected to
adhere to.
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Copyright Notice
All content within this course is copyright protected. Third party copyrighted materials
(such as book chapters and articles) have either been licensed for use in this course, or
have been copied under an exception or limitation in Canadian Copyright law.
The fair dealing exemption in Canada's Copyright Act permits students to reproduce
short excerpts from copyright-protected materials for purposes such as research,
education, private study, criticism and review, with proper attribution. Any other copying,
communicating, or distribution of any content provided in this course, except as
permitted by law, may be an infringement of copyright if done without proper license or
the consent of the copyright owner. Examples of infringing uses of copyrighted works
would include uploading materials to a commercial third party web site, or making paper
or electronic reproductions of all, or a substantial part, of works such as textbooks for
commercial purposes.
Students who upload to CourseLink copyrighted materials such as book chapters,
journal articles, or materials taken from the Internet, must ensure that they comply with
Canadian Copyright law or with the terms of the University’s electronic resource
licenses.
For more information about students’ rights and obligations with respect to copyrighted
works, see Fair Dealing Guidance for Students.
Grades
The assignment of grades at the University of Guelph is based on clearly defined
standards, which are published in the Undergraduate Calendar for the benefit of faculty
and students.
Grading System
In courses, which comprise a part of the student's program, standings will be reported
according to the following schedule of grades:
Letter Grade
Percentage
A+
A
A­
B+
B
B­
C+
90-100
85-89
80-84
77-79
73-76
70-72
67-69
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Letter Grade
Percentage
C
C­
D+
D
D­
F
64-66
60-62
57-59
53-56
50-52
0-49
Statement of Students’ Academic Responsibilities
Your success as a student depends above all on your own response to the
opportunities and responsibilities that the university environment provides. The
University of Guelph is committed to supporting you in your intellectual development
and responding to your individual needs. To this end, a broad network of advising,
counselling, and support services is provided to assist you in meeting your personal and
academic goals.
For more information on your responsibilities as a student, see Statement of Students’
Academic Responsibilities.
Plagiarism Detection Software
Students should be aware that faculty have the right to use software to aid in the
detection of plagiarism or copying and to examine students orally on submitted work.
For students found guilty of academic misconduct, serious penalties, up to and including
suspension or expulsion from the University can be imposed.
Recording of Materials
Presentations which are made in relation to course work—including lectures—cannot be
recorded or copied without the permission of the presenter, whether the instructor, a
classmate or guest lecturer. Material recorded with permission is restricted to use for
that course unless further permission is granted.
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Religious Holidays
Should a student need to miss scheduled tests, mid-term examinations, final
examinations, or requirements to attend classes and participate in laboratories for
religious reasons, please advise the instructor within two weeks of the distribution of this
course outline so that alternate arrangements can be made.
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