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Richard Foreman
Division: Science and Math
Email: richard.foreman@darton.edu
Instructor Bio:
I grew up in upstate
New York (not "the city", or even "a city" for that matter). I'm a small town boy. I took some courses while finishing high school at the local community college (excellent idea). I received my B.A. (Biology Major) from a small, well respected, liberal arts college in SW Michigan --
Hope
College. While at Hope I took advantage of 2 study abroad opportunities. One was a short 3 week scuba diving/research course in
Jamaica (gorgeous and fun). The second was a full summer in Bogota, Columbia,
South America where I lived with a family, took Spanish classes and received 9 credits hours of a foreign language. I loved the experience and really learned how to speak Spanish (although most is long since forgotten, it was 30ish years ago).
From there I headed south for the first time and completed an M.Sc. (Biology Major, again) at the
University of
SW Louisiana (now called the
University of
Louisiana, Lafayette -- but they are still the "Ragin' Cajuns"). My thesis was on oyster heart metabolism and was funded by a fellowship from the American Heart Association. Most importantly I got to eat a lot of oysters in the process. Their hearts are small and the oysters I collected were very big. So once I removed the heart for the experiments............... Let's just say I ate well during my time there.
I fell in love with the food, the people, and the music in Cajun country, but at the urging of my thesis supervisor, Dr. Ross Ellington, after graduation I left to work with one of the best researchers in the world in my field. That took me to SW British Columbia, Canada and the amazingly beautiful city of
Vancouver. If you ever get the chance to go, do it. I finished my Ph.D. in Zoology at the University of British Columbia (UBC) under the tutelage of Dr. Peter Hochachka (a great man and a great scientist, since deceased). My dissertation was on enzymes in skeletal muscles of fin whales and harbor seals. That put me on many field trips off the coast of British Columbia and a nice month long trip to
Iceland (I would recommend going there too).
Once I finished my degree at UBC, I taught part time there in the Animal Science Department. Then I moved on to teach at the West Coast College of Massage Therapy (free massages, steams, saunas, etc!!). It was there that I really began the instruction of "Human Anatomy and Physiology", although I also taught some introductory general biology and basic chemistry classes.
I met my wife in
Vancouver and we started a family there. After 20 years time (for me) in British Columbia, we made the decision to head back east to be closer to our families (hers in
Ontario and mine in NY). So I took a job at North Country Community College (NCCC). It is located in the Adirondack Mountains of NY (go there too, it's breathtaking), specifically in the town of
Saranac
Lake. I taught many courses related to human anatomy and physiology at NCCC for 5 years, but got the urge to go back down south where the weather is nice year round and the food is special.
So now I find myself in SW Georgia (I seem to end up SW almost everywhere) teaching at
Darton
College. I have been here since August of 2006, and have remained primarily focused on teaching human A&P, with a couple student research classes, some integrated science courses for early education majors and an introductory chemistry class thrown in the mix.
Oh yes, I spent the 2007/2008 academic year playing administrator here (as Interim Dean of the Science/Math Division), but I am breathing a great sigh of relief as I have returned to teaching full time. Dealing with you students is why I am at a college in the first place; and I would rather deal with you as an instructor than as an administrator. It makes me happier. So here I am.
I have accumulated a wife, 4 children, 8 cats, 3 dogs and a rabbit in the process of all this (and that's not including the ones that we lost along the way). So our household is not a calm one. I come to work to relax -- sounds kind of backwards, doesn't it?
I became quite a good rugby player while in
British Columbia (best game to play ever, honest). I have always enjoyed pick up and intramural basketball (which I still play at the ripe old age of 50+ -- even occasionally included on the Intramural All Star Team at Darton, can you say "token faculty member"). And while in college I dabbled as a member of the track and field teams at
Hope
College and UBC. Although recruited, I chose not to play college football. The nerd in me won out over the jock. But I still love sports, both watching and playing.
I write songs, surf the net, listen to all kinds of music, love to read when I get the chance, and try to keep the children, the animals and the wife happy. I have travelled to many other places not mentioned above (like 6 weeks in Africa, 1 month in SW Europe -- mostly Portugal, short trips to Mexico and all over the USA and
Canada). But now with the large family the travel is a little more difficult and a lot more expensive. Some day I hope to have more travel adventures. In the mean time, I really enjoy teaching.
ISCI 2001 Foundations of Life/Earth Science
By the end of this course you should have a very good overall understanding of both life and earth science. Major concepts such as the characteristics and interdependence of life and major earth systems will be examined. This course is designed for early childhood education majors.
Exams will primarily consist of multiple choice questions, short answer and fill in the blanks. Quizzes are typically multiple choice with the occasional short answer question included. Lab reports are required regularly and if you do them diligently and carefully you will have no problems with the lab portion of the exams.
A primary focus of this course will involve students working together in groups toward the creation of an imaginary world (Neo-World project) based upon the principles learned as we proceed through the course content. We will utilize the discussion board regularly and everyone is expected to participate. Discussion postings will be graded throughout the semester -- both the quantity and the quality.
If you are having any problems at all PLEASE contact me or the appropriate person (computer support personnel for example) as soon as possible. The worst thing you can do is to wait and deal with it later. There is a lot of work involved in being successful in this course. Don’t let yourself get behind.
Ask me anything you want. I don’t mind questions (actually I love them) and I will not ever make you feel like your question was “stupid” (no such thing really) or unimportant. I will usually get back to you fairly quickly. Sometimes when I am really busy I might have to let it slip (over a weekend, for example), but normally you will hear from me the same day you ask, or the next morning if you ask later in the day.
Log into the course every day so that you don’t miss any last minute important changes or announcements.
If you have extenuating circumstances for something check with me. I am understanding and may be willing to “bend” the rules if it seems like the right/fair thing to do at the time. But don’t assume you can get away with everything; I’ve been teaching for a many years.
I really love teaching. It means a lot to me when you learn and succeed. I will grade fairly. I will always be honest with you and I expect the same in return.
If you think you need help in understanding how best to study the material to be successful and so that you remember it much later (not just in short term memory) ask me. I will guide you. I will also try when/if I have time to post some tips on how to do it well.
Good luck to you all.
The following is a tentative syllabus -- minor changes are possible once the semester begins. Once you have access to the WebCT course itself you will have access to a "final" syllabus.
ISCI 2001
Foundations of Life/Earth Science
Instructor: Richard Foreman, PhD
Office: B-114 / (229) 317-6448
Course Description
This course is an Area F science course for early childhood education majors. This course will emphasize the understanding and use of the major concepts of life and earth science, including characteristics and interdependence of the major earth systems. As a general theme, strategies of investigating science will be used and discussed in the context of various topics. Prerequisites: Successful completion of one Area D Science course. Co-requisites: None. Offered: Fall and Spring [also Summer (by demand)]
Text
Conceptual Integrated Science by Hewitt, Lyons, Suchocki, Yeh, 1st edition --
ISBN1: 0321525825 ISBN2: 9780321525826
Required Materials
Miscellaneous materials for laboratory exercises - provided on the WebCT site under the listings for each lab (generally just normal kitchen items).
Class Web Sites
The WebCT site will let you view lecture notes, participate in discussions, offers class specific email (preferred email for course issues, announcements, etc.). To access the site, from the Darton College home page (http://www.darton.edu/) select the GaView link near the top of the page and log on. You must also regularly access an additional course website at http://www.conceptualscienceplace.com/ to view a wealth of helps including self-quizzes, glossaries, etc.; but it is particularly vital for testing throughout the semester. Details on the 'coursecompass' course website will be provided via email.
Course Requirements
Assignments
Laboratory and other assignment Due Dates can be found on WebCT for each module and or chapter section. Late assignments may be penalized 5% per day late.
Academic Dishonesty: Cheating and plagiarism will not be tolerated. If you are caught cheating or plagiarizing in any form, you will receive a failing grade for the course and be reported to the College for appropriate disciplinary action.
Grading
Quiz Average 50
Three Tests at 50 points each, total 150
Comprehensive Final Exam* 50
Lab Exercises/Reports 100
Discussion Postings and Assignments 100
Project Neo-World 500
Participation and Attitude 50
Total possible points 1000
* Final Exam score will replace your lowest Test score, unless the Final Exam score is lowest
Testing
Tentative Test Dates
Test 1 -- following Module 5
Test 2 -- following Module 10
Test 3 -- following Module 15
Final Last Week
General Information
Credit Hours: 3 semester hours (2 lecture/2 lab)
Course Content Includes Biology, Earth Science and Astronomy
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1. About Science
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8. Ecosystems and Environment
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2. The Cell (basic unit of life)
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9. Plate Tectonics
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3. Genetics
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10. Rocks and Minerals
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4. The Evolution of Life
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11. Earth's Surface (Land and Water)
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5. Biological Diversity
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12. Weather
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6. Human Biol. I (control & development)
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13. Earth's History
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7. Human Biol. II (care & maintenance)
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14. Solar System
15. The Universe
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Expected Learner Outcomes:
As a result of completing this course the student should be able to:
1. Demonstrate knowledge of the nature and principles of scientific inquiry and honesty.
2. Apply knowledge of strategies for observing, collecting, analyzing and communicating scientific data.
3. Understand basic principles of the life sciences.
4. Understand the basic principles of the earth sciences
5. Understand the basic principles of astronomy.
6. Be able to communicate all the above science principles successfully to elementary school students in accordance with the Georgia Performance Standards.
7. Recognize pseudoscience and scientific reports of questionable validity.
It is the responsibility of each student to know and follow all the written guidance given by the instructor in this syllabus and supplementary materials.
Your course will be available the first day of scheduled class for the semester.
YOU CAN NOT SUCCEED IN THIS CLASS IF YOU DO NOT HAVE EXTENSIVE ACCESS TO A COMPUTER WITH INTERNET.
Lecture Notes: On-lineinformation within WebCT and links to other sites.
Lab: On-line lab assignments within WebCT, links to other sites and the required lab manual.
YOU CAN NOT SUCCEED IN THIS CLASS IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THE REQUIRED TEXT AND SUPPLEMENTS.
Please note that "attendance" in an on-line course is measured by work submitted. Students are expected to submit all assignments and take all quizzes according to the published schedule or make other arrangements in advance of the scheduled time. Missing a scheduled deadline, for any reason, including illness, late registration or problem with your personal computer, in no way relieves you of the responsibility for completing the assignment. The student is responsible for taking exams at the approved time and place, and for submitting assignments on time. Most students selecting this form of instruction have busy schedules with many unexpected interruptions. PLAN AHEAD. WORK AHEAD. Allow yourself time on your schedule for problems. YOU MAY submit activities BEFORE they are due.
If you anticipate any potential problems, contact me ASAP and discuss those concerns.
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REQUIREMENTS/ GENERAL POLICIES
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- Regular attendance is necessary for successful completion of this course. For this on-line course, that means that you should be logging on to WebCT just like you are attending this class on campus, just on your own schedule. Students are expected to complete work on time. If you think you may have a problem with your computer, do your work early. Computers are available at Darton in the computer lab and in the library. If you are not in this area of Georgia, locate an alternative site to do your work in case of an emergency equipment problem.
- There will be no "make-ups" for class or lab assignments, or lecture quizzes or lab reports. Due dates for the quizzes and labs for each chapter are listed on the assignment link. If you turn in assignments late, 5 points may be deducted for each day your work is late. All of these assignments and quizzes are designed to organize you to study for the exams. The "Assignment Due Dates and Exam Schedule" link lists the due dates for assignments.
- I realize that unexpected events do occur. Provided you have emailed me in WebCT Vista on or before the testing date that you will miss, you will have two options.
Option 1: A "0" will be recorded for this exam. The grade you receive on your final will be used for this exam. However, remember that you can not substitute the final exam grade for another low exam grade or another missed exam. All other grades will stand as recorded.
Option 2: We can arrange for an alternate time for the exam.
- If you make higher on the final than one of your exams, I will use the grade on your final to replace your lowest grade. If you have missed an exam, your final exam grade will replace the 0 you received on the missed exam.
- If you make an A on all lecture/lab exams, AND have successfully completed ALL assignments (quizzes, labs, etc.) for the semester, you may exempt the final exam.
- You will be expected to use your on-line "my grades" function within WebCT to access grades on assignments, quizzes, and exams. This will allow you to know how you are progressing in the course. I try to keep up with the grading, but with course load and administrative duties it is always a challenge. Additionally, grades resulting from testing within the http://www.coursecompass.com/ website will be available there immediately following testing -- there may be a significant lag time before I transfer to those grades into the WebCT 'my grades' section.
- In the event of school cancellation on a day when testing is scheduled, it is your responsibility to check WebCT for the scheduled make-up date and time.
- If a student is involved in academic dishonesty, the person (s) involved will receive an "F" for the semester. In addition, the student will be reported to the Division Chair for Judicial Committee disciplinary action.
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Grading: A: 90 - 100% B: 80 - 89% C: 70 - 79% D: 60 - 69% F: 0-59%
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities ACT (ADA), Darton College will honor requests for reasonable accommodations made by individuals with disabilities. Students must self disclose their disability to the office of Disability Services before academic accommodations can be implemented.
Text/Hardware/Lab Requirement
Title: Conceptual Integrated Science
Author: Hewitt, Lyons, Suchocki and Yeh
ISBN: 9780321525826
Additional Information:
This package includes the textbook, a CourseCompass.com access code, and the "Laboratory Manual" all of which are required for the course. Also included, at no additional cost, is a "Practice Book" which you my use as you desire.
The textbook alone is ISBN 0805390383
The lab manual alone is ISBN 0805390731
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