This component is based on your contribution to classdiscussion; your activities as session moderator or group leader; and your presentations. 

• SEPT 26 
• OCT 31 
• DEC 5 

 
You will be required to maintain a journal during the semester. The objective of this assignment is for students to explore their own values and ethics in the context of scientific issues that are raised by assigned readings, in-class discussion, media articles, web pages, TV programs, science classes, research experiences etc. Complete details of the precise content of the journal, format, etc will be handed out at a later date. The following is a summary of key points regarding the journal:

• Details of the journal components will be given to you by the instructor on the web page that is being set up for the class. 
• Examples of journal components include case studies, in-class assignments, brief essays about assigned readings or ethical themes, or evaluations of class activities. 
• The journal will be handed in for evaluation three times during the semester, on SEPT 26, OCT 31, and DEC 5.

 

You will be required to prepare a 10-15 page, typed, double-spaced, essay on a science ethics topic that you will chose from several themes suggested by the instructor. Additional details are found here.

 
A final exam (open books, notes, journals etc) will be required. The exam will be held on TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 3:30-5:30 PM, in Hardman 202.

Grade Scale:

Note: The grade scale may be curved at the end of the semester at the discretion of the instructor.

 
10% of the total points will be deducted for each week the assignment is late. Assignments will not be accepted if handed in more than 2 weeks after the due date.

 
Debate and discussion are essential components of thisclass, therefore, students are expected to attend all classes. Legitimate excuses for absences include travel on university business or family or medical emergencies. You must provide documentation from physicians or faculty in order to be excused. 75 points will be deducted from your overall points for each unexcused absence.

 
Students must meet all requirements of the course. A grade of B- is required to receive an S in an Honors course.

 
It is your responsibility to withdraw from the course. The instructor will not automatically drop you from the course for failure to attend class or to complete exams or assignments. The deadline for withdrawal is October 18.

 
Incompletes will be given only if a student has passed the first half of the course and is precluded from completing the course by a documented illness or family crisis. Make-ups of assignments for excused absences must be discussed with the instructor within one week of the due date of the assignment. There are no provisions for extra credit work. The penalty for plagiarism or other forms of academic misconduct (as defined in the Student Code of Conduct) is failure of the course: no exceptions.

 
The instructor reserves the right to modify this syllabus during the semester as considered necessary to enhance the quality of the instruction, to meet the needs of students in the class and to achieve course objectives. Any changes to the syllabus [or to the course schedule] will be announced in class and you are responsible for being aware of them.