Welcome to BIOL 1104. I've taught this course 4 times previously, but it seems each time has its own unique challenges! Because of the ongoing precautions associated with COVID - a dangerous viral disease - this class has been split into smaller sections. Though it will be taught in-person, I will do my best to provide recordings of lectures though I will not be monitoring online queries during class. Still I will do my best to be sure you learn and have fun with the material.
To clarify your job in attending class, it is strongly encouraged but I cannot say "required" because of our Board of Regents that you wear a proper face covering in class. This is the advice of the CDC as well as of disease-focused colleagues around the University of Georgia; as of August 3 it is a requirement for indoor facilities in Athens-Clarke County. Wearing a face mask reduces transmission, and even if you don't think you will be affected (you might be without yet knowing it...) there are many around you who have grave concerns for their loved ones and there are many medical workers who are exhausted and running out of energy with the return to increased case loads. This is true even if you are vaccinated; the vaccine significantly (!!) reduces your risk of serious illness but still permits the spread of COVID and many other airborne viruses. Do it for our health care workers, and do it for those around you.
Much of the course business will carry on using eLC - this way I can make announcements that reach all of you via your UGA email, our quizzes and exams will be held this way, and you can connect with other students easily using the features of eLC. Grades will of course be handled and maintained on eLC for your access/privacy. It's just easier to flexibly edit and deliver content via this Google Site than in that environment. I realize this website has a lot of information. A large class like this, with no TA support, means you need to know how to find information quickly to be able to do well in this class. Please read the website in its entirety, and recognize that things may change or update.
About your instructor(s): Dr. John Wares is a Professor in the Odum School of Ecology and the Department of Genetics, but really he identifies as somebody who likes to stand knee deep in the ocean and understand the interface between marine and terrestrial biodiversity. Currently he spends the most time talking about barnacles, mussels, and sea stars. He is also a curator at the Georgia Museum of Natural History. You may also see him on the mountain bike trails of Athens! You can reach him at jpwares@uga.edu with any questions but first please be sure you have read the syllabus or other assigned material.