BIO 100 - General Biology - Sania Zaidi-Merchant
| Course: | General Biology |
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| Professor: | Sania Zaidi-Merchant |
| Email: | sania.zaidi-merchant@canyons.edu |
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| Course Length: |
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Introduction
Welcome to Introductory Biology! My name is Professor Zaidi-Merchant and I have a Masters in Cell and Molecular Biology with special interest in genetics. I have been teaching general bio for 8 years now in addition to subjects like cell bio, anatomy & physiology. Biology is a fascinating subject albeit difficult especially if you are not a bio major. However, you will be amazed at the various topics covered during the semester, everything from smallest cell to plants, animals, DNA, nervous system, immune system, genetics and evolution. This course requires your total commitment as you will be learning new terminology and concepts every day. My job is to provide you with the info and tools to master this subject, but you must be motivated to put in the time and effort if you want to do well in this class. Be prepared to spend a considerable amount of study time besides our scheduled zoom meeting on reviewing lecture chapters and labs. I am here to help you excel, so feel free to ask questions and participate in zoom meetings. I look forward to teach you biology this summer!
Course Description
Explores the nature of science including cell structure and processes, energy in living systems, heredity, biotechnology, evolution, diversity, and environmental relationships between organisms.
What to Expect in this Course
You need access to internet connection, laptop or desktop computer, webcam (for meetings and proctored exams), microphone to participate in zoom meetings for lectures and lab discussions. Chrome browser is required for you to take the scheduled quizzes and exams during the semester. All the lectures, labs, assignments will be posted on Canvas and it is your responsibility to submit all your work by the posted deadline online.
It is mandatory to attend lecture and lab zoom meetings between 11:00 am - 12:30 pm as I will be lecturing, reviewing, and discussing the chapter power points as well as lab experiments posted in Canvas. You will then use the remaining portion of the scheduled course time to see posted videos, listen to lecture recordings, take notes, and complete assignments and lab reports. You will need to be available to take the quizzes/exams during the regular scheduled session of this course.
Types of Assessments
Proctored lecture exams, lab quizzes and exams will be all multiple-choice type questions. Lecture assignments will be questions based on concepts from the textbook and power points available to you online in Canvas. Lab reports will be turned online for points and will be based on experiments and material in lab manual.
Textbook Information
You can buy a used copy, etext (cheaper) or just rent the copy for the semester per your convenience. The ISBN# and info is given to you so feel free to choose the option that works best for you.
OR use a free version of a similar textbook (chapter #s may be different but the content is the same). The link to use free textbook is below.
https://openstax.org/books/concepts-biology/pages/1-introduction
LAB: Required Laboratory Manual: BioSci 100 Lab Manual: Building Knowledge Through Experiments, 4th ed. You can buy a hard copy of the new edition of the lab manual, which is only available from the COC bookstore and it costs just a few dollars.
Other Relevant Course Information
You must be present on the first day of class or you will be dropped from the course. You are expected to attend lecture and lab zoom meetings as it is crucial to your success. You will be spending part of the class time watching videos, reading posted power points and handouts, and completing assignments and lab reports for online submission.
Recording of all the lectures will be posted for your convenience along with power points on Canvas, but you are still required to attend lectures and labs online. Even though this is a basic introductory course, some chapters can seem overwhelming with lot of detailed information. If you do not attend meetings or complete the assignments, you will not do well in this class. This course is short-term with a lot of information to be covered in just eight weeks, so it is important to be organized and dedicated to succeed in this course.
Syllabus with details on quizzes, exams, lecture and lab schedule will be posted on Canvas prior to the start of the semester for your convenience.
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: 05/21/2021 Sub#: 11