JanTerm 2012 Information

Evolution & Human Health

JanTerm 2014

George M. Diggs, Jr.
Department of Biology and Center for Environmental Studies
Austin College, Sherman, Texas
& Research Associate, Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT)

Austin College Phone: (903) 813-2246, Home Phone (903) 868-1642
Office: 317 Moody Science
Mailing Address: Department of Biology, Austin College, Sherman, TX 75090
AC Suite 61564
e-mail: gdiggs@austincollege.edu
Home page: http://artemis.austincollege.edu/acad/bio/gdiggs/diggs.html
Office Hours: offic hours during JanTerm are by appointment.

Evolution & Human Health — Class Information— JanTerm 2014
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Class Meetings: Lecture/Discussion typically 10:00-12:00 a.m. M-F; Laboratories 1:30 pm—as listed on the class schedule. (note: some class sessions will be held at other times).

Text: The Hunter-Gatherer Within: Human Health & Natural Nutrition (available in the College Bookstore), by Brock & Diggs, 2013.

Course Homepage: http://artemis.austincollege.edu/acad/bio/gdiggs/janterm2014/janterm2014.html

Course Content: An introduction to the implications of evolution for human health.

Course Goals and Expected Student Outcomes: The goals of the course are: 1) for students to gain an understanding of the multiple implications of evolution for human health; 2) for students to be able to effectively communicate in writing and orally about these implications; and 3) to provide students with experiential learning opportunities in the labs. Expected student outcomes include reaching an appropriate level of knowledge about evolution and human health, developing expertise in researching and writing about the field, and being able to present an articulate and easily understood oral presentation of their research findings.

Exams and Quizzes: There are two exams —Wed. 15 January and Tues. 28 January. There will also be periodic quizzes or assignments – grades on each of these will be referred to as a “quiz grade.”

Grades: The course is S/D/U only. In order to pass the course with an S, you must make 65% or better on each of the two exams during the term, an S on the research paper, the oral presentation, and the paleo dinner writeup, and S on all but one of any “quizzes.” In addition, you must miss no more than three “sessions” (often there are two sessions a day—morning and afternoon) (or have worked out a satisfactory plan with me in the event of serious illness or emergency). If any one of these requirements is not satisfied, but the others are, you will earn a D. If more than one is not satisfied, you will receive a U.

Class Attendance & Rules: JanTerm has a very tight schedule, and absences from lecture or laboratory sessions are not appropriate outside of extreme circumstances. If you have to miss class or lab for some emergency, an extra assignment will be provided for you. If you miss more than three sessions (typically a day and a half), we will meet to discuss the possibility of you dropping or being dropped from the course. Attendance is also required during the student presentations. Electronic devices are not to be used in class unless you have discussed your needs with me in advance.

Readings: Readings are listed on the course schedule. Assignments other than those in the text are available on-line at the class homepage or on Moodle. You may be given additional reading assignments in class.

Research Paper and Paleo Dinner Write-up: Paleo Dinner write-up due Tues. 21 January; research paper due Thur. 23 January; late papers will be lowered 10 points per day. Please see appropriate web pages for details on these assignments.

Academic Integrity:
No student may unfairly advance his or her academic performance or impede the performance of other students. Any activity that unfairly gives an advantage to a student or group of students is a violation of academic ethics and will be punished to the fullest extent of College policy.
Examples of violations include: using unauthorized notes on an exam; obtaining help from another student during an exam; failure to give credit to a colleague who assisted with a project; or failure to give credit to an author whose work is cited. This list is not exhaustive.
Each item that you submit for a grade in this course must include the following statement along with your signature.

This work was prepared in accordance with the Austin College academic integrity
policy. _____________Signature_____________ (Name typed or printed)