BIOSCI-106 - Organismal/Environmental Biology - Ben Vallejo

Introduction

Hi, I am Mr. Vallejo, and I will be guiding you through the wide world of introductory biology, including organismal and environmental biology.  I have been studying biology my whole adult life, and I hope my passion for the subject rubs off a little bit on to you.

The best way to navigate through the class is through the modules.  Not only will you see the assigned work including text readings, lecture videos, and laboratory simulations, but you will also find additional resources to help you learn biology even more deeply.  You will also find the quizzes and exams in the modules.  The modules are organized in the order that we will use these in class.

If you are not familiar with using modules to move through a course, here is a short video about navigating through Canvas with modules.

You can access the syllabus on the left hand Canvas navigation list as a blue hyperlink.  There is also a printable form there. 

We will have our in-person lab sessions on Mondays at 6:00 in Boykin 205 at the Valencia campus.  Our two midterm exams will also be in person, but at TLC.  The rest of the class will be online through Canvas.  That is what makes this a Hybrid class.

There are many Student Resources available, some that you may not be aware of.  Please peruse this list to see how we can help you achieve your Canyon goals.

If you would like to contact me directly, you may email me at ben.vallejo@canyons.edu .  In addition, here is a list called Contact and Communication that explains other ways that you can reach out to me. 

Watch this short video below to learn more about Professor Vallejo.

Course Description

Catalog Description:

Presents the major structural characteristics of the human body, including cells, tissues, organs, and the following organ systems: skeletal, muscular, nervous, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, urinary, integumentary, sensory, lymphatic, reproductive and endocrine.

Student Learning Outcomes

Lecture: Describe and analyze the basic concepts, underlying principles, and mechanisms associated with such biological topics as: Mendelian and population genetics; evolution and natural selection; taxonomy and systematics; population and community ecology; and ethology.

Laboratory: Recognize, identify and name the specimens studied and for pertinent taxa, distinguishing characteristics, important structures and their functions, comparative evolutionary and taxonomic relationships, and unique adaptations for success on earth.

Course Objectives:

 Lecture:

1. Explain the essential elements of life, major hypotheses for life’s history, and mechanisms for the diversification of life.
2. Compare and contrast asexual and sexual reproduction and the role of meiosis and mitosis in varying life cycles
3. Evaluate the relationships of organisms to each other and their environments.
4. Apply the processes of scientific inquiry and experimental design to general biological principles.
5. Describe the importance of biodiversity in ecosystem stability.
6. Solve Hardy Weinberg problems.
7. Compare and contrast the various types of selection.
8. Analyze animal behavior in terms of proximate and ultimate causes.
9. Compare and contrast primary and secondary succession.
10. Analyze the relationship between structure and function of key adaptations.
11. Solve basic genetics and population growth problems.

What to Expect in this Course

All online activities (Quizzes, discussions, reflections) will be due by 5:59 pm Monday the week following posting, unless stated otherwise.

• Lecture exams (@ TLC) (50% of grade): There will be a total of 2 timed lecture exams, which will be administered at TLC - 2 exams at 15% each, and the final exam, worth 20%.  These will be primarily multiple choice, but may include short and long essays as announced in-person in class.
• Lecture Quizzes (Online): There will be timed quizzes, worth 25 points each, based on lecture material.  There are NO MAKEUPS for quizzes.  Quizzes are part of the Assignments grade category.
• Discussion posts (Online) : You will be prompted to reflect on and discuss answers to anatomy-related problems/case studies.  Initial posting should be no less than six complete substantive sentences (150 words), using college level English.  Posts should be prepared well, thoughtful, and encourage dialogue.  You should post at least two replies to peers with at least 50 words.  Discussions are part of the Assignments grade category.
• Homework Sets (Online and in person): These sets will be due the week of lecture exams. They have a variety of activities for you to perform that is related to the topics of the current lecture unit.  Most common: Prelab submission of some of the lab handout questions to help prepare you for the week's lab, submission of previous week's in-person lab handout with in-class observations. 
• Lecture Reflections (Online) : After exam grade posting/viewing, you have one week to reflect on the previous unit and your study approach.
• Lab Practicals (In lab): There will be a total of 2 lab practicals. These exams will be fill-in, and will be based on slides, pictures, models, or preserved specimens.

Types of Assessments

The total points earned from all scheduled activities will determine each student's final grade for the course.  Overall final grades are assigned according to this profile: A for overall 89.9% and greater, B from 79.9 - 89.9%, C from 69.9%- 79.9%, D from 59.9- 69.9%, and F<59.9%.

EXAM 1     March 18-20     75 minutes

EXAM 2     April 22-24     75 minutes

FINAL EXAM      June 3-5     120 minutes

You will need to make appointments with The Learning Center (TLC) to take your exams. Please make your appointments well in advance at a time that is convenient for you. Please note that if the TLC closes at 5pm, you would need to schedule Exam 1 to begin no later than 3:45 pm to take advantage of the full 75 minutes.  You have a three-day window to take your exam.

You will need to bring your COC ID to the TLC to take the exam. For more information on TLC testing, please visit https://www.canyons.edu/academics/tlc/testing/.

Valencia TLC Hours

Mon 9-5pm

Tues 9-7pm

Weds 9-7pm

Thurs 9-5pm

Fri 10-3pm

Canyon Country TLC Hours

Mon-Thur 9-4pm

Textbook Information

Required Textbook Life: The Science of Biology, 12ed.  (usually, older editions will be fine as well)

Optional Recommended Text (FREE):  OpenStax, Biology, 2nd https://openstax.org/details/books/biology-2e/

Other Relevant Course Information

You should know that, even though I teach environmental science, genetics, and anatomy here at Canyons, organismal and environmental biology is my favorite class to teach.  I have been studying biology my whole adult life, and I hope my passion for the subject rubs off a little bit on to you.  We are going to have a great semester!  See you in class!

Professor Vallejo

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: 02/05/2025 Sub#: 1896