BIOSCI-221 - Introduction to Microbiology - Julie Nguyen, PhD
| Course: | Introduction to Microbiology |
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| Professor: | Julie Nguyen, PhD |
| Email: | Julie.nguyen@canyons.edu |
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| Course Length: |
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Introduction
Introduction:
Hi everyone, I am Julie, your Micro-Professor (MP) this coming fall.
Any questions, feel free to email me at Julie.nguyen@canyons.edu, or
visit my office hours remotely on M, W, & F 8a – 9a via Canvas Zoom Link Aug 23 – Dec 11, or
place a request to schedule a one-on-one meeting with me through Canvas Email Inbox.
I am here to assist you with any inquiries that you may have on lectures, pre- & post -lab activities, grading-issues, and improving your academic performance.
Read, follow, and review the listed information below to learn more about the section requirements and layout for the Fall 2021 semester.
Course Description
Course Preparation & Prerequisite: Units: 5.00 - UC:CSU, May Be Taken Once for Credit
Preparation: Eligibility for college level English (ENGL-101 or ENGL-101H). Eligibility for college level Math course with an Intermediate Algebra prerequisite (MATH-103, MATH-140)
This course introduces the biology of microorganisms; bacteria, viruses, protists, parasitic worms, fungi, their significance, and their role in human affairs.
Prerequisite: BIOSCI-100 or BIOSCI-100H and CHEM-151 or CHEM-151H.
Course Description & Student Learning Outcomes: 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.
Lecture Learning Outcomes: Compare and contrast the major groups of microorganisms with regard to morphology, anatomy, physiology, evolution, identification, disease and control, and explain the ubiquity of microbes and their importance in human disease.
Laboratory Learning Outcomes: Demonstrate mastery of aseptic technique, microbiological procedures, laboratory safety, and interpret results and data of exercises in microbial physiology and identification.
What to Expect in this Course
Course Expectations:
The course is tailored to meet ~3 hours once a week [W 9:30a to 12:35p]. Do not let the simplicity of a 5 unit online live course fool you into thinking that you do not need to put in the required study hours on your own. On the contrary, each student needs to be self-motivated, self-disciplined, and self-managed in study habits to ensure not falling behind in this fast-pace course filled with lab activities, densely packed reading materials and challenging online assessments. To put this online course into a real time on ground learning perspective, it is an equivalent to a 6-hour lab plus a 9-hour lecture per week – not including the extra 15 weekly hours that you need to invest on self-study, using a computer to complete the pre- & post-lab activities, weekly quizzes/module specific exams, and networking with other students in your discussion group.
Students will find:
* all lecture & lab reading materials on Canvas.
* weekly SLO for lectures that come with five module exams and a module research assignment
* weekly SLO for lab activities that come with a written lab report and a cumulative lab practical final exam
* Group Learning Objective Presentation: reflection on individual and team work during the semester
Note that we will adhere as closely as possible to the course syllabus albeit that there are many assigned reading materials on the syllabus with so little time during our synchronous meetings.
If a topic is not covered during our meeting but it is listed on the syllabus, you are still responsible for it.
During our synchronous meeting, I will “randomly cold call” on individuals to answer a question or lead a discussion. If I randomly cold call on a student, it is okay to respond “this section is what I know and understand, but on this other section I am totally lost because…provide a reason here”. It is not okay to respond “I did not read it”. I understand and empathize that there are days that you may have missed the assigned readings, but do not make a habit of this since class participation is part of your grade and to keep up with the required course readings is essential if you want to do well and be competitive in this class.
Types of Assessments
Types of Assessments:
All assignments and tests will be accessed through the Canvas learning management system. These will consist of a variety of exams, quizzes, discussion boards, chapter lessons, and active learning exercises (some of which will be held live or synchronously through Zoom).
Textbook Information
Textbook & Virtual Lab Titles:
Class Lecture - Online
REQUIRED:
Microbiology by Openstax Print ISBN: 1-938168-14-3 Digital ISBN: 1-947172-23-9
Required readings will be from the OpenStax OER Microbiology textbook and performed using a program called Perusall that is accessed through our Canvas course shell.
Both the textbook and Persuall program are free:
https://openstax.org/books/microbiology/pages/1-introduction
If you are not familiar with Perusall, the link below will help you get started:
Getting started – Perusall
Virtual Laboratory - Online
REQUIRED:
McGraw-Hill Connect, available for purchase through the Canvas course shell ($70)
Please purchase all required materials a week before your class starts in order to get access to the lab materials on the first day of class and thereafter.
Note:
If you have a financial aid issues, there is a 2 week trial period while you settle or secure the aid funds.
The virtual lab program is best accessed on a computer. If you do not have a computer, you can arrange an appointment at the TLC to use a computer for lab activities and also take quizzes and exams:
Testing Center (canyons.edu)
Accessing via tablet or smartphone will not give you the same functionality and you will not be able to complete the labs properly.
Other Relevant Course Information
Additional Resources:
Canvas:
The course can be accessed via Canvas at cv.canyons.edu on the first day of the course. Follow the login instructions at the bottom of the screen to log in. Here, you can also access Canvas user guides with helpful tips for navigating and using Canvas. For any Canvas related issues please call the Canvas Student Support line at 877-889-9052 for 24/7 support.
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.
https://www.canyons.edu/administration/it/resources/canyonsid-studentresources.php
The Learning Center (TLC):
The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!
For tutoring in English, Math, Science, and other subjects on a walk-in basis, please visit the state-of-the-art TLC. Call for hours of operation at 661-362-3351. If you are having trouble--contact me, form a study group or study with a friend, and use the TLC services. Seek help as soon as you need it, the college has many resources, don’t wait until it’s too late!
Disabled Students Program & Services (DSPS):
College of the Canyons DSPS 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 Disabled Students Program & Services website. COC provides services for students with disabilities in compliance with the American Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. If you need special accommodations please see me early in the semester. The DSP&S Office is located in Seco Hall, room 103 (behind financial aid). Phone Number: (661) 362-3341; Telephone Devise for the Deaf (TTY): (661) 255-7967
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: https://www.canyons.edu/studentservices/counseling/continuing/index.php
Management of Stress and Mental Health:
College of the Canyons cares about your emotional and physical health. Learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including free counseling and mental health services available during this time by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center website or by calling them at: 661-362-3259.
The National Suicide Lifeline number is 1-800-273- 8255 (TALK). Please call it if you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress - it could save someone's life.
You can also use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. It's free, available 24/7, and confidential.
Important Degree Information:
Check out the Math-Sciences Division website to see which classes are required for various degree programs and/or to see if you qualify to graduate with one of these degrees: https://www.canyons.edu/academics/schools/mathscience
Associate Degree Information:
Recent California Legislation guarantees admission to a California State University (CSU) campus for any community college student who completes an “associate degree for transfer”. The Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T) in Math, Physics, Computer Science, and Geology, or the Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) in Geography, is intended for College of the Canyons students who plan to complete a bachelor's degree in a similar major at a CSU campus. Students must earn a C or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis. The College also offers associate degrees in Biology, Computer Science, Engineering, and Math. For more information on the suggested sequence of classes to be taken in order to obtain these degrees in two years, as well as information on when these courses are guaranteed to be offered, please visit: http://www.canyons.edu/Offices/MathScienceDiv/Pages/Classes.aspx
MESA (MATHEMATICS, ENGINEERING, SCIENCE ACHIEVEMENT (MESA -ALLB 114) is a program that supports students to excel in math, engineering, and the sciences. MESA is based on a rigorous program that builds academic skills and encourages cooperative solving. There is access to technology, academic advisement, and other support services are available. For more information, please contact the MESA Program Director in ALLB-114 or call (661) 362-3448.
I look forward to meeting and leading all of you to a successful semester in Introduction to Microbiology.
Do not starve yourself mentally – let’s feast on learning and sharing the knowledge together!
Julie Nguyen, PhD
Associate Adjunct Professor
College of the Canyons
26455 Rockwell Canyon Road
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
Julie.nguyen@canyons.edu
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: 10/09/2023 Sub#: 334