BIOSCI - 100 - General Biology - Stephen Flanagan

Introduction

I am thrilled to welcome you to our online General Biology course! My name is Stephen Flanagan, and I've been passionate about biology for as long as I can remember. With 16 years of teaching experience, I've had the pleasure of guiding students through the wonders of life sciences at various levels, from high school to university settings.

I earned a Master’s and a Ph.D. in Biology with a focus on population genetics. Population genetics is the study of genetic variation within populations, how genetic traits are distributed, and how they evolve over time. This field helps us understand the genetic structure of populations, which can influence everything from conservation efforts to understanding evolutionary processes. My research spanned across several species, but fish have been my primary focus. Over the years, I've studied: Tortoises, fish, Mosquitoes, diving beetles, and salmon lice.

This fast-paced, cumulative course demands more than memorization—it requires deep conceptual understanding of interconnected processes, active study techniques (like drawing mechanisms and teaching concepts), and consistent time management (8–12 hours weekly outside class). Lectures and textbook complement each other, labs are essential for developing scientific thinking, and curiosity will make the material far more engaging. Ask for help early, learn from mistakes, and remember that the effort you invest here builds a vital foundation for future courses; come ready to work hard and explore the fascinating stories of life.

Course Description

This HYBRID (labs meet in-person) course will provide you with a comprehensive overview of biological concepts. We'll explore everything from the molecular underpinnings of life to ecosystem dynamics. In addition, each lecture will include a biographical sketch of a famous biologist, a kind of historical review of the complex people who have contributed to the field of biology. Here are the topics you can look forward to:

Cell Biology: Understanding the basic unit of life.

Genetics: From Mendelian inheritance to the complexities of population genetics, which involves studying how traits are passed down through generations, how populations evolve, and why genetic diversity matters.

Evolution: How life changes over time, shaped by genetics and environment.

And, 

Ecology: Interactions between organisms and their environments, including how populations interact within ecosystems.

What to Expect in this Course

We'll use a mix of lectures, interactive discussions, pre-labs and labs to make your learning experience as rich and engaging as possible. Whether you're here to fulfill a science requirement, or you're deeply interested in biology, I guarantee there will be something in this course that sparks your curiosity.

Types of Assessments

Proctored online exams, quizzes, online discussion boards, laboratory exercises, and written assignments

Textbook Information

The textbook is free and online at https://openstax.org/details/books/concepts-biology and the lab manual is posted to Canvas. The lab manual will need to be filled in either by printing and writing on it, or by downloading and typing on the PDF, but the submission is digital on Canvas. 

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: 01/07/2026 Sub#: 1999 Sub ID: 206378