General Biology with Norquist

Dear UMOJA Students,

Welcome to Biol100/101 at Southwestern College! My legal name is Trishana Norquist but you will get to know me as "Norquist". Other names I have answered to from students throughout the years include: Professor, Professor Norquist, Queen, Norqui-qui, Teacher, and Mrs. Norquist. Feel free to utilize whatever feels right for our relationship. Soon I will be Dr. Norquist, but that's a story for another time...

This is our cohort's liquid syllabus. It is short and to the point. It will assist with giving you all the information that you need for the beginning of this semester. A complete syllabus can be found on Canvas. Let's begin this journey...

About this Class

Attendance in the First Week of Class:

Class officially begins on August 23rd but I will make Canvas available by August 20th. This will give you an entire weekend to poke around our Canvas Course and get used to the layout. I also encourage you to dive into our first Discussion Icebreaker. Completing this first assignment tells me that you are present, engaged, and ready to begin this semester STRONG!

How this Course Works:

This 16-week class is a blend between both synchronous and asynchronous work. Each module on Canvas represents one week of instruction, and thus, in there you will find everything you need for that week - including pre-recorded lectures. All assignments, outside of exams, will be due on Thursdays and Saturdays. We will be holding mandatory Zoom Sessions once a week on Tuesdays from 9-10:30am. These sessions are meant to hold class discussions that center on content from that week's lesson. For our discussions to be lively, make sure you always try to come prepared. The Zoom Session will also serve as an opportunity to go over any Lab Manual questions/answers to ensure that everyone is staying up to date with lecture/lab content.

My Teaching Philosophy

Engagement through Inclusion

In this class, I promote acceptance of all people. People of diverse backgrounds, perspectives, socioeconomic levels, cultures, and abilities are valued, welcomed, and included in this class! It is extremely important that ALL my students feel comfortable in this class. I want to create a relaxed and comfortable environment for us to get to know each other and grow as biologists. This means treating each other with mutual respect, being professional, and withholding opinions that may be judgmental. This will help everyone enjoy and ultimately succeed in our class.


Wolf Pact!

What You Can Expect From Me:

  1. I will create an environment that appreciates diversity and allows you to be seen.

  2. I will foster a relationship with you as a mentor, both in the class and in life.

  3. I will lead with empathy and hold a complete belief in your ability to learn.

  4. I will be open to respectful feedback as to how I can better assist your journey.

  5. I will strive to see the real you, as a human in life and not just a student in a seat.

What I Expect of You:

  1. You will approach all challenging concepts with a playful curiosity.

  2. You will build relationships with your peers that are rooted in authenticity.

  3. You will engage in all assignments and commit 6 hours to studying per week.

  4. You will contribute meaningful perspectives to discussions of various topics.

  5. You will leave this class with a new found voice and appreciation for inclusion.

Communication Essentials

Preferred Communication Method

The quickest way to get to me is via email (tnorquist@swccd.edu). Please remember to always include your name, course, and section number. If it is urgent, you can contact Professor Williams and he will call me A$AP Rocky!

General Availability

I am ALWAYS with my children and/or working on my computer/phone. This makes me available the majority of the time. Email me to set up a time to Zoom, or attend my office hours on Fridays from 8am to 10am.

Expected Response Time

Mon-Thurs my response time will always be less than 24 hours... But once it hits Friday (Aye Aye), expect that time to increase to about 48 hours. If it has been 3 days and no response (Yikes! Did the kids steal my phone?!) please email me again.

General Questions?

If you ever have any general questions about the course, that does not include personal information, feel free to utilize the Q&A Discussion Forum. Here both I and your peers can answer your question. Feel free to go in and answer some as well! :)

My Advice for Your Success

Support for You

Southwestern College has an ample amount of resources for you to use at anytime throughout the semester. I highly advise you to take advantage of these various forms of support. It is at no cost to you and only serves to enhance your learning environment. I mean, who turns down a free Donut?! Take a look below:

Canvas Technical Support

The Online Learning Center provides training and answers all your Canvas questions. Feel free to email them!

Accommodations for Disabilities

Disability Support Services provides various accommodations for qualified students to support maximum engagement. Email them today!

Health Services

Health Services serves to promote and assist students to maintain good health and safety habits. Chat with an eNurse today!

Tutoring Resources

The LAS Online Tutoring Center provides free tutoring to all students via appointment. Set up your tutoring session now!

Basic Needs

SWC Cares - Basic Needs serves to provide free food, toiletries, diapers, and even shelter if needed. Contact them now!

Your Course Goals

By the end of the semester you should be able to do the following:

  1. Describe and explain characteristics shared by all living organisms, and describe chemical, biological, ecological, and evolutionary processes that govern living organisms.

  2. Apply critical thinking skills and the scientific method to understand and evaluate issues relevant to biology.

  3. Approach and examine issues related to biology from an evidence-based perspective and communicate this information verbally, visually, and in writing.

How to Get That DONUT!!!

Due Dates for Week One:

  • Module One – Opens August 20th and must be completed before taking Practice Quiz

  • Practice Quiz – Opens Tuesday 12:01am and closes Thursday at 11:59pm // Correct Answers posted Friday 12:01am

  • Icebreaker Discussion – Opens Wednesday // Original Post due Thursday by 11:59pm // Two Peer-Responses due Saturday by 11:59pm

  • Mandatory ZOOM Session - Every Tuesday from 9-10:30am

  • Office Hour via ZOOM – Every Monday and Tuesday 4pm-6pm

Materials You Will Need for Week One:

  1. SWC Email Account

  2. Openstax Concepts of Biology Textbook available online in pdf form for FREE or at SWC Bookstore if you are in need of a hard copy. You can also view online or through our Canvas Course.

  3. Software to save documents in Microsoft Word (.docx)—Get Office 365 free with your SWC email address!

  4. Reliable, high-speed Internet access on a desktop or laptop computer

  5. Webcam/Phone Camera and Microphone