CRN 70040 1 EASTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY (EKU) Department of Biological Sciences Syllabus for BIO 310, Biology of Aging (CRN 70040) 3 Credit Hours Winter Session 2016 Instructor Dr. Barbara E. Davis Contact information Phone: (859) 622-7820 FAX: (859) 622-1399 Email: Barbara.Davis@eku.edu Office location: Physical – Moore 232A Online – Blackboard chat room or virtual classroom Online Office hours: Tuesdays 1200-1300 Thursdays 1700-1800 Email is the most efficient way to contact me outside of the classroom; but feel free to call if you need assistance with any aspect of the course. When leaving a message, be sure to state clearly and slowly your name and a number where I can contact you. Since this course is 100% online, I will have office hours in the Blackboard chat room or virtual classroom during the times specified. There is a private option in the Blackboard chat room if needed. In order to be fair to all students, I will not be meeting with students “in person” as not all students in the course have this option. Also, I recommend you schedule an appointment to ensure a timely discussion. Students with appointments will have priority. Departmental Chair Dr. Malcolm Frisbie Moore 349; (859) 622-1530 COURSE DESCRIPTION (EKU catalog: http://www.undergradstudies.eku.edu/catalog ) Biology of Aging is a system by system approach to the biological effects of the aging process on the human body. This course may not be used to satisfy area, major, or minor requirements in the Department of Biological Sciences. CRN 70040 2 Who should take this course? This course is a three hour course designed for the non-biology major interested in the facts and principles of biology related to aging of the human body. This course will provide the foundation necessary for the development of wellness-centered lifestyle choices. The course includes individualized wellness assessments for each student and the development of a comprehensive plan for the maintenance of such a lifestyle. Traditionally, most non-biology majors lack the depth of biological information to be able to grasp the workings of the various organ systems involved; thus, enough biology will be presented for students to understand the normal functions and aging for each of the body’s organ systems. Against this backdrop an understanding of abnormal aging caused by the misuse, abuse, or disuse of the body will be constructed. In addition, students will become aware of various behavioral changes that will increase their chances of healthy aging, i.e., wellness. While much data has been collected through case histories of institutionalized patients, we now recognize many elderly people live out their lives free of the most debilitating effects of aging on the body. Information from cross-sectional and longitudinal studies will be included in the course. REQUIRED INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS Textbook Saxon SV, MJ Etten, EA Perkins. Physical Change & Aging. 5th ed. New York: Springer Publishing Company; 496 p. A digital textbook version is available but for the 6th edition, also acceptable: http://www.springerpub.com/physical-change-and-aging-sixth-edition.html Blackboard For Blackboard support go to http://www.it.eku.edu/support To log-on go to http://www.learn.eku.edu Required Computer Resources Students are expected to have access to a reliable internet connection and a computer with a fast enough processor to use Blackboard. All students are expected to use a recent edition of Microsoft Office to access and complete assignments. Mozilla Firefox is the required browser to access Blackboard. Java is required for Blackboard quizzes and exams, as well as to access Blackboard learning aids. Please also ensure your computer can receive cookies from Blackboard. If you are using a computer in an EKU computer lab or the EKU library, then these computers should meet the aforementioned requirements. CRN 70040 3 COURSE OBJECTIVES / STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES Upon completion of the course, students should be able to 1. identify and evaluate various possible theories of aging, such as genetics, the free radical theory, cross-linking of collagen and other proteins, the accumulated waste theory, destructive mutation, the autoimmune theory, immune system failure, and hormonal theories. 2. identify and evaluate the effects of both normal and abnormal aging on the major organ system of the body, e.g., the integumentary (skin), skeletal, muscular, nervous, sensory, endocrine, reproductive, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, excretory, and digestive. 3. evaluate the effects on aging of such factors as nutrition, drugs, alcohol, exercise, and stress. 4. identify and evaluate the difference between normal aging and abnormal aging within each body system. 5. create an individual plan for self-evaluation of their personal wellness throughout the course of their lives. EVALUATION METHODS Course Points Area Points Cumulative Points Weighted % Cumulative % Introductory assignments – icebreaker, intro quiz, email, and learning style survey 35 35 3.5 3.5 Chapter assignments 22 worth 10 points each 220 255 22 25.5 Discussion board – 4 topics worth 40 points each 160 415 16 41.5 Midterm exam – content from chapters covered and associated Internet content 150 565 15 56.5 Project 1 – letter to legislator on topic related to aging 65 630 6.5 63 Project 2 – educational poster or wiki group project 90 720 9 72 Project 3 – journal (40 points) and individualized wellness plan (90 points) 130 850 13 85 Final exam – content from chapters since midterm and associated Internet content 150 1,000 15 100% CRN 70040 4 1. The introductory assignments include an icebreaker, learning style survey assignment, quiz on the syllabus/course site, and email assignment. The introductory assignments are designed to familiarize students with the Blackboard course site and syllabus. 2. Each chapter folder will have a short quiz on the chapter topic and/or assigned content. Some chapters will have supplemental learning aids from various websites, which may also be tested on the quiz. The format consists of multiple choice, matching, true/false, identification, problem solving, and/or short answer. The purpose of the chapter quizzes is to serve as checkpoints to assess student comprehension of key concepts. 3. There will be four discussion board forums regarding current or applicable topics on aging and wellness. Discussion board inputs will be scored using the discussion board rubric, and a minimum of two posts are required per forum: initial post and at least one peer response. The discussion board rubric can be found at the end of the syllabus and/or alongside the Blackboard assignment. Classroom discussions are required to meet national quality standards, but are also important to help students share ideas and integrate knowledge through peer learning. 4. The content for the midterm exam will cover topics presented both in the textbook and learning aids provided in each chapter folder. The format will consist of multiple choice, matching, true/false, identification, problem solving, and/or short answer. The purpose of exams is to assess student knowledge of and critical thinking about the topics studied. 5. Public engagement is the core of any democracy. Each student will draft a letter to a federal or state congressman regarding an issue related to aging for which legislative intervention could be encouraged, i.e., requests for new legislation, funding of research on a particular aging theory, etc. Further information/instructions are provided in class. 6. While increasing your knowledge base, learning investigative skills, and developing critical thinking are important aspects of a college education, it is also important to be able to convey information you have gained to educate others on wellness topics. Additionally, employers often seek college graduates who have expertise in working successfully in groups. Thus, students will participate in a group project, consisting of three-five students, to produce a Blackboard wiki on educational awareness about an aging topic. Students will be expected to provide a plan that demonstrates equivalent effort on the project. The grade for the group project will consider the overall project and each student’s participation. Individual participation will be determined by self-reporting and confidential rating by group members on the level of participation for each member. 7. Students will maintain a wellness journal, which should be updated at least weekly. The wellness journal will serve as a reservoir of information that can be used to develop a comprehensive wellness plan for submission as a final project. Individualized wellness assessments will be made available during the course for students to use in development of this plan. Students will have access to an online Blackboard journal in which inputs can be recorded after each organ system and referenced for development of the final project. 8. The content for the final exam will cover topics presented both in the textbook and via the website learning aids provided in each chapter folder. The format will consist of multiple choice, matching, true/false, identification, problem solving, and/or short answer. The purpose of exams is to assess student knowledge of and critical thinking about the topics studied. 9. The course instructor reserves the right to modify the syllabus at their discretion. This includes, but is not restricted to content additions and/or deletions, slowing or speeding up the pace at which material is covered, and the number of assessments administered. CRN 70040 5 Grading and Participation Objective questions will be graded by correct response. Subjective questions and assignments are scored using the EKU Score Guide for Critical and Creative Thinking rubric (attached) unless otherwise specified. All assessments and projects will be due on or before the times designated in the schedule. All grades post to the grade center of the Blackboard course site. Use this table of tentative assignments to monitor progress. Week Assignment Points Possible Points Earned Intro Icebreaker assignment and/or Group Intros 10 Learning style 10 Introductory quiz 10 Email assignment 5 1 Chapter 1 Aging Perspectives 10 Chapter 2 Theories of Aging 10 Chapter 3 Integumentary system 10 Chapter 4a and 4b Musculoskeletal 20 Chapter 17 Blog on Exercise 10 Wellness Journal entries 7.5 Discussion #1: Generations & Aging Theories 40 2 Chapter 5 Nervous system 10 Chapter 6 Dementia and Delirium 10 Chapter 15-16 Special Topics 10 Chapter 7 Sensory 20 Wellness Journal entries 12.5 Project 1: Letter to Legislator 65 Discussion #2: Bionics vs. Regeneration 40 Midterm Exam 150 3 Chapter 8 Cardiovascular system 10 Chapters 20-21 Teaching Elders re: Medications 10 Chapter 9 Respiratory system 10 Chapter 11 Urinary system 10 Chapter 12 Reproductive system 10 Chapter 13 Endocrine system 10 Wellness Journal entries 15 Project 2: Educational Wiki (Group) 90 Discussion #3: Teaching Adults & Medications 40 4 Chapter 10 Digestive system 10 Chapter 19 Nutrition 10 Chapter 14 Immune system 10 Chapter 23 Planning a Good Death 10 Chapter 22 Caregiving and Health 10 Wellness Journal entries 5 Project 3: Individualized Wellness Plan 90 Discussion #4: Health and Nutrition 40 Final Exam 150 Total 1,000 CRN 70040 6 Make-up Work: Research shows that students who regularly attend class are more likely to succeed. This equates to students who stay on schedule in an online class are more likely to succeed. Thus, the course is designed with frequent checkpoints (due dates) to help students stay on schedule. EKU students are responsible for all course work covered on the Blackboard course site. If the student presents the instructor with an adequate and documented reason for an inability to meet a deadline, the instructor will normally give the student an opportunity to make up the work missed, if this is feasible. Please note this may not be feasible for group activities. Sufficient reasons may specifically involve circumstances beyond the student’s control, such as personal illness, critical illness, or death in the immediate family, or participation in an approved University activity. Lack of participation of any nature will not be construed as relieving the student from the responsibility for the timely completion of all work assigned by the instructor. Initiating the request to make up class work is the student’s responsibility. Final Grade: Grades are based on the following point system: Ltr Pts Ltr Pts Ltr Pts Ltr Pts Ltr Pts A 900-1,000 B 800-899 C 700-799 D 600-699 F < 600 STUDENT PROGRESS Midterm Grade and Progress: 1. I will provide your midterm grade NLT 6 January 2017; grades are viewable online in EKU Banner at http://www.eku.edu/online/ 2. Students can determine their progress in the course at any time by checking the Blackboard grade center for total points and unweighted percentages. Last Date to Drop the Course: 1. A student may drop the course on or before 20 December 2016, and no “W” will appear on the transcript. 2. A student may drop the course on or before 8 January 2017, and a “W” will appear on the transcript. No withdrawal fee is assessed. Learning Resources: 1. Common Knowledge provides free tutoring in a number of disciplines. Common Knowledge is available via Skype. More information is available at http://it.eku.edu/gurus . 2. The EKU Noel Studio for Academic Creativity provides assistance with brainstorming, drafting, revising, editing, writing, and research. More information is available at http://studio.eku.edu/ . CRN 70040 7 3. EKU provides computer laboratories for student use if you are within commuting distance of the main or a satellite campus. The Student Services Building computer lab and Student Technology Lab in the Crabbe Library are open extended hours throughout the year. All labs are staffed with trained personnel. More information is at http://www.it.eku.edu/computerlabs/ . 4. Your own individual learning style is important to consider when formulating a study plan. A website that is helpful in determining your learning style is at http://www.personal.psu.edu/bxb11/LSI/LSI.htm . Other tips on how to succeed are at http://www.jeffreybennett.com/succeed_in_college.html POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Attendance: Attendance/participation is not specifically recorded for online classes but is clearly demonstrated by participation in and completion of assignments. ADA Policy: 1. A student with a “disability” may be an individual with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities such as learning, seeing or hearing. Additionally, pregnancy or a related medical condition that causes a similar substantial limitation may also be considered a disability under the ADA. 2. If you are registered with the Office of Services for Individuals with Disabilities, please obtain your accommodation letters from the OSID and present them to the course instructor to discuss any academic accommodations you need. If you believe you need accommodation and are not registered with the OSID, please contact the office in the Whitlock Building Room 361 by email at disserv@eku.edu or by telephone at (859) 622-2933. Upon individual request, this syllabus can be made available in an alternative format. Academic Integrity Statement: Students are advised that EKU's Academic Integrity policy will strictly be enforced in this course. The Academic Integrity policy is available at the policy website: http://www.academicintegrity.eku.edu/ . Questions regarding the policy may be directed to the Office of Academic Integrity. Official Email Policy: 1. An official EKU email is established for each registered student, each faculty member, and each staff member. All university communications sent via email will be sent to this EKU email address. 2. The instructor will only open and respond to course-related email, which is sent from the student’s EKU email address with an appropriately titled subject line. Due to the number of scam emails sent to faculty, the instructor will delete email sent from non-EKU addresses and without an appropriate subject line. CRN 70040 8 Course Requirements: 1. Students and faculty each have the responsibility to maintain an appropriate learning environment. Students who fail to adhere to behavior standards may face disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct, which can be found at http://www.academicintegrity.eku.edu/ . Instructors have the professional responsibility to treat students with understanding, dignity, and respect, to guide discussions, and to set reasonable limits on the manner in which students may express opinions. 2. Students who are disruptive and interfering with the learning process of their peers will be asked to desist. If the disruptive behavior persists, the student will be referred to the Chair and/or the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities for possible disciplinary actions. Course Outline: The course instructor reserves the right to modify the syllabus at their discretion. This includes, but is not restricted to content additions and/or deletions, slowing or speeding up the pace at which material is covered, and the number of tests administered. Please see the tentative lecture outline below. Class Midterm Exam Topics Class Final Exam Topics 1 Discussion: Generations/ Aging Theories When am I old? Demographics of a Changing Society - The Age Wave 11 Discussion: Teaching Adults & Medications The Cardiovascular System The Aging Heart and Blood Vessels 2 Levels of Organization Homeostasis Theories of Aging and Senescence 12 The Respiratory System Aging, Smoking, and Cancer 3 Integumentary (skin) System Aging Skin and Cancer 13 The Excretory System The Aging Excretory System Regulation of Body Temperature/Fluids 4 The Skeletal System Osteopenia and Osteoporosis 14 The Reproductive System Life After the Reproductive Years 5 The Muscular System Sarcopenia and Exercise Wellness Journal Entries 15 The Endocrine System Project 2: Group Educational Wiki Wellness Journal Entries 6 Discussion: Health Promotion & Exercise The Nervous System Drug Abuse / Damage 16 Discussion: Health and Nutrition The Digestive System The Aging Digestive System 7 Dementia and Delirium Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases 17 The Immune System 8 Aging with Lifelong Disabilities Special Topics: Alcoholism, Falls, Foot Care, and Pain 18 Death and Grief in the Later Years Planning for a Good Death 9 The Sense Organs Aging and the Sensory Organs 19 Caregivers: Staying Healthy and Safe 10 Project 1: Letter to Legislator due Wellness Journal entries Midterm Exam 20 Project 3: Individualized Wellness Plan Wellness Journal Entries Final Exam CRN 70040 9 The rubric below is used for discussion assignment. The EKU General Education Scoring Guide for Critical and Creative Thinking will also be used for projects and is provided on Blackboard. Online Discussions Rubric Criteria Excellent Good Novice Poor Timely discussion contributions Two postings (initial and peer response) of 1-2 paragraphs each; met deadlines (9-10 points) Two postings (initial & peer response) less than 1-2 paragraphs each; at least one post met deadline (7-8 points) One posting of 1-2 paragraphs; met deadline (5-6 points) One posting less than 1-2 paragraphs; late (0-4 points) Adherence to on- line protocols Builds on responses; brings in related prior knowledge; uses proper grammar/ etiquette (9-10 points) Some response expansion; brings in some prior knowledge; few errors in grammar/ etiquette (7-8 points) Little response expansion; uses little prior knowledge; some errors in grammar/ etiquette (5-6 points) No expansion; no prior knowledge used; several errors in grammar/ etiquette (0-4 points) Responsiveness to discussion and demonstration of knowledge and understanding gained from assigned reading Very clear that readings were understood and incorporated well into responses; all questions answered (9-10 points) Readings were understood and incorporated into responses; 75% or less of questions answered (7-8 points) Postings have questionable relationship to reading; less than 50% of questions answered (5-6 points) Not evident readings understood or incorporated in discussion; less than 25% of questions answered (0-4 points) Critical & creative thinking rubric: intellectual standards used 1. clarity 2. accuracy 3. precision 4. relevance 5. depth 6. breadth 7. logic 8. significance 9. fairness Understandable; free of errors; has necessary level of detail; input addresses the questions; covers problems and complexities of the question; includes multiple viewpoints; parts make sense with no contradiction; focus on important instead of trivial; justifiable input (9-10 points) Understandable; few errors; has some detail; somewhat addresses the question; covers some problems/ complexities; includes some viewpoints; parts somewhat make sense; focus mainly on important instead of trivial; some justifiable input (7-8 points) Difficult to understand; some errors; slight detail; barely addresses the questions; covers few problems/ complexities; few viewpoints; parts make little sense; focus mainly on trivial vs. important; little justifiable input (5-6 points) Unable to understand; many errors; not detailed; input does not address the questions; covers no problems/ complexities; no viewpoints; parts make no sense; focus on trivial at expense of important; no justifiable input (0-4 points) CRN 70040 10 Discussion Board / Blog Scoring Rubric: Posting Criteria Worth Score Comments Overall Timeliness of Discussion 10 Online Protocols 10 Initial Post Content Knowledge 5 Critical Thinking 5 Peer Response Content Knowledge 5 Critical Thinking 5 Totals 40 On-line Protocols for Discussion Rubrics Each thread posted for grading purposes should meet the following criteria: # Criteria 1 Postings are evenly distributed during the discussion period, i.e., not concentrated on one day or on the deadline days only or at the end of the period. 2 Postings should be a minimum of one full paragraph and a maximum of three paragraphs – thus relevance and conciseness are important factors. 3 Uses proper etiquette (language, style, etc.); does not use abbreviations, slang, or misspellings; uses complete sentences with proper grammar. Professionalism counts! 4 Fully addresses the question on initial postings, i.e., stays on target and answers all parts of the question. 5 Brings in related prior knowledge (work experience, prior coursework, readings, etc.) and relates this information to the topic(s). 6 Postings must be paraphrased or put into your own words – changing a few verbs or shifting words around is not equivalent to describing the process in your own words. 7 Proper citation of the reference(s) – this includes the proper use (paraphrasing) of relevant information from the source indicated as well as correct citation form and hyperlinks to any online sources. See the example provided for proper citation form. 8 Builds on or adds to other threads with peer responses. 9 Avoids postings that are limited to “I agree” or “great idea,” etc. If you agree (or disagree) with a posting then say why you agree by supporting your statement with concepts from the readings or by bringing in a related example or experience CRN 70040 11 BIO 310, Biology of Aging Tentative Winter Intersession 2016-17 Schedule Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 19 Dec Reading: Chapter 1 Assignments Due: Intro Module Chapter 1 20 Dec Reading: Ch. 2-3 Discussion 1 Opens Assignments Due: Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Journal Entry 21 Dec Reading: Chapter 4a Assignments Due: Chapter 4a Journal Entry Discussion 1 Entry 1 22 Dec Project 1 Info Opens Reading: Chapters 4b Assignments Due: Chapter 4b Journal Entry 23 Dec Continue Project 1 Reading: Chapter 17 Assignments Due: Discussion 1 Entry 2 Chapter 17 Blog Topic for Project 1 24 Dec Continue Project 1 Reading: Ch. 5-6 Discussion 2 Opens Assignments Due: Chapter 5-6 Journal Entry 26 Dec Holiday 27 Dec Holiday 28 Dec Holiday 29 Dec Holiday 30 Dec Holiday 31 Dec Holiday 2 Jan Reading: Ch. 15-16 and Chapter 18 Assignments Due: Chapters 15-16 Discussion 2 Entry 1 3 Jan Reading: Chapter 7 Assignments Due: Chapter 7 Journal Entries Project 1 Due 4 Jan Assignments Due: Discussion 2 Entry 2 Midterm Exam Chapter 18 Blog 5 Jan Project 2 Educational Group Wiki Opens Reading: Ch. 8-9 Assignments Due: Chapter 8 and 9 Journal Entries 6 Jan Continue Group Wiki Reading: Ch. 20-21 Discussion 3 Opens Assignments Due: Chapters 20-21 Journal Entries 7 Jan Continue Group Wiki Reading: Ch. 11/12 Assignments Due: Chapters 11/12 Journal Entry Discussion 3 Entry 1 9 Jan Continue Group Wiki Reading: Ch. 13-14 Assignments Due: Chapters 13 and 14 Journal Entries Discussion 3 Entry 2 10 Jan Reading: Ch. 10 & 19 Discussion 4 Opens Assignments Due: Chapters 10 and 19 Journal Entry 11 Jan Reading: Chapter 23 Assignments Due: Chapter 23 Discussion 4 Entry 1 12 Jan Reading: Chapter 22 Assignments Due: Chapter 22 Project 2 Educational Group Wiki Due 13 Jan Assignments Due: Discussion 4 Entry 2 Project 3: Individualized Health and Wellness Plan Final Exam 14 Jan Vacation Begins