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Bio-107-H - Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology – Honors - Thomas Smith

Course: Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology – Honors
Professor:Thomas Smith
Email:Thomas.Smith@canyons.edu
Format:
  • Hybrid
Course Length:
  • 16 Week

Introduction

Professor Smith welcomes you!

Welcome to BIO 107-H!!

My name is Thomas Smith, and we will be exploring the science of life together in Bio 107-H.  I have been teaching biology for many years. Although my favorite courses are introductory biology, I have also taught 200-level courses. I studied biology both in the USA and Canada. In my free time, I like to exercise, eat well, and read. But, these days, I would like to stay healthy and avoid the viruses that are circulating.

Course Description

Unlike Bio 106, Organismal and Environmental Biology, in Bio 107-H we will study the chemical basis of life, cells and energy, DNA and DNA technology, gene regulation, as well as how a single cell reproduces and differentiates into an embryo. Another interesting part of the course is the discussion of bioethics as these relate to today’s world.

What to Expect in this Course

We will study 18 chapters in our textbook and 13 labs over 14 weeks of lab time. Each week you would be in the lab for three hours and spend a minimum of three additional hours for lecture, homework, and study. The lab is in the Aliso Lab Building of the Valencia campus, and the remaining work is completed asynchronously online.

  • Section 75594 LAB meets in ALLB-218 Thursday from 11:15 AM-2:20PM

Tools Used to Meet: For this class, all materials include lecture slides, lecture videos, lecture activities, discussion boards, lab reports, and study guides will be posted to the course Canvas site. Class office hours will take place in Zoom (link posted to Canvas) when these are scheduled and on ground (according to posted schedule) from 10:35 am – 11:00 am in ALLB-114 (MESA Center).

This is a majors biology course, as well as an honors course, and consistent, active participation is required to be successful. Logging onto Canvas a minimum of three times a week will be necessary to complete the assigned tasks.  All lectures are provided asynchronously as pre-recorded videos. I will post three hours worth of lecture videos per week (matching the face to face time for weekly lectures). Labs will be completed in person. Lab quizzes will be due weekly according to the class syllabus/schedule.  Each week we will cover the equivalent of 6 hours of face to face content: 3 hours lecture and 3 hours lab. The schedule of a typical A sample week includes:

  • LAB Report (selected ones submitted with your portfolio)-requires  2.5-3 hours to complete. Labs will be checked for completion prior to leaving the lab.

  • LAB Quiz (due prior to your next lab day require 20 minutes to complete

  • LECTURE Videos-requires 3 hours to watch and review.

I realize that difficulties can arise during any semester, from unexpected WIFI and power outages to family health concerns, please communicate with me if/when difficulties arise so that I can help you!

Types of Assessments

Selected lab reports (submitted with your portfolio), weekly lab quizzes (submitted online via Canvas), weekly work on your portfolio assignments, discussion board posts/replies, 3 on-ground lecture exams and a 4th exam with the latest unit content plus some cumulative review questions, 1 cumulative lab final.

PLEASE TAKE NOTE:

  • Weekly Lab Quizzes are designed as practice for exams and as such, are OPEN NOTE/OPEN BOOK.
  • EXAMS are given in person and are CLOSED NOTE/CLOSED BOOK.

Textbook Information

LIFE: The Science of Biology, custom Volume 1 (e-book) ISBN 13: 8220128662412 eBook Rental Information (through COC Bookstore or direct from Vital Source Vendor)

Note: There are a number of options for purchase, and the one given here is the least-cost option.

e-text ISBN: 9781319440992

Net Price: $76.55 Duration: 4 months

https://www.vitalsource.com/products/life-the-science-of-biology-digital-update-david-m-hillis-h-craig-v9781319440992?term=8220128662412

Please see the course syllabus for additional materials.

Other Relevant Course Information

Please Note: You can be DROPPED for Lack of Participation

  • Students who do not complete the “Introduce yourself” Discussion Board by 11:59pm Friday of the first week of class, do not complete the first two labs, quizzes and assignments due within the first two weeks of the class will be automatically dropped.
  • Students who miss more than two labs cannot receive credit for the class, according to our transfer agreement with universities.

I realize that difficulties can arise during any semester, please communicate with me if/when difficulties arise so that I can help you!

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.

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The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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: 02/04/2024 Sub#: 1719