BIO 180 Cude Online Syllabus, College of the Canyons

BIO 180: BIOLOGY OF CANCER

(College of the Canyons, Fall 2025 Section 86862)

I believe that EVERY student has the potential to be the next GREAT scientist, doctor, physical therapist...you name it! I am here to not only teach you biology, but to help unlock your scientific curiosity and to develop skills that will help you to achieve your academic goals.

Let's do this together!

Preferred Contact: kelly.cude@canyons.edu

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Welcome to BIO 180

My name is Dr. Cude, rhymes with "dude!", and I am excited to work with you this semester.

I lost my grandfather to melanoma at age 9 and have been fascinated by cancer ever since. Throughout my ten years of undergrad and graduate education, my research has focused on understanding the biological basis of cancer formation and the development of novel therapeutics to use in patients.

I value the opportunity to share my experience with students and to hear their personal stories of how cancer has affected their families. My goal with this class is to encourage an open dialogue about all aspects of cancer. From identifying risk factors and cancer “myths”, to highlighting the current techniques used in cancer detection and treatment, if you have questions, we can find the answers!

“Each day we are born again, it is what we do today that matters most” ~ Buddha

>>>>>>> Student Learning Outcome <<<<<<<

Evaluate the role of genetic mutations and aberrant cellular processes in the development and treatment of cancer.

IMPORTANT DATES

Fall Semester Begins: August 25 (MON), 2025

Drop Deadline (no W): September 7 (SUN), 2024

Withdrawal Deadline (W): November 15 (SAT), 2024

Fall Semester Ends: December 13 (SAT), 2025

HOLIDAYS

Labor Day Sept 1 (MON), 2025

Veteran's Day Nov 11 (TUE) 2024

Thanksgiving Nov 27-30 (THURS-SUN), 2025

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

I support an inclusive learning environment where diverse perspectives are recognized, respected, and seen as a source of strength. I would like to create a learning environment that honors my students’ identities (including race, gender, sexuality, religion, ability, etc.) To help accomplish this, PLEASE:

let me know if you have a preferred name and/or set of pronouns
share your unique experiences and perspectives on science with me/the class
let me know if you have ideas on how to better represent diverse perspectives in course materials

COURSE Expectations

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM ME

I will provide you with a clear, organized course that is designed to ensure you meet our course outcomes in a meaningful manner.
I will strive to respond to your emails and questions in a timely manner (usually within 1 day)
I will strive to post grades for assignments in a timely manner (usually within 1 week)
I will treat you with dignity and respect and be flexible to support your individual needs.
When I make mistakes, I will view them as an opportunity to learn and grow.
I will reach out to you when I sense that you need support.

WHAT I WILL EXPECT OF YOU

You strive to be an active participant in this course and strive to meet due dates.
You will maintain an open line of communication with me so I understand how to support you.
You will contact me if you have a concern with meeting a due date.
You strive to regularly contribute to collaborative activities to ensure other members of the community have ample opportunity to read/listen, reflect, and respond to your ideas.
You will treat your peers with dignity and respect.
You will do your best to have patience with technology. There will be hiccups, expect them. We will get through them together.

Try to have a growth mindset! Instead of thinking “I can’t do this”, think “I can’t do this YET” … give yourself time to process new material, ask for help, and to find the necessary resources to help you succeed.

COURSE MATERIALS

CLASS MATERIALS

Lecture Textbook

Principles of Cancer Biology by Lewis J. Kleinsmith 1ed, 2006

ISBN 0-8003-4003-3

Please note: The international version of the textbook is fine.

Accessing CANVAS

Link to Canvas

Username: MyCanyons username

Password: students

CLASS SETUP

This class is being taught in a 100% online format

Although we will not "meet" for class, this class is structured to have weekly assignments and due dates (see the schedule below for full details)

Lecture Component

Weekly pre-recorded videos and lecture slides
10 Reading Review Homework Problems
2 Written Projects
2 Movie Assignments
4 Class Discussion Boards

ASKING QUESTIONS

Help With Questions

Please contact me with questions through through Canvas messaging or by email, which I check daily kelly.cude@canyons.edu

Office Hours

I will hold online/Zoom office hours every Tuesday from 9:30-10:30 am. If that time does not work, individual Zoom appointments are available upon upon request.

ID: 942 3537 9723 Passcode: cudeoffice

COURSE ASSESSMENT & ASSIGNMENT DETAILS

>>>>>>THIS IS IMPORTANT to your grade <<<<<<<

⭐ ** For all written assignments: I know you can all “retrieve” facts/information using Google, Control F, and copying from the assigned readings; however, I am not grading you based on your ability to “find” the right answer, I am grading you based on your discussions and the process you use to solve the assigned problems. **

⭐ ** We all need a little help sometimes... ** each student will receive one “oops token” for the semester that can be used to turn in one late assignment or quiz. All assignments used for an oops token are due within one week of the original assignment/quiz due date. Oops tokens cannot be used for an exam **

⭐ ** There will be several extra credit opportunities provided throughout the semester. Each student may accrue up to a maximum of 35 extra credit points for the semester **

Assignment Due Dates

Generally, Reading Review Assignments are DUE on Sundays and Discussion Board Assignments are DUE on Fridays. Please see the full assignment schedule posted below for exact dates & details.

Course Evaluation:

100 points Group Discuss. Board (4 x 25 pts)

10 points Syllabus Quiz

150 points Reading Reviews (10 x 15 points each)

50 points 2 Movie Assignments (2 x 25 pts)

25 points Cancer Infographic (Project 1)

50 points Class Reflection (Project 2)

385 total points

Grade Distribution:

A 90-100%

B 80-89%

C 70-79%

D 60-69%

F < 59%

READING REVIEW & MOVIE ASSIGNMENTS:

For each module, you will be assigned lecture slides (with recorded videos), textbook readings, and various other materials (short videos, short articles). Two modules will be assigned on the documentary film "Cancer, the Emperor of All Maladies." Each module is accompanied by a set of short answer, Reading Review/ Homework questions. These assignments are open book/open note and are designed highlight important information in each module. I encourage you to work with classmates on Reading Review Assignments but Please note: your final answers should be in your own words. No credit will be given for answers plagiarized from the course materials, online sources, or other students.

DISCUSSION BOARDS:

Students will participate in 4 group discussion board assignments. For these assignments, students will work together to answer a set of questions related to select cancer topics and assigned movies. Participation with your classmates is key to receiving a good grade on these assignments. Complete instructions will be posted to Canvas for each discussion board assignment.

WRITTEN PROJECTS:

Students will complete two short, written projects for this class. Both assignments, (1) Creating a Cancer Infographic and (2) Writing a Class Reflection, encourage students to reflect on what they are learning in the course and to dive deeper into topics that are most important to them.

CLASS REFLECTION:

Your final written assignment will be a class reflection. This assignment will be due on the last Wednesday of class. The reflection consists of a 1-2 page typed summary of what you have learned from this class and how it impacted your view of science and medicine. Instructions will be provided on Canvas.

>> Please let me know if you have any questions about the course expectations <<

ASSIGNMENT SCHEDULE AND DEADLINES

BIO180_ Asignment Schedule_Fall2025.docx

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

Best Practice: Logging into Canvas a minimum of two times a week will ensure you have all of the information needed to complete assignments on time

Best Practice: Set aside a consistent day/time each week that is dedicated to working on assignments for this class (ex. Every Tuesday & Thursday from 4-6 pm is “Bio 180 Time” 😊)

Best Practice: Communicate with me when you have questions or concerns – I am here to help you succeed (kelly.cude@canyons.edu)

COURSE POLICIES & Resources

PLAGIARISM:

COC has a “zero tolerance” policy on cheating. Any student caught cheating will immediately be referred to the dean of students. If the student is found guilty of cheating, they will receive a failing grade (F) for the assignment. Cheating includes producing unoriginal work (i.e., copying directly from the textbook/websites like Wikipedia, Google, Chegg). Plagiarism includes copying a classmate's work or using AI (such as ChatGPT or Bing AI) to generate answers to reading reviews, movie assignments, discussion boards, or other written assignments in this course. While the use of resources is encouraged, all submitted work should be in the students own words. Students are responsible for knowing and following the College of the Canyons’ Academic Conduct Policy: https://www.canyons.edu/studentservices/index.php

ADDITIONAL CAMPUS RESOURCES

MATHEMATICS, ENGINEERING, SCIENCE ACHIEVEMENT (MESA, ALLB 114):

MESA is a program that supports students to excel in math, engineering, and the sciences. MESA is based on a rigorous program that builds academic skills and encourages cooperative solving. There is access to technology, academic advisement, and other support services are available. For more information, please contact the MESA Program Director in ALLB-114 or call (661) 362-3448.

ACADEMIC ACCOMODATIONS (FORMERLY DISABLED STUDENT SERVICES):

COC provides services for students with disabilities in compliance with the American Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. If you need special accommodations please see me early in the semester. The DSP&S Office is located in Seco Hall, room 103 (behind financial aid). Phone Number: (661) 362-3341; Telephone Devise for the Deaf (TTY): (661) 255-7967

THE LEARNING CENTER:

For tutoring in English, Math, Science, and other subjects on a walk-in basis, please visit the state-of-the-art TLC. Call for hours of operation at 661-362-3351. If you are having trouble--contact me, form a study group or study with a friend, or use the TLC services. Seek help as soon as you need it, the college has many resources, don’t wait until it’s too late!

STUDENT HEALTH AND WELFARE CENTER:

The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including FREE counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center is in 1B adjacent to Administration, Admissions and Records. If you or someone you know is in severe distress or expressing suicidal thoughts, you can also call the National Suicide Hotline 1-800-273- 8255(TALK).

CAMPUS CAREER CENTER:

Don’t know what to do with your degree or if you are in the right degree program? The Career Center (“Hub”) has counselors and online assessment tools to help you identify the right pathway through COC and into your future career! Located in the Student Center.

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