ISC1910 - STEM-Based Undergraduate Research

Academic Dean’s Contact Information

LAKELAND DEAN’S OFFICE: LLC 2255              PHONE: (863) 297-1024
WINTER HAVEN DEAN’S OFFICE: WSC 101      PHONE: (863) 297-1020

Note: The STEM-based prerequisite should be a lab-based science course, or MAC 1105 College Algebra, or a higher-level math. This course may be repeated for credit with the approval of the Academic Dean and the mentoring instructor.

This course is also offered in Honors format. For Honors Program sections, Honors Program permission is required.

Polk State College Mission and Program Outcomes

Polk State College, a quality driven institution transforms lives through the power of education by providing access to affordable associate and baccalaureate degrees, career certificates and workforce employment programs, delivered by diverse, qualified faculty and staff. In line with this purpose, Polk State’s General Education courses develop competence in the areas of 1) Communication, 2) Critical Thinking, 3) Scientific and Quantitative Reasoning, 4) Information Literacy, 5) Global Socio-Cultural Responsibility. Students should review the Polk State Catalog for a complete description of these outcomes. This course focuses on the development of competencies related to the areas of:

1. Communication

Demonstrate the ability to read, write, speak, and listen effectively, utilizing standard English.

2. Critical Thinking

Demonstrate the ability to reflect on, analyze, synthesize, and apply information through problem solving.

3. Scientific and Quantitative Reasoning

Apply mathematical and scientific principles and methods to solve abstract and real-world problems.

4. Information Literacy

Demonstrate the ability to access, evaluate, incorporate, organize, and document information.

 
Course Objectives:
 Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate the ability to read, write, speak, and listen effectively and respond appropriately to questions pertaining to his work utilizing standard English. (1,2)
• Research and write a paper that demonstrates an informed background in the field of research. (1,2,4)
• Develop an original research question for a STEM research experiment. (2)
• Develop and plan an experiment that addresses the research question. (2)
• Communicate effectively the process and goals of experimentation verbally and through writing. (1)
• Conduct original research using STEM methodologies focused on finding solutions to real world problems. (2,3)
• Perform descriptive statistical analysis and inferential statistics analysis for data interpretation. (2,3)       
• Use technology that increases efficiency of the STEM research experiment. (4)   
• Present the findings and results of the research experience through a formal presentation to peers, community members, and experts in the field. (1)    
• Write and present a formal research paper that describes the topic background, research question, methods, data, and results. (1,4)

• Research a topic and generate a STEM research plan using primary resources and databases.
• Prepare documents for the Polk State College Institutional Review Board (IRB) if applicable.
• Apply the scientific method during the performance of the experiment.
• Perform descriptive statistics and inferential statistics to interpret data.
• Collaborate with the faculty member and/or mentor through discussion of methodology, design of the experiment, collection of data, and application of information for the project.
• Present the results of the experiment in a formal presentation to the community.
• Present the results of the experiment through a formal paper that can be archived at the College.

Course Note on Content and Objectives:

Though the course is designed for independent research projects, a small number of students (i.e., two to three) may collaborate on a larger project provided that each student independently produces the writing and research products required, and each formally presents according to the student outcomes for the course.

Each student must mentor with an instructor on the College campus; however, research may be done at an alternative location with an off-campus mentor. The student is responsible for providing all course products to the Polk State mentoring professor for determination of the course grade.

Textbook and Other Requirements

Textbook information is provided in the course syllabus, at the campus bookstore, on the campus bookstore website (www.polk.bncollege.com), or via the “Shop Textbook” button on the PASSPORT schedule of classes.

The Gordon Rule

This is not a Gordon Rule course.

Student Help

The professor is available for help during posted hours and by appointment during other non-class hours. Students are encouraged to seek assistance from the professor. To further the educational process, the campus Learning Resources Centers, comprised of the Teaching/Learning and Computing Center (TLCC) JDA Student Success Center, and library, are available for student use. Each resource provides qualified staff and up-to-date equipment and facilities to promote students’ academic success. The TLCCs and JDA Student Success Center provide tutoring services, computing resources, and other instructional support. The library provides information resources, individual and group study space, research assistance, information literacy instruction, and computing resources. Each facility provides free wireless access to the Internet. Polk State College Library, Student Success Center, and TLCC hours of operation and tutoring schedules are posted at each facility and on the College website.

Withdrawing From a Course

Students may officially withdraw from course(s) during any given term, provided they follow the appropriate policy and procedure. Following the conclusion of the Drop/Add Period, a student may officially withdraw without academic penalty from any credit course, provided he or she has submitted the appropriate forms to the Student Services Office no later than the published deadline. The published deadline reflects approximately (but no more than) 70% of the term, based upon the course’s scheduled duration. It is the student’s responsibility to submit these withdrawal forms; failure to do so may result in a grade of F in the course. Under the Forgiveness Policy, a student is allowed only three attempts in any one course: one initial enrollment and two repeats. A student is not allowed to withdraw from a third course attempt. Limited admission programs may have specific guidelines regarding course withdrawal that vary from this policy. Individuals should refer to the student handbook for that program for more information. If a student stops attending class, the grade earned, usually an F, is assigned and posted. Prior to withdrawing from a course, the student should consult with the Financial Aid Office to determine what impact, if any, withdrawal from the course will have on his or her financial aid status. A student cannot use course withdrawal to avoid academic dishonesty penalties. A student who has been penalized for academic dishonesty in a course is not eligible to withdraw from the course.

Repeating a Course

Under the Forgiveness Policy, a student is allowed only three attempts in any one college credit course: one initial enrollment and two repeats. Under certain circumstances, a student may petition to repeat a credit course beyond the three attempts. Limited admission programs may have specific guidelines regarding repeating a course that vary from this policy. Individuals should refer to the student handbook for that program for more information. The student should be aware that repeating a course may result in a higher course cost. A course cannot be repeated unless the previously earned grade is a D, F, or W (the Polk State College Catalog provides further details regarding this process). Prior to repeating a course, the student should consult with the Financial Aid Office to determine what impact, if any, repeating the course will have on his or her financial aid status.

Academic Dishonesty

Each student is responsible for his or her work. It is assumed that each student is honest and will abide by this standard; however, in the event that there is an indication or suspicion of cheating/plagiarism, the situation shall be dealt with in accordance with the published College policy. Copies of this policy are available in the Student Services Office. Students should also refer to the course syllabus for more specific information.

Information Technology Access/Use Policy

All individuals who employ the information technology resources provided by Polk State College (this includes, but is not limited to, telephones, computers, the Polk State College Local Area and Wide Area Networks, and the Internet) must use these resources for academic purposes only. Use of these resources is a privilege, not a right. Inappropriate use can result in revocation or suspension of this privilege.

Equal Access/Opportunity

Polk State College is an equal access/equal opportunity institution committed to excellence through diversity in education and employment. The College complies with all state and federal laws granting rights to students, employees, and applicants for employment or admission to the College. The College prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, ethnicity, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, genetic information or disability in any of its employment policies or practices, educational programs, or activities.  For questions or concerns, please contact:  Valparisa Baker, Director, Equity & Diversity (Title IX Coordinator), 999 Avenue H NE,  Winter Haven, FL 33881-4299, Office: WAD 227,  863.292.3602 Ext. 5378, vbaker@polk.edu.

Equal Opportunity For Students With Disabilities

The College complies with The Americans with Disabilities Act and provides equal educational opportunity for qualified individuals. A student with a disability who requires special accommodations or auxiliary aids under The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should contact the Student Services Office on either campus and speak with a Disability Services Advisor or the Coordinator of Disability Services. Note: Limited admission programs may have performance restrictions that apply. Restrictions (where applicable) are outlined in each program’s student handbook.

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