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Our society is increasingly influenced by science and technology. Biology affects our everyday experiences, from our relationships with the environment, to the foods we consume, to the way we treat diseases. In this course we will explore how living things function at the molecular, genetic, and cellular level. Get ready for an exciting course!
Welcome! I'm Dr. Nicole Johnson (she/her) and I will be your instructor this semester in College Biology. You are welcome to call me Dr. Johnson or Dr. J for short. Please take 2 minutes to watch my video and learn a little about me. Then explore the rest of this website to get prepared for this course.
I look forward to getting to know you all as we start this semester's learning journey together!
ABOUT THIS COURSE
ABOUT THIS COURSE
Course Format: This is a hybrid course, which means 50% of your course material will be delivered asynchronously online through Moodle. You will be responsible for acquiring and learning class information on your own in the online learning environment and then we will meet in-person one day a week, where you will learn to apply, use, and better understand the material.
Class Meeting Time: Tuesdays from 10:00 - 11:45 AM in SB 031
Required materials:
Biology How Life Works 2e by James Morris - be sure to include LaunchPad access. (ebook is available with LaunchPad)
iClicker Reef Student Access (iclicker.com) - $14.99 for 6 months
Student Learning Outcomes
Appropriately use key terms and concepts currently used in the study of biology.
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of cell structure and function, energetics, and genetics.
Discuss natural selection and the scientific evidence of evolution.
Discuss the relevance of biology to concerns of society.
Demonstrate understanding of the scientific method
How to get help with this course
How to get help with this course
Biology can be a challenging subject, but don't let that deter you. I want you to succeed in this course and am here to help. You can come to student hours, tutoring sessions, or contact me directly any time you have questions.
Student Hours
Student hours (aka office hours) are times I set aside each week to be available for YOU. This is time for you to come ask questions about course material or assignments and get clarification on topics that are confusing. I’m also happy to chat with you about career advice, cool things in biology, or any topic of interest to you.
Virtual student hours - Tuesdays 9-11 AM, meetings during these times will be held using Google Meet and must be booked ahead of time. Click here to book a meeting. After booking you will receive a calendar invite with a Google Meet link for the meeting. If you have a study group and you all would like to meet at the same time, just share the meeting link with your friends.
In-person student hours – Mondays 10 AM – 12 PM and Wednesdays 3-4 PM, I will be available in my office, SB243k during this time for anyone who wants to drop by with questions or to meet me in person. No appointment is necessary, just come on by.
Contact Me
Email: njohnson@university.edu
Phone: 999-999-9999
My preferred method of communication is email. You can expect to receive a response within two business days (i.e. not over the weekend). If I email you directly, please strive to respond within two business days. It is recommended that you check your University email at least once a day to stay on top of course communications.
course community
course community
I'm a passionate educator and scientist who strives to create a dynamic, engaging environment for us to learn in. I look forward to cultivating an inclusive atmosphere with you, where all students are comfortable contributing. To this end, racist, sexist, homophobic, or other language that denigrates individuals based on who they are will not be tolerated. This class is an inclusive space. Every student in this course is a valued member of our community. We each bring our own unique perspective that is rooted in our identities as members of different communities, cultures, races, ethnicities, and nationalities. We come from different backgrounds and have different religions, customs, and traditions. We are of different ages and generations. We represent a spectrum of sexes, genders, and sexualities. Some of us are veterans. Some of us are parents. Some of us have visible or invisible disabilities. No matter who we are, we are all here to learn about science, but science is carried out by people. Scientists are living, breathing humans whose backgrounds and identities may influence the problems they choose to study, the other scientists they choose to collaborate with, and how they interpret their findings. Our own implicit biases can affect how we analyze the science we learn about in class or read about in the news. We do not leave our identities behind once we enter our classrooms or labs. We all need to become versed in recognizing and acknowledging the lived experiences of one another - students, staff, and faculty-, and understand how these impact our experiences within STEM. Together, our diverse perspectives will lead us to a richer understanding of not just the science, but the societal and ethical implications of the science.
In this class and throughout the Biology Department, we are committed to ensuring that all University students live, work and study in a respectful and inclusive environment. Please do one or more of the following if you experience a situation that doesn’t meet this expectation:
> Talk to me (or another professor)
> Talk to your advisor
> Talk to a staff member
> Contact your Department Head
> Contact the Student Ombuds office
> Contact the Bias Impact Response Team (BIRT)
But don't remain silent. We are here to help.
MAKE THE GRADE
MAKE THE GRADE
Your grade in this course will be based on five different weighted categories. The percentage of grade is seen pie chart image. A short description of each component can be found in the dropdown's below and information on specific activities and assignment directions will be provided separately in Moodle.
I recognize that grades are very important to many of you, and are often tied to your future career goals. Because of that importance, the time to focus on your grade is NOW, at the START of the semester. I DO NOT provide additional extra credit on an individual basis and WILL NOT increase your final grade just because you are “close” to another grade level. However, throughout this course you will have multiple opportunities to earn points through multiple attempts on learning activities, reflections without one correct answer, and optional extra credit possibilities. Additionally, I do follow standard rounding rules, for example if you are at a 79.8 as your final grade, that will be rounded to a B-.
A 93-100 C+ 77-79 F below 60
A- 90-93 C 74-76
B+ 87-89 C- 70-73
B 84-86 D+ 67-69
B- 80-83 D 60-66
You will have three exams throughout the class. These will be based on lecture material, assigned readings, and class/homework assignments. Exams will consist of 80 points worth of multiple choice questions and 20 points of short answer. These will be given at the testing center. You will have two days (Tuesday and Wednesday) to go to the testing center to take your exam. Taking the exam on Tuesday will give you one less night to study but taking it immediately following class will allow the material to be fresh in your mind. The Final Exam for the semester will be a cumulative multiple choice exam which will be taken in the classroom on the day listed above.
Learning curve assignments - These are an integrated part of the LaunchPad learning environment. They are an adaptive quizzing and personalized learning program. For each chapter you will answer numerous multiple choice questions. As you get them correct you will gain points until you hit the total points necessary to “win” the game. These assignments will help reinforce concepts learned and also provide important study tools for exams.
In-class and online assignments - There will be numerous graded and ungraded assignments completed both in class and online to help you learn the material, assess your own understanding of the material, and reinforce information gained from class and readings. All assignments are designed to help your learning process and actively completing them will positively influence your understanding and in turn, your grade. Reading materials either before or after class as assigned is required and necessary to successfully complete course assignments.
You will complete four group case studies throughout the course focused on various topics we are discussing at the time. These will require student collaboration, data analysis, and synthesis of new information to successfully complete.
Case studies consist of three portions.
The first will be completed by students working together in class to analyze data in a given scenario. You will be responsible for grading your group members based on their contributions to the group work.
The second part will be an online, multiple-choice graded quiz related to your in-class case study work.
The third component will be completed individually by students as a reflection on their own learning. More information will be provided in class and on Canvas.
In order to learn how to read and interpret scientific findings reported in general news media the class will maintain a science in the news blog. Each student will be responsible for completing one blog entry and commenting on three of their fellow students’ entries. More information will be provided in class and on Canvas.
key policies
key policies
Accessibility Services
Accessibility Services
Students who need accommodations because of a disability may contact the University Accessibility Services Department (ASD), located on the Main Campus in LC 312. To schedule an appointment or to speak with a counselor, call the ASD office at 888-888-8888. Deaf/Hard of Hearing individuals, email nicole.hemmingsen@uvu.edu or text 777-777-7777.
Late Work Policy
Late Work Policy
Assignments must be turned in on time. However, I do understand that sometimes life happens so all assignments will be accepted electronically for 24 hours after their due date for full credit. This gives you a day grace period if you happen to forget an assignment or fall behind in time management. After the 24 hours, assignments will not be accepted for graded credit.
Attendance Policy
Attendance Policy
I do not take attendance at every class, I do expect you to be in class to take charge of your own learning. Anyone who does not complete in-class work because they are absent that day CANNOT make that work up for credit. The student can ask for the assignment to use for their own learning and studying but will receive a zero in the gradebook. However, I do understand that life exists outside the classroom. If you know there will be a conflict with a certain class, or you have an illness or emergency, please see me as soon as possible to ask for an excused absence. Excused absences are at my discretion, but I am happy to work with you. Any student with an excused absence will be able to complete missed work for credit.
University resources and policies
University resources and policies
(click for dropdown)
Student Resources
There are many resources on campus to help you if you run into struggles academically, socially, financially, or emotionally. Please don’t be ashamed to use these resources and ask for help. They are there for YOU.
You can schedule virtual or in-person tutoring at the Student Tutoring Center.
Academic and Student Affairs maintains a website with links for student support on campus, including academic support, community support, health and wellness, financial hardship or insecurity, and more. Find Help on Campus.
At University, we take the health and safety of students, faculty and staff seriously. The Office for Institutional Equity and Diversity supports the university community by providing services and resources to support and guide individuals in obtaining the help they need. See the Safe at University webpage for resources.
As members of the University community, we each share a personal responsibility to express concern for one another and to ensure that this classroom and the campus as a whole remains a healthy and safe environment for learning. Occasionally, you may come across a fellow classmate whose personal behavior concerns or worries you, either for the classmate’s well-being or yours. If you feel this way, I would encourage you to report this behavior to the University CARES website. Although you can report anonymously, it is preferred that you share your contact information so they can follow-up with you personally.
University Academic Integrity Policy:
In all instances, policies identified in the University Catalog regarding academic ethics and honesty are to be followed. Students are expected to display academic integrity at all times and in all circumstances. The first instance of cheating or plagiarism will earn a zero for the assignment and the requirement to write a one page report detailing why your assignment was not accepted. This is a learning experience for you because oftentimes students do not realize what they have done is considered plagiarism. The second instance of cheating or plagiarism will result in a failing grade in the course. Cheating and plagiarism are defined below.
Cheating is the act of using, attempting to use, or providing others with unauthorized information, materials or study aids in academic work. Cheating includes, but is not limited to, passing examination answers to or taking examinations for someone else, or preparing or copying other's academic work.
Plagiarism is the act of appropriating any other person's or group's ideas or work (written, computerized, artistic, etc.) or portions thereof and presenting them as the product of one's own work in any academic exercise or study.
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