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BioSci 221 - Introduction to Microbiology - Dr. C. Shane Ramey

Course:Introduction to Microbiology
Professor:Dr. C. Shane Ramey
Email:shane.ramey@canyons.edu
Format:
  • Hybrid
Course Length:
  • 16 Week

Introduction

Dr. Ramey in the laboratory

Dr. Ramey is a lover of the outdoors.  With his family, he enjoys boating, wakeboarding, wake surfing, camping, hiking, and snow skiing.  Dr. Ramey attended College of the Canyons before transferring to UCLA, where he earned his B.S. and Ph.D. in Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics.  He values diversity, and is passionate about equity and inclusion in education.  More than anything, Dr. Ramey enjoys helping his students succeed in their academic and career goals!

Course Description

An introduction to the biology and ubiquity of microorganisms (for example, bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungi), including morphology, anatomy, physiology, classification, and identification. The significance and role of microorganisms in human affairs will also be explored in this class.

What to Expect in this Course

  • The lab component of this course is in-person.
  • Summer 2022: The lecture component is 100% online and asynchronous.
  • Fall 2022: The lecture component is hybrid...it is a combination of online (asynchronous) and in-person (we meet once weekly for lecture).
  • Lab attendance is mandatory...online labs are NOT an option for this course.
  • Use of the Canvas learning management system is required for this class.
  • Internet access via a computer, tablet, or smartphone is required, and you must have basic computer skills, including how to attach files to emails or upload to Canvas for this class. 
  • A stable internet connection with a reasonable amount of bandwidth; some assignments/tests will require you to remain online for hours.
  • Computer or internet “malfunctions” are not acceptable reasons for incomplete assignments or missed deadlines. 
  • You must have the ability to download, view, work with, save, and upload Word (.docx), PowerPoint (.pptx), Excel (.xlsx), and Acrobat (.pdf) documents/files.
  • All ADA requirements will be accommodated; disabilities must be documented with Academic Accommodation Center (AAC) and official accommodations letter provided to the instructor NO LATER THAN the end of the first week of the term.
  • It is your responsibility to ensure that you check the following daily: 1) your assigned school email, 2) your Canvas Inbox, 3) Announcements in Canvas.

Types of Assessments

All lecture assignments will be accessed through the Canvas learning management system.  Some lab assignments will also be completed online via Canvas, but lab quizzes will be proctored in the lab.

Lecture exams will be taken in-person (NOT online).

Textbook Information

1.  Required Textbook:

Microbiology, Access for free at https://openstax.org/books/microbiology/pages/1-introduction (hardcopy not required).

2.  Required Laboratory Manual:

BioSci 221 Lab Manual: Introduction to Microbiology Lab Manual, Burke, 2017.  Only available from the COC bookstore.  You can also access a digital copy on our class Canvas site for free (hardcopy not required).

Other Relevant Course Information

Students will be required to purchase microscope slides and a lab coat (note that rental lab coats may be available).

Attendance & Tardiness Policies

  • 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.
    • Any student absent on the first day of class/lab will be automatically dropped.
    • For a 16-week online course, the following exceeds the 10% absence criterion:
      • failure to submit 10 or more days-worth of online assignments
      • no online activity for 10 or more days
    • It is the student's responsibility to consult with the instructor regarding any absences.
    • When in doubt, communicate with me!  Email me as soon as possible regarding any previous or upcoming absences/tardies, and we can discuss options. 

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: 06/02/2022 Sub#: 514