Biology 106 - Organismal and Environmental Biology - Alexandra Mokhnatkina
| Course: | Organismal and Environmental Biology |
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| Professor: | Alexandra Mokhnatkina |
| Email: | alexandra.mokhnatkina@canyons.edu |
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| Course Length: |
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Introduction
Greetings fellow biologists! My name is Prof. Mokh, and as your lecture instructor I’d like to welcome you to Organismal and Environmental Biology (Bio 106).
Course Description
This is a 16-week hybrid class where the Lecture portion will be delivered asynchronously 100% online and the Lab portion will be held face-to-face during a scheduled time. You are going to love the diversity of topics we’ll cover. In this course we will be exploring a vast array of concepts such as genetics, evolution, plant diversity, animal diversity, and ecology. This should be an exciting semester with lots to learn!
What to Expect in this Course
Your Canvas portal will be your resource center and I will be your guide throughout the class. We will spend plenty of time chatting, discussing, and online conferencing over the course of the semester.
Our first meeting will be held in person during your scheduled lab time. Please make sure to attend the first meeting or you may be excluded from the class.
This course is composed of a Lecture AND a Lab component. We will meet face to face every week for Lab. I recommend you do not miss any of these meetings as they may cover lecture, lab, and exam review material. The lecture portion will be held online. Online classes offer a large amount of flexibility, so it’ll be up to you to log into Canvas multiple times a week to watch all the videos, do all the reading, and complete all the assignments and quizzes.
Be prepared to commit a minimum of 9 hours per week to complete the core coursework and set-aside extra time to study and review the material. Additionally, you will need to have good internet connection, a webcam, and computer equipment to succeed in this class.
Types of Assessments
Assessments will be administered in person and through the Canvas system and include exams, quizzes, and discussions. Some exams and quizzes will be given using Proctorio or a similar proctoring software which requires Google Chrome, a webcam, and the installation of Proctorio extension.
Textbook Information
The main textbook for the class is Life: The Science of Biology 12th edition by Hillis, Heller, Hacker, Hall, Laskowski, Sadav. It is ok to use an older edition, purchase or rent the online version of the textbook, or borrow it from the library if it’s available.
The lab manual is called the BioSci 106 Lab Manual. A digital version will be available for printing/saving on our Canvas shell.
Other Relevant Course Information
Once the semester begins, you can reach me by sending me a message through the Canvas Inbox or emailing me directly at Alexandra.Mokhnatkina@canyons.edu. I will respond within 24 hours if you contact me during the week, and by Monday if you contact me over the weekend.
If you require any accommodations, you must register with the college’s Academic Accommodation Center (AAC) and inform me in writing with an official accommodation letter within the first 2 weeks of class.
This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID.
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.
Again, welcome to the class I look forward to meeting you all soon! Let's have a great semester!
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: 12/12/2022 Sub#: 1515