| Instructor: | Curtis L. Blankespoor |
|---|---|
| Peale 123 | |
| 12:30-2:00pm Thursdays or by appointment | |
| (616) 957-6498 | |
| (616) 243-0996 (not after 10:00pm, please) | |
| cblankes@calvin.edu | |
| http://www.calvin.edu/~cblankes |
Lecture Textbook: Borror, D.J., C.A. Triplehorn, and N.F. Johnson. 1989. An Introduction to the Study of Insects. 6th ed. Saunders, Fort Worth, TX
Catalog Description: The course is an introduction to the identification, structure, life cycle and behavior of insects. Field aspects will be stressed. Three lectures and two 2-hour laboratories per week. Prerequisites: Biology 111 and 112.
Course Home Page: http://www.calvin.edu/~cblankes/bio251
COURSE POLICIES
Attendance: Attendance will be critical to your success in this course. Please be prompt and prepared for each class--read the assignment carefully and note any questions you may have. Please see me if you miss class for any reason.
Lecture: Two unit exams and a comprehensive final will be used to evaluate your progress. They will consist of a combination of fill-in-the-blank, multiple choice, and short answer essay questions. Make-up exams will not be given and only verified medical or personal emergencies will warrant special arrangements. If possible, please notify me of such an emergency at least 24 hours in advance of a scheduled exam.
Laboratory: Laboratory exercises related to recent class lectures or discussions will be conducted every week. Three quizzes and a comprehensive final will be used to evaluate your progress; your lowest quiz score will be dropped. You are also required to make an insect collection; specific instructions for this collection will be given during the first laboratory. Collections are due at 6:00pm on Tuesday, November 26. Unless special arrangements are made in advance, work handed in after this deadline will be deducted 20% per day.
Grades:
| Lecture Prelims | 2 @ 100pts. | = | 200 pts. | (25.0 %) |
| Lecture Final | = | 200 pts. | (25.0 %) | |
| Lab Quizzes | Highest 2 of 3 @ 50pts. | = | 100 pts. | (12.5 %) |
| Lab Final | = | 100 pts. | (12.5 %) | |
| Collection | = | 200 pts. | (25.0 %) | |
TOTAL |
= |
800 pts. |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|
A CONTRACT
| If your total points are: | I will guarantee you at least a(n): | ||||
| 720 or more | (90% +) | A | (A- or A) | ||
| 640 to 719 | (80% +) | B | (B-, B, or B+) | ||
| 560 to 639 | (70% +) | C | (C-, C, or C+) | ||
| 480 to 559 | (70% +) | D | (D-, D, or D+) | ||
A RECOMMENDATION
The material in this course is best learned by regular, consistent
study (an hour or so each day) which includes reading the textbook
assignments, reviewing lecture notes, participating in class discussions,
and asking questions when things are unclear. It has been my
experience that this is the most effective way of mastering the
subject material. It also eliminates much of the frustration
associated with cramming for an exam.
A COMMENT
If I can help you, please let me know. I will make every effort
to assist you in any way I can. I look forward to working
with you and getting to know you.