SSA001 - Science Survival

Subject Title
Science Survival

Subject Description
SSA001 is an integral and mandatory introduction to SBSAC's Laboratory Safety standards and policies, to Seneca College's Academic policies, and to a number of independent study topics that will assist students in biology and chemistry with their studies at Seneca. Topics will include such items as the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), laboratory safety, academic integrity, and e-mail etiquette.
 
SSA001 will:

• Equip students to understand program and course requirements necessary to succeed academically, and be knowledgeable about programs and advising services available at Seneca
• Assist students with identifying program options and establishing career goals, as well as explore experiences that will enhance students? life, education and goals
• Collaborate with other campus departments and refer students to the services they require, supplying students with accurate and timely information about the curriculum, co-curriculum, college policies, and administrative procedures. (CAS, 2014)

 
Students are expected to review WHMIS and Lab safety, in addition to the college policies covered in class. The material covered will carry through each term, as the content is rooted in safety and protocol. Completion of the WHMIS component is mandatory for participation in the laboratory component of any School of Biological Sciences and Applied Chemistry (SBSAC) subject. Should a student demonstrate inadequate understanding of Lab Safety and WHMIS after having passed SSA001, they may be required to do an evaluated review in order to continue in their laboratory courses.

Credit Status
Programs: BTA, CHY, CLP, CLT, Semester 1

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1. Recognize WHMIS hazard symbols to manage risks associated with handling and storing laboratory chemicals.
2. Describe WHMIS regulations and information sources to ensure safe handling of chemicals, prevent injury or manage accident situations.
3. Understand and adhere to the SBSAC laboratory code of conduct, and understand the penalties if they fail to do so.
4. Define plagiarism, and understand how to properly cite their work using the American Psychological Association (APA) style of citation
5. Differentiate between quoting and paraphrasing.
6. Have a thorough understanding of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy.
7. Understand the Library resources available to SBSAC students in the Seneca@York library, and how to use them.
8. Understand the Learning Center resources available to SBSAC students in the Seneca@York Learning Center, and how to use them.
9. Understand the General Education requirements for SBSAC diploma programs.
10. Have a thorough understanding of the W.I.L. eligibility, application, and selection process. Navigate their Academic Record including; Grades, Enrollment, Academic Requirements, and Transcripts - as well as differentiate between Term, Program, and Graduating GPAs.
11. Be familiar with the SBSAC program transfer options.

Essential Employability Skills
    •  Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems.

    •  Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.

    •  Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.

    •  Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.