WEST PLAINS, Mo. – Area residents can learn about human genetics, project management, quality management and sketchbook journaling in some of the new and unique courses being offered during the 2016 spring semester at Missouri State University-West Plains.
Human Genetics (BMS 230) is a three-credit-hour class scheduled for 8 to 9:20 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays that will review the genetic principles in humans. The course will emphasize molecular genetics and human genetic abnormalities that cause diseases and behavioral changes, according to instructor Sharath Rongali. Students also will be required to research, report on and discuss current topics in human genetics.
“The objective of the course is to emphasize the critical nature of human genetics in day-to-day life,” Rongali explained. “Since the completion of the human genome sequencing, genetics has transformed the way we understand and treat illnesses. We have reached a stage where genetic testing has progressed from being performed in a specialized clinic to home testing kits. Students will understand the roles that genes play in determining the physical characteristics, behavior and diseases that affect us. An understanding of the principles of human genetics is an integral part of training to be a health care professionals and also in becoming an informed citizen.”
Two technology-related courses will be offered online this spring. Introduction to Project Management (TEC 255) is a three-credit-hour class that will teach students the basic tools and techniques used in managing projects, including costs, time and people involved. It also will examine the role of a project manager in an organization and the interpersonal skills needed to complete a project. “This class will be great for anyone wishing to learn how to manage such projects as building a house or commercial projects,” said instructor Ron Hensley.
Hensley also will teach Introduction to Quality Management (TEC 232) another three-credit-hour online course that will cover quality and lean management in business and industry. Topics include leadership and strategic planning, human resource practices, customer service and satisfaction, process management and performance measurement. The last two weeks of the class will focus on Lean Six Sigma principles, he said. “Quality is part of everyone’s life, and the techniques taught can be used in most situations,” he explained.
Sketchbook Journaling (ART 098, Section 2) is a two-credit-hour class set for 2 to 3:50 p.m. Wednesdays that offers students the opportunity “to create a treasure for life,” according to instructor Wendy Ziegler. Students will chose a personal interest theme and use mixed media to develop imagery in sketchbooks. They will be asked to create 10 sketches each week that will show the progression of their imagery development. They also will learn the habit of recording visual information quickly through render times ranging from 30 seconds to 30 minutes. Students also will be introduced to the opportunities in assorted media so they can choose what they enjoy best experimentally to develop their themed process in sketchbook development, she explained.
Utopian Criticism (HNR 292/PHI 197) is a three-credit-hour special topics class scheduled for 9:30 to 10:50 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays that will explore fictional and non-fictional intentional communities and the theories behind those communities, according to lecturer Alex Pinnon, director of the William and Virginia Darr Honors Program.
For a complete look at the 2016 spring semester schedule, visit the My Grizzly Den website. Printed copies will be available Monday, Oct. 19. To obtain a printed copy, call 417-255-7955.
Regular registration for 2016 spring semester classes begins Nov. 16. For more information about admissions and registration procedures, call the admissions office at 417-255-7955 or toll free at 1-888-466-7897 or visit the university’s website.