BIOSCI 100 - General Biology - Greg Avellis
| Course: | General Biology |
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| Professor: | Greg Avellis |
| Email: | gregory.avellis@canyons.edu |
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Introduction
Welcome to General Biology!
I am your instructor, Greg Avellis. I answer to Greg, Professor Greg, Professor Avellis (or any other variation you like). Past students have described me as approachable, tough, understanding, and a thorough grader. You will likely find that I am all of these things but mostly (and hopefully) you will find that I am fair.
I have been teaching biology since 2008, mostly general biology and anatomy. My favorite subjects in biology are evolution and ecology, especially of birds and mammals although lately I’ve become interested in plants.
Besides teaching, I enjoy hiking, golf, and being with my family especially outdoors.
Course Description
4 units – UC:CSU, May Be Taken Once for Credit
Explores the nature of science, including cell structure and processes, energetic in living systems, heredity, development, evolution, diversity, and environmental relationships. UC credit limitations: No credit for BioSci 100 if taken after BioSci 106, 107, 201, 202, 204, 205, 215, 216, 221, or 250.
Student Learning Outcomes
Lecture: Characterize the nature of science and scientific inquiry, and describe and analyze biological concepts from cells to ecosystems on a basic level.
Laboratory: Evaluate and analyze data and observations based on standard methods of scientific inquiry.
What to Expect in this Course
The lecture & lab components of this course will be presented as a combination of Online and OnlineLive formats. You should expect to devote just as much time (if not more) to this class as you would for a face-to-face class. I highly recommend that you not miss any of the OnlineLive Zoom meetings during the semester because they will allow you to experience a live lecture of the main topics and an overview of the Online assignments that will be due each week. You will also have the opportunity to interact with me as well as your peers (there will be group work during lecture and lab).
The main method I will use to communicate with students is through COC email and Canvas announcements. You should check email and Canvas daily, and set up alerts on your phone for these messages so that you receive communications from me in a timely manner. I typically respond to communication from students the same day I receive it, certainly within 24 hours.
Types of Assessments
Assessments will consist of a variety of exams, quizzes, and discussion board assignments. All assignments, quizzes, and midterm exams will be administered through the Canvas learning management system and will not require any special type of proctoring software. All assessments will have a due date, but only exams will be timed.
Textbook Information
Lecture Essential Biology. Simon et al. 7th edition 2019. ISBN 9780134765037. Older editions are fine but page/chapter number may be different. Power point notes will be provided. Lab BioSci 100 Lab Manual: Building Knowledge Through Experiments, 4th edition 2018. The hard copy is only available from the COC bookstore. You can also access a digital copy for free on our class Canvas site (hardcopy is not required but it is recommended)
Other Relevant Course Information
All students are required to attend the Zoom meeting on the first day of class so as not to lose their spot to students on the waitlist. Consistent Zoom meeting participation will greatly improve your grade in this course.
Regular attendance is required per college policy, which states, “Any student absent for any reason for more than 10% of the class meetings may be dropped by the instructor prior to 75% of the course.” For this course, regular attendance will refer to completing the weekly assignments exams by the due dates listed. You should communicate with me right away if you anticipate a disruption in your schedule that will impact your ability to complete the assigned coursework by the due date. If you miss two week’s worth of course work without contacting me, you may be dropped from the course.
Adds and other enrollment information can be discussed by email before the semester or during our first OnlineLive meeting.
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: 12/01/2021 Sub#: 697