General Biology

• This is a fall semester, fully online remote synchronous course that begins on Tuesday, January 19th.

• Instruction will usually happen in real time, at the day and time indicated in the course schedule - Tuesday and Thursday from 11:30am - 12:50pm.

• Students will “attend” classes via Zoom in order to hear lectures, participate in class discussions, meet in break-out rooms or otherwise interact with the instructor or classmates. (While the instructor may or may not require you to “attend” every class period, you should be available to meet that expectation.)

• A webcam is needed.

• Other coursework, such as lab work, projects, homework, or groupwork, will be completed outside of class and submitted by email, Canvas, or other methods determined by the instructor.

• Remote synchronous courses are a good option for students who have predictable schedules, regular access to technology, and an interest in frequent interaction with instructors and classmates.

• By Week 1, you will be expected to log-in to our course in Canvas and complete the Orientation Module and Introduce Yourself Video to signal your intent to complete this course.

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate an informed understanding of the fundamental concepts in biological sciences and apply those biological concepts to real world societal issues.

2. Demonstrate basic laboratory techniques in molecular genetics and ecology.

My main interest is in conveying the beauty of biology. To keep students interested and motivated, information must be clear and meaningful. I try to use everyday examples and reading material to illustrate current topics in biology so those students can see the relevance to their lives. In the classroom, I aim to stimulate critical thinking about the subject matter. I am very passionate about the material I teach and I believe my enthusiasm for the material motivates students to want to know more and engage in conversation. I am deeply committed to the learning of all my students. During the course, I ask my students if their goals are being met and if necessary, find solutions to help them achieve their goals. I make every effort to be an active listener and observe my students to understand their interests so that I can evaluate and modify my teaching on a regular basis.

Materials You Will Need for Week One

You will need the following items for week one. Please get them together now so you're set for success.

1. A computer with a microphone or webcam or a smartphone (for recording video or voice comments).

2. Access to Zoom through your RVCC account - you will access our Zoom meetings through Canvas - see the RVCC resource page.

3. Mastering Biology, an online companion website for the Campbell textbook. Your tuition includes access to Mastering Biology. You will access Mastering Biology through Canvas.

Instructions to access Mastering Biology will be provided in Canvas. There is a companion textbook: Urry et al. Campbell Biology. 11th ed., Pearson, 2016

4. TurningPoint App - instructions to subscribe to TurningPoint will be provided in Canvas. There is no cost for this subscription.

5. Canvas Student app (recommended) - If you're on your phone, download it now!

3. • • Canvas Student app

       • Apple App Store (iOS)

       • Google Play (Android)

       • Set Up Instructions

You'll have more opportunities to be successful if you follow these tips:

1. Be proactive. Log into our course every day to preview the new module. Carefully read the Module Overview page, which includes the week's learning objectives and a list of assignments. Assess the workload and put the due dates on your calendar. Having a mental picture of what's ahead is the best thing you can do to prepare each week.

2. Plan for the unexpected. Aim to have all of your assignments done by 24 hours before they are due. Why? Because life happens and when you wait until the last minute, you're more likely to have problems meeting a due date.

3. Communicate with me. If you identify a challenge meeting a due date, contact me right away. I am willing to be flexible. Contacting me in advance of a due date will keep you and I in sync and ensure you don't get overwhelmed by unfinished work. In your message, propose an alternative due date (within 24 hours is advised to ensure you don't fall behind). Please don't consider that proposal approved, however, until you hear from me.

Canvas Technical Support

Canvas is the tool you will use to access our online course.

Getting Help with Canvas Issues:

• To get assistance with Canvas issues, select the "Help" link in the global navigation menu, lower left corner of the screen. The "Help" link offers different ways to get help with Canvas, including:

• Obtain technical assistance by clicking on Chat with Canvas Support.

• Explore the Canvas Student Guide (Links to an external site.)

• See How can I get help with Canvas as a student? (Links to an external site.) for more information, as well as this video.

Guide for Off-Campus Teaching and Learning

Student Support Services

FULL TERM – 14 weeks (1/19/21-5/03/21)

Last day to withdraw: to receive:

January 25..…..…....……………….……………..100% refund

February 1..…………….…………… without course on record

February 1..…....…..……………….……………... 50% refund

After February 1.....…….…………….………….…..No refund

April 5....……..…….……...…….………….……..a “W” grade

April 5…...Change to an Audit Grade with Instructor Approval

After April 5……………...…………….……..No Withdrawals