Discuss lifestyle changes that may prevent some of the deleterious effects of advancing age.
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COURSE MATERIALS
You will need the following testbook to complete the work of the course. The textbook is available from the textbook supplier, MBS Direct.
Textbook
Human Aging, 2nd ed., by Augustine Gaspar Digovanna (Boston, MA: MacGraw Hill, 2000)
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COURSE STRUCTURE
Biological Aspect of Aging is a three-credit online course that is organized into twelve assignment modules.
Each module includes a reading assignment togehter with a series of written assignments and discussion questions.
Most mdoules include self-test questions that allow you to check your comprehension and mastery of the material.
For the course's assignment modules (reading, online discussions, and written assignments), go to the Assignment Modules area of the course Web site. (See also the course Calendar.)
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ONLINE DISCUSSIONS
In addition to an ungraded but required discussion in module 1 titled "Introductions," Biological Aspects of Aging features a number of graded online discussions. Each module contains one or two of these discussion questions (except for Module 2, which does not have any discussion questions). All discussions take place on the class Discussion Board.
The Discussion Board also includes a "Class Lounge," which you can use throughout the semester to converse, post comments, ask questions, and share information about course-related topics and issues.
Communication among fellow students and with the mentor is a critical component of online learning. Participation in online discussions involves two distinct activities: an initial response to a posted question (discussion thread) and at least two subsequent comments on classmates' responses.
Meaningful participation is relevant to the content, adds value, and advances the discussion. Comments such as "I agree" and "ditto" are not considered value-adding participation. Therefore, when you agree or disagree with a classmate, the reading, or your mentor, state and support your agreement or disagreement. You will be evaluated on the quality and quantity of your participation. Responses and comments should be properly proofread and edited, professional, and respectful.
For additional information on online discussions, see Online Discussions in the Online Student Handbook.
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WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS
Biological Aspect of Aging requires you to submit a series written assignments to your mentor for evaluation and grading in each module.
Take the time to familiarize yourself with the written assignment questions before you begin each module. Conversely, be sure to complete all relevant readings before answering the questions. Before you begin to write, you might find it helpful to outline your answers, listing points you wish to make and the examples that support your ideas.
Do not copy answers from the textbook. Creative thinking and your own wording are important aspects of an effective answer. When you have completed an assignment, proofread your answers for correct grammar, spelling, etc., and be certain you have answered the questions completely.
Prepare your written assignments using whatever word processing program you have on your computer. Include your name at the top of the paper, as well as the course name and code and the semester and year in which you are enrolled.
Before submitting your first assignment, check with your mentor to determine whether your word processing software is compatible with your mentor's software. If so, you can submit your work as you prepared it. If not, save your assignment as a rich-text (.rtf) file, using the Save As command of your software program. Rich text retains basic formatting and can be read by any other word processing program.
When satisfied that your assignment represents your best work, submit it to your mentor by means of the
>>View/Complete Assignment
link provided at the bottom of the respective assignment page. Use the Browse button within this link to locate and submit your assignment file.
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GRADING AND EVALUATION
Your grade in the course will be determined as follows:
| Online Discussions (16) |
20% |
| Module 1 Written Assignment (one essay) 1.05 |
5% |
|
Module 2 Written Assignments (two essays)
2.03 5%
2.04 1% |
6%
|
|
Module 3 Written Assignments (four essays)
3.02 1%
3.05 1%
3.06 1%
3.07 5% |
8% |
|
Module 4 Written Assignments (three essays)
4.03 1%
4.04 1%
4.05 10% |
12%
|
|
Module 5 Written Assignments (four essays)
5.02 1%
5.03 1%
5.05 1%
5.06 5% |
8% |
|
Module 6 Written Assignments (two essays)
6.02 5%
6.07 5% |
10% |
|
Module 8 Written Assignment (one essay)
8.02 4% |
4% |
|
Module 9 Written Assignments (four essays)
9.02 1%
9.03 1%
9.05 1%
9.06 1% |
4% |
|
Module 10 Written Assignments (four essays)
10.03 1%
10.05 5%
10.07 1%
10.08 1% |
8% |
|
Module 11 Written Assignments (three essays)
11.02 1%
11.04 1%
11.05 1% |
3% |
|
Module 12 Written Assignments (three essays)
12.01 1%
12.02 1%
12.06 10% |
12% |
Letter grades for online participation and written assignments are based on the following numerical grades:
| A |
= |
93–100 |
C+ |
= |
78–79 |
| A– |
= |
90–92 |
C |
= |
73–77 |
| B+ |
= |
88–89 |
C– |
= |
70–72 |
| B |
= |
83–87 |
D |
= |
60–69 |
| B– |
= |
80–82 |
F |
= |
Below 60 |
Note: To receive credit for the course, you must earn a letter grade of D or higher on the weighted average of all assigned course work (e.g., exams, assignments, projects, papers, etc.). You will receive a score of 0 for any work not submitted.
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STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS
First Steps to Success
To succeed in this course, take the following first steps:
- Read carefully the entire Syllabus, making sure that all aspects of the course are clear to you and that you have the material required for the course.
- Take the time to read the entire Online Student Handbook. The Handbook answers many questions about how to proceed through the course and how to get the most from your educational experience at Thomas Edison State College.
- Familiarize yourself with the Blackboard environment—how to navigate it and what the various course areas contain. If you know what to expect as you navigate the course, you can better pace yourself and complete the work on time.
- If you are not familiar with Web-based learning, or specifically with the Blackboard platform, be sure to review the processes for posting responses online and submitting assignments before class begins.
Study Tips
Consider the following study tips for success:
- To stay on track throughout the course, begin each week by consulting the course Calendar. The calendar provides an overview of the course and indicates due dates for submitting assignments, posting discussions, and scheduling and taking your examination. For details on each assignment module and a complete listing of learning activities, go to the Assignment Modules area of the course Web site.
- We encourage you to go beyond the required learning activities in this course and to explore the different Web links provided in the various modules.
- Check the Announcements page and class Discussion Board regularly for new course information.
