Course Policies
- Objectives
- Requirements
- Teaching Methods
- Evaluation Methods
- Grading System
- Examinations
- Make-Up Assignments
- Drops
- Student Conduct
- Disabilities
Course Core Objectives
1. Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of the basic biophysical principles underlying the function of the human body.
2. Relate normal physiological principles with the mechanisms of pathogenesis and disease.
3. Interpret the relationship between cellular function and whole organ physiology.
4. Integrate the relationship(s) between the control systems involved in regulating the major organ systems of the human body.
5. Correlate cellular processes with organ function.
6. Demonstrate capability in problem solving by applying physiological principles and interpreting basic clinical relevancy.
7. Consistently demonstrate appropriate professional behavior.
Course Format
Much of the information for BIOL 460 is delivered in a lecture format, but a high degree of interaction is expected of the students, especially when case studies are presented. Readings and consideration of recent primary literature will also be discussed. Handouts will be provided to supplement and reinforce lecture material. All information presented in lecture and handouts will be considered testable. Information will definitely de presented that is NOT discussed in the textbook.
Course Requirements
The study of human form and function requires exposure to the material from a practical as well as a theoretical approach. Consequently, regular attendance at all lecture classes is recommended to successfully complete this course. You must also accept the responsibility to ask questions if you do not understand the concepts. If absence from lecture is necessary due to illness, it is your responsibility to obtain notes from another student.
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Evaluation Methods
The following evaluation methods will be used to assess student performance in BIOL 460:
Lecture examination #1 20%
Lecture examination #2 20%
Final examination 20%
Homework/Announced Quizzes 35%
Professional Behavior 5%
The format for examination and quiz questions may be of a multiple choice, matching, true/false, short answer or essay design.
At a minimum, Professional Behavior includes:
- 1. The student demonstrates a positive attitude (motivation) toward learning.
- 2. The student offers their own thoughts and ideas in a respectful manner, and articulates relevant questions.
- 3. The student maintains a professional demeanor in all classroom interactions.
- 4. The student demonstrates a respect for cultural, personal, and lifestyle differences.
- 5. The student recognizes the impact of their non-verbal communication.
- 6. The student listens actively.
- 7. The student demonstrates a positive attitude toward feedback from the instructor and fellow classmates.
- 8. The student recognizes that there may be multiple solutions to a question.
- 9. The student accepts responsibility for their individual action and outcomes.
- 10. The student assesses their own performance accurately.
Please note the final examination policy from the University of Montana Undergraduate Course Catalog 2007– 08:
“The time scheduled for final examinations is the only time period during which final examinations are to be given.”
“Students may seek relief from writing more than two examinations during the same day. Students who are scheduled for more than two examinations may contact the appropriate faculty to arrange an alternate testing time during the scheduled final examination period.” For BIOL 460, any “alternate testing time” will be scheduled after the originally scheduled examination, and will require documentation of more than two final examinations on the day inquestion.
Grading System
Grades will be calculated based upon the following system:
- A ≥ 90%
- B ≥ 80%
- C ≥ 70%
- D ≥ 60%
- F < 60%
Final grades will be based upon total points from examinations, quizzes, homework and professional behavior.
Please note that the grades for BIOL 460 are not assessed by a plus/minus (+/-) grading system.
Pass – Fail
Students opting to be graded on a pass/not pass system should take note of the University policy that a P (pass) is given for work considered to be passing (A, B, or C) and therefore deserving credit, and an NP (not pass) for work not passed (D and F). Additionally, as noted in the 2007– 08 Undergraduate Course Catalog, “election of the pass/not pass option must be indicated at registration time or within the first 15 class days on the internet. After the fifteenth day, but prior to the end of the 30th day of instruction, an undergraduate student may change a pass/not pass enrollment to an enrollment under the A - F grade system, or the reverse by means of a drop/add form.”
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Audit
Students opting to audit BIOL 460 should make note of the University policy that a change of grading option to audit is not allowed after the 15th instructional day.
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Incompletes
Students opting to request an “incomplete” should be familiar with the University policy that “the incomplete is not an option to be exercised at the discretion of students. In all cases it is given at the discretion of the instructor within the following guidelines:
- A mark of incomplete may be assigned students when:
- They have been in attendance and doing passing work up to three weeks before the end of the semester, and
- For reasons beyond their control and which are acceptable to the instructor, they have been unable to complete the requirements of the course on time. Negligence and indifference are not acceptable reasons.
- The instructor sets the conditions for the completion of the course work and notes these conditions on the final grade report.
- When a student has met the conditions for making up the incomplete, the instructor will assign a grade based upon an evaluation of the total work done by the student in the course.
- An incomplete which is not made up within one calendar year automatically will revert to the alternate grade which was assigned by the instructor at the time the incomplete was submitted.
- An incomplete remains on the permanent record and is accompanied by the final grade, for example, IA, IB, IC, etc.”
For additional grading information please refer to the University of Montana Undergraduate Course Catalog 2007-08 (http://www.umt.edu/catalog/policy_procedure.htm).
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Examinations
Students are expected to prepare, and be present, for examinations on the scheduled dates, and at the scheduled time. No student will be allowed to begin any examination later than ten minutes after the scheduled start time for that exam.
If a dispute should arise regarding the answer to an examination item, the judgment of the faculty member will be final. Any disputes regarding test items, or examination grades, must be communicated within five (5) class days after the examination has been returned to the class. Under no circumstances will examination grades be reconsidered after this time.
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Make-up Examinations
Make-up examinations are not considered a right, but are reserved for those students who are prevented from taking an examination on the originally scheduled date due to:
- a documented illness,
- or documentation of participation in a University-sanctioned activity
- Documentation of participation in a University-sanctioned activity requires written communication from the University of Montana Office of Academic Advising.
- Student athletes must provide this documentation to Dr. Westphal within the first week of class.
To be considered eligible for a make-up examination, you must call Dr. Westphal at 406-243-6058 before examination time in order to communicate the nature of the problem you feel precludes you from taking a test.
If you are unable to speak with Dr. Westphal personally, leave a voice message, or send an email (kathe.westphal@mso.umt.edu.) Absolutely no make-up examinations will be scheduled if you have not communicated with Dr. Westphal prior to the originally scheduled examination. Also, please note that simply informing Dr. Westphal that you will be absent does not constitute an excused absence. After receipt of the written documentation that supports the stated reason for an absence, Dr. Westphal will consider whether a make-up test is merited. If it is determined that a make-up examination will be provided, Dr. Westphal will notify you of the date and time, as well as the format of the test. (Make-up examinations most likely will have different test items, and a different format than the original examination.) If a make-up test is not provided, the student will receive a zero (0) as a score for that examination. If a make-up test is provided, the recorded score is the score received.
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Make-up (Extra Credit) Assignments
Under no circumstances will any additional assignments/projects be provided. For all students, the final grade for the course will be determined solely by performance on the evaluation methods mentioned above.
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Dropping and Adding Courses or Changing Sections, Grading or Credit Status
Dr. Westphal will adhere to the clear instructions regarding these academic policies and procedures outlined in the University of Montana Undergraduate Course Catalog 2007 - 08 (http://www.umt.edu/catalog/policy_procedure.htm).
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Student Conduct
All students must practice academic honesty. Academic misconduct is subject to an academic penalty by the course instructor and/or a disciplinary sanction by the University. As stated in The University of Montana Undergraduate Course Catalog 2007 - 08: “The Student Conduct Code, embodying the ideals of academic honesty, integrity, human rights and responsible citizenship, governs all student conduct at The University of Montana-Missoula. Student enrollment presupposes a commitment to the principles and policies embodied in this Code."
All students need to be familiar with the Student Conduct Code. The Code is available for review online at http://www.umt.edu/sa/VPSA/index.cfm/page/1321.
Disabilities
Dr. Westphal is committed to creating an environment of equal access for students with and without disabilities. In an attempt to be fair to all students, Dr. Westphal will adhere to the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act by only making accommodations based upon guidance received from the staff of the University of Montana Disability Services for Students (DSS). Before these accommodations can be suggested and granted, “DSS requires comprehensive documentation of a disability and its impact on learning”.
Please read the information at http://www.umt.edu/dss/current/expect_access/ldver.html to more fully understand how a disability may be verified.
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