Biology 469V—Senior Research (1 Credit Hour)
Department of Mathematical and Natural Sciences
Spring 2024, Friday 1:00-3:00.
Instructor:
Dr. John L. Hunt.
Office:
B-11,
E-mail:
huntj@uamont.edu.
Web page:
http://uam-web2.uamont.edu/facultyweb/huntj/
Office Hours:
10-11 MWF; 8:30-9:30 TTh; 1-2 MTWTh, or by appointment.
Suggested text:
None. Some material will
be provided by the instructor.
Course Objectives and Topics to Be
Covered: To introduce the
student to the techniques and concepts of basic biological research.
Each student will select a research project and spend the semester
working on it, including field and lab work, work on a research paper, and
presentation of results at meetings as deemed appropriate by the instructor.
Expected Student Learning
Outcomes: The student will gain
experience in conducting and reporting on biological research.
Exact outcomes will depend upon the terms of the project agreed upon by
the instructor and the student.
Course Assessment:
Grades will be based on participation in and quality of research and
writing assignments. Students will
be expected to spend at least three hours per week working on the project for
each hour of credit they receive.
Each student will meet with the instructor at the beginning of the course and
receive specific instructions about what is expected to earn the desired grade.
The requirements for each student will vary based on the project
selected; however, such requirements will be clearly established by agreement
between student and instructor.
Early semester grades are considered to be unofficial progress reports in
that, while these grades do indicate the current class standing of the student,
they are not permanently recorded on the student's official academic record.
Early-semester grades and absences
will be posted on WeevilNet, no later than one week before the drop date.
All students with a “D” or “F” will be reported to Academic Alert.
Time Budgeting: Students
are expected to expend at least three hours per week of research time for each
hour of credit received. Some
projects may require more time, depending upon the abilities of the student and
the project chosen.
Please do not hold conversations with classmates during lecture.
DO NOT USE CELL PHONES IN CLASS!
If your cell phone rings during my lecture, I will respond in the only
manner available to me—by adjusting your grade.
You may not text during class.
If I see you texting during class,
you will be asked to leave. If
this occurs twice, you will be assigned a grade of F for the course.
No electronic devices other than tape recorders are allowed in class—this
includes laptops, tablets, and i-pods.
You will be allowed to tape lectures, but be aware that this does not
replace the detailed notes that you should be taking in class, and the
instructor will not be responsible for malfunction of your recording device.
You may not read outside material, study other classes, or work crossword
puzzles during class. Disorderly
conduct is any behavior which disrupts the regular or normal functions of the
University Community, including behavior which breaches the peace or violates
the rights of others. This type of
conduct is prohibited by the Student Conduct Code. The Code may be found in the
UAM Student Handbook (https://www.uamont.edu/life/index.html).
The last date to drop this course with a W (and for most other courses at
UAM) is March 27. A grade of I will
only be given if a student has completed 75% of the work of the course, with a
mathematical possibility of obtaining a passing grade, and will be given only
for University-approved excuses, and only with the approval of the Dean of Math
and Sciences.
Academic Alert: The Academic
Alert System is a retention program that puts students in contact with the
appropriate campus resources to assist them in meeting their educational goals
at UAM. If you are doing poorly in
your academic work, are chronically absent from class, are exhibiting disruptive
behavior, or are having difficulty adjusting to campus life, University faculty,
staff or a fellow student may report you to the Office of Academic Affairs
through the Academic Alert system.
Be aware that the instructor of this class intends to fully utilize the Academic
Alert system.
Academic dishonesty: Cheating
and plagiarism will not be tolerated.
The Academic Code of the University of Arkansas-Monticello may be found
in the 2023-2024 UAM Student Handbook (link listed above).
Please make sure you understand the definitions of cheating and
plagiarism as listed there.
Students with disabilities:
It is the policy of the University of Arkansas at Monticello to
accommodate individuals with disabilities pursuant to federal law and the
commitment of the University to equal educational opportunities.
It is the responsibility of the
student to inform the instructor of any necessary accommodations at the
beginning of the course. Any
student requiring accommodations should contact the Office of Special Student
Services located in the Student Success Center, room 201F, phone 870-460-1026,
TDD 870-460-1626, fax 870-460-1926, e-mail:
mwhiting@uamont.edu.
Important Dates:
January 10
First Day of Class
January 15
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Day—No Class
March 18-22
Spring Break.
March 27
Last Day to Drop with a W
April 1-12
Pre-registration for Summer and Fall 2023
April 29
Last day of class.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
INFORMATION
Blackboard Assistance:
Contact the Office
of Instructional Technology during regular business hours, Monday-Friday from
8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at (870)
460-1063.
Help Link:
http://www.uamont.edu/blackboard.
Email Assistance:
Contact the Office of
Information Technology (IT) during regular business hours, Monday-
Friday from 8:00 a.m.
to 4:30 p.m., at (870) 460-1036. The IT website also provides answers to
frequently asked questions.
Website:
http://www.uamont.edu/pages/resources/information-technology/it-for-students/
Three ways to get
answers for IT questions:
1)
Email
weevilnet@uamont.edu email is monitored by three people and
we will direct you to the correct office if your question isn’t directly IT
related.
2)
Call 870-460-1036.
3)
Visit the IT helpdesk located in the library technology
building.
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Academic
Alert System:
UAM is committed
to your academic success. To help, UAM has developed an academic alert system to
connect you with campus resources when needed. Faculty and staff members
contribute directly to the academic alert system by submitting concerns about
students who are exhibiting behaviors that will make it difficult for them to
succeed. If an alert is submitted for you, you will receive an email or call
from a professional academic advisor. Please respond to the contact you receive.
If you have any questions about the academic alert system, you may call the
Office of Academic Advising at (870) 460-1633.
Career Services:
Student Success Center, Suite 201,
(870) 460-1454. Career Counseling is
available to each student to assist and prepare for academic and career success,
help make sound career decisions based on an evaluation of their goals,
interests, abilities, and values, and to research possible career choices.
Students can also research pre- and post-graduate career opportunities.
Counseling Services:
Student Success Center, Room 204D, (870) 460-1554.
As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers
to learning. Mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished
academic performance. Counseling services are available to assist you with
addressing these and other concerns that you may be experiencing. You can learn
more about confidential mental health services available on campus via the UAM
Counseling Services website at
http://www.uamont.edu/pages/student-affairs/counseling/
The Center
for Writing and Communication:
Taylor Library, Room 203, (870) 460-1378.
The Center for Writing and Communication (CWC) is a free service to UAM
students and is designed to assist writers of any level or major, on assignments
from all disciplines and genres, and at all stages of the writing process.
Website:
http://www.uamont.edu/pages/school-of-arts-humanities/writing-center/
Library Services:
The computer section in the Library is open during regular Library hours.
Go to the Taylor
Library website for hours of operation:
http://www.uamont.edu/pages/library/
Student Special Services:
Any student with a documented disability should contact the Office of Student
Special Services in the Student Success Center, Room 201F,
Telephone: (870) 460-1226 / TDD: (870) 460-1626 Fax:
(870) 460-1926, Mailing Address: P.O. Box 3600, Monticello, AR 71656, Email:
whitingm@uamont.edu.
Tutoring
Center:
Student Success Center, Suite 203, (870) 460-1454.
All students have access to free tutoring services. Drop-ins are welcomed
or students can make an appointment. Tutoring Schedules are available to pick
up. Night tutoring is available Monday-Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Math
Tutorial Lab:
Math and Science Center, (870) 460-1016
Free one-on-one tutoring is available for any mathematics class. Help with
ALEKS, WebAssign, and MyMathLab is available.
Math tutoring is located in the A-Wing of the Science Center.
University
Behavior Intervention Team:
The Behavior Intervention Team’s (UBIT) purpose is to promote a safe and
productive learning, living, and working environment by addressing the needs of
students, faculty, and staff. If you or a classmate are in need of help,
please submit a concern at
https://publicdocs.maxient.com/reportingform.php?UnivofArkansasMonticello&layout_id=10
or call (870) 460-1110 or (870) 460-1554 during regular business hours.
In case of emergency or after office hours please call 911.
IMPORTANT POLICIES
Student
Handbook:
Each student is responsible for reading the student
handbook including the rules and policies regarding conduct codes and academic
dishonesty. The Student Handbook is
located at the following link:
http://uam-web2.uamont.edu/pdfs/student%20handbook.pdf
University Policy on
Concealed Weapons:
Possession, discharge, or other use
of any weapon is prohibited on the grounds or in the buildings of any campus,
division, unit or other area controlled by the University of Arkansas System,
except that a handgun may be possessed by an individual who has a concealed
handgun permit and has completed enhanced certification training in accordance
with Ark. Code Ann. § 5-73-322(g).