| CRN: 20263 |
| 16 Weeks - Distance Education course |
| Students enrolled in the course are required to visit campus 16 times during the semester. Effective use of both the textbook and the website are required for successful completion of the course. |
Welcome! You are either enrolled in, or you are interested in enrolling in, the Biology 105 Distance Education class.
The general biology course, lecture and laboratory, for non-majors, with emphasis upon molecular biology, cell structure and function, energy relationships, human physiological systems (including reproductive anatomy, reproductive cycles, development, and immunity), genetics, evolution, ecological interrelationships, and discussions regarding contemporary issues.
The laboratory provides the student with expanded first-hand experience in specific areas of course content. This course is offered in a distance education format, utilizing a Blackboard website (See below).
Getting Started: Enrolled students must utilize the textbook as well as the Blackboard website in order to succeed in this course! You are responsible for all reading and assignments published on the website. In order to help guide you in preparation for this course, I have constructed the following "tips":
- Realize that the vast majority of your grade in this course is dependent upon your performance on lecture exams and laboratory practicals. To succeed in this course, you must learn the material and perform well on each of the four exams and three practicals.
- Read the weekly reading assignment before attempting to use the Chapter Notes.
- Utilize both the weekly announcements and weekly assignments sections of the website. There will be four homework assignments (each covering 4-6 chapters) during the semester. Assignment 1 is to be turned in the night of Exam 1, etc. If you understand the material covered in the assignment you should do well on the exams.
- There will be three lab practicals (lab exams), which will test your understanding of the concepts/material covered in lab. The practicals make up a significant portion of the lecture component of the course so it would be best to frequently review the previous week’s labs until you take the practical that pertains to the respective labs.
- Utilize the Chapter Notes to help clarify information from the textbook. Rather than rewrite the entire chapter for you, I have highlighted each of the Chapter Concepts within the textbook that you are responsible for. These are intended as "notes" and should be used as a guideline to help you understand the most important concepts within the chapter. I have highlighted key words in blue. You are responsible for all these terms.
- Take advantage of the links I have incorporated within the Chapter Notes as well as the Links section of the homepage. These links should help you understand difficult concepts.
- I have included discussion questions and a self-test within each Chapter Notes section. Please answer these to aid in your understanding of the material.
- Please take advantage of the message board and post questions or respond to questions asked by others and/or the instructor.
- Do not fall behind in this course! We cover, on average, two chapters/week. You must keep up with the pace of the course. It is best to spend time on this course every day... do not procrastinate until the night before an exam.
- Above all, please ask questions (either in person or via email) if you do not understand material within this course.
Email your professor: Send me an email immediately confirming that you are enrolled, that you have located the Blackboard course site, and that you are getting started. Provide me with your full name and the email address you will be using during the duration of the summer term.
Textbook: Biology, Concepts and Connections, sixth edition by Campbell
- Update email on WingSpan so it will transfer to Blackboard
- Your WingSpan ID becomes your Blackboard Username
- Your WingSpan PIN number (six digits only) becomes your Blackboard password
- To change these on Blackboard requires you change them on WingSpan
- Data will be transferred from WingSpan to Blackboard on a regular basis
Once you get to the welcome page, click on the General Biology course link on the right, and you will go to the course site. Familiarize yourself with the course site and if you have any questions please email your instructor with your concerns. Get your textbook and get started with your initial assignments. A major key to your success in this course will be keeping up with both the reading and other assignments.
If you have a disability documented by a physician or other appropriate professional and wish to discuss academic accommodations, please contact the DSP&S office at (626) 914-8675. Please discuss your accommodations with me by email and be sure to allow at least one week to arrange appropriate accommodations.