BioSci-100 - General Biology - Dr. Melania Abrahamian
| Course: | General Biology |
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| Professor: | Dr. Melania Abrahamian |
| Email: | melania.abrahamian@canyons.edu |
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Introduction
Hello everyone,
My name is Melania Abrahamian, and I will be your instructor for the BioSci 100 course. This course is about our natural world. The information in this message will help you decide whether you would like to take the course. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I look forward to meeting you and sharing my knowledge with you!
Course Description
Investigate the anatomy, operation, and evolution of living systems, ranging from cells to ecosystems.
Lecture Student Learning Goal: Understand the essence of science and the process of scientific investigation, while outlining and scrutinizing fundamental biological concepts spanning from cells to ecosystems.
Laboratory Learning Objective: Assess and dissect data and findings using established scientific investigation techniques.
What to Expect in this Course
The course's laboratory sessions will take place in-person weekly at the scheduled time on campus. The lecture sessions will be delivered online in an asynchronous format.
I primarily communicate with students via COC email and Canvas notifications and announcements, with more focus on Canvas route. It's essential to monitor these channels daily. For timely updates, I recommend configuring alerts on your mobile devices for these communications.
If you require special accommodations, please register with the AAC (Academic Accommodation Center) at COC at the start of the semester. They'll assist in determining the necessary accommodations and resources you may need for this course. By the second week of the semester, please provide me with a copy of your official accommodation letter for the current term. Doing so ensures your needs are addressed promptly. For further information, refer to the AAC section provided below.
Types of Assessments
The lecture and lab midterm and final examinations will be conducted in-person during the specified lab sessions through Canvas. At the start of each lab period, in-person quizzes will also be administered. Complementing this, online evaluations and tasks will encompass weekly lecture and lab quizzes, as well as discussion board assignments.
Textbook Information
Textbook: Concepts of Biology, from Openstax.
Access for free at https://openstax.org/books/concepts-biology/pages/1-introduction
BioSci 100 Lab Manual: Building Knowledge Through Experiments, 4th ed. Hard copy is only available from the COC bookstore. You can also access a digital copy for free on our class Canvas site.
Other Relevant Course Information
It's imperative that all students attend the first lab session in person. Failure to do so might result in forfeiting your spot to those on the waitlist.
The college mandates attendance as stated in its policy: “A student missing more than 10% of class sessions, for any reason, may face removal by the instructor before 75% of the course is completed.” In the context of this course, regular "attendance" encompasses being present for the weekly in-person labs, engaging in class activities, and consistently completing both lecture and lab weekly assignments. Should you foresee any disturbances in your routine that might hinder your class attendance or timely submission of coursework, please inform me promptly. If there's a lapse in turning in two weeks' worth of coursework without any communication, it might result in being dropped from the course, citing "non-attendance."
Additional Resources
Canvas
This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:
- CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
- CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password
Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.
Online Education
Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.
The Learning Center (TLC)
The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!
Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)
College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.
Online Counseling
The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.
Management of Stress and Mental Health
Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. 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 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 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.
Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.
You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.
Veterans Resource Center
The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.
Library
The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!
Last updated: 08/15/2023 Sub#: 1631