Welcome to Psy 353-81 for Fall 2009
***The syllabus is posted in the Syllabus area and you should check announcements for important information.
You will need the following text:
Kalat, James W. (2009) Biological Psychology (10th edition). New York: Wadsworth.
Options for buying your text book:
1. at the bookstore. They carry new and used copies of the texts.
2. online at iChapters (www.ichapters.com). Here you can buy a hard copy of the text or an e-book (for 1/3 the price).
Instructions for accessing / finding what you need at ichapers:
1) Go to www.ichapters.com
2) In the search bar, type in Kalat. Scroll down until you see Biological Psychology, 10th edition (Brain on cover) and click the link or type in the ISBN 0495090794 and click the link.
3) On the right hand side, add the e-book to your cart.
4) Click continue shopping.
7) Checkout
You will need a fast internet connection (not a modem based) to write the tests. If you do not have a fast home based internet connection, take the tests for this course on campus or at your local town library. My experience with online courses suggests that slow dial-up connections will not work for test-taking.
Accessing Blackboard
Here is some information about accessing Blackboard and help with Blackboard.
To log on to Bb point your web browser to http://bb.wpunj.edu and click the Login button in the upper left. Then enter your username and password in the spaces provided and click login again -- you'll find your course Bb sites listed on the right.
Some things to be aware of as you work with Blackboard:
1. You probably won't find all your courses listed; the only ones that will appear are those that have been activated by the professor teaching the course. Professors who don't use Blackboard will not activate their courses.
2. Your username is comprised of your last name and first initial, sometimes appended with a numeral. If you don't know your WPUNJ system username password you can use the Username lookup link at http://bb.wpunj.edu , or go to it directly at: http://ww2.wpunj.edu/directories/stud_email.cfm
3. If you are already logged in to the WPUNJ system through WPConnect you won't have to re-enter your username and password -- just click the first login button.
4. Blackboard documentation can be found under the Student Support heading at Bb Home, http://bb.wpunj.edu.
5. You can always obtain Bb help by using the Problem Report form at http://bb.wpunj.edu , or by going to it directly at: http://euphrates.wpunj.edu/bb/hd/ .
WPUNJ Student Email
To log on to WPUNJ Student Email point your web browser to http://student.wpunj.edu and enter your username, then RETURN. A dialogue box will pop up, into when you re-enter your username and password, then RETURN.
Some things to be aware of as you work with Student email:
1. Blackboard courses will use student email; third-party email addresses will not work on Bb.
2. If you are already logged in to the WPUNJ system through WPConnect you won't have to re-enter your username and password -- just click the Email tab.
Important
Think carefully about your choice to complete an online class. Many students believe that an online course is less demanding than a face-to-face course. This is not the case! Students are often surprised by the effort it takes to do well in this class. Online classes require motivation, self-discipline and dedication. You must do a lot of reading on your own as no one will be reviewing the material with you in person. Online classes also require active participation unlike some face-to-face classes where you can sit in the back row and get by without getting involved.
Think through your decision to take this online course carefully. It is demanding. I anticipate, however, that if you put in the time and effort you will find it a rewarding experience.
Exams and Discussion Board
You will have a specified period of time in order to complete an exam and so it is essential that you are well prepared as there will be little time to go through chapter pages while you are taking the test. The Discussion Board should be used to pose question to classmates and for responding to occasional questions that are placed on the Discussion Board.
Grading
Exams will be posted in the “Exams” folder
You will graded on a pre-midterm quiz, a pre-final exam quiz, a mid-term and a final examination. In addition, participation in the Discussion Board will also be included in your grade.
General Expectations
This course requires that you approach the material in an organized and disciplined manner. You should read a book chapter each week and use the resources that are provided online in in order to learn and understand the material. The following resources include content and media related information as well as materials in order to help improve your learning and provide opportunities for self-assessment. You need to use these materials…use them whatever day or time you choose…but use them!
Study and Self-Assessment Resources
Example
Chapter 1 |
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Crossword Puzzle |
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Flashcards |
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Glossary |
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Learning Objectives |
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Multiple Choice Quiz |
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