BioSci-100 - General Biology - Peter Johnson

Introduction

Hi, welcome to BIOSCI-100: General Biology! My name is Peter Johnson, and I'm glad to have you in the course. This letter will walk you through everything you need to know to get started on the right foot — how the course is structured, what your weekly experience will look like, and what to have ready before day one.

Course Description

General Biology is a general education course intended for non-biology majors. We'll survey the foundational concepts of life science, including the nature of scientific inquiry, cell biology, energy and metabolism, genetics and heredity, evolutionary theory, biological diversity, and the relationships between living organisms and their environments.

What to Expect in this Course

This course has no traditional lecture component. In place of lectures, I will distribute concept modules on Canvas to complement the textbook reading assignments. You set your own pace during the week, but staying on schedule is essential, as the material builds on itself throughout the semester.

The remote portion of this course is delivered entirely through Canvas. Here you will find your weekly study guides, course materials, assignments, and announcements. You will need a computer and reliable internet connection to participate. No specialized software, webcam, or microphone is required.

The in-person lab sessions, held Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:00–6:10 PM in CCLB 305 at the Canyon Country Campus, are where much of the active learning happens. Labs give you the opportunity to apply concepts hands-on, get direct feedback, and work alongside your classmates. Consistent attendance is important to your success in this course.

Because a significant portion of this course is self-directed, strong time management is key. I'd recommend treating your study guide work like a standing weekly appointment rather than something to fit in around everything else. If questions come up, I'm available by email and during office hours.

Course updates and important information will be shared through Canvas announcements and COC email. Please make sure your notification settings are active so nothing slips through.

Types of Assessments

Exams will be taken in person during lab. Quizzes will be administered through Canvas and do not require any proctoring software. Over the course of the semester you can expect quizzes, exams, lab assignments, and discussion board posts.

Textbook Information

This course uses two free, openly licensed resources. The main textbook is OpenStax Concepts of Biology, available at no cost online. A print copy can be purchased if you prefer a physical book. The lab component uses the COC OER General Biology Lab Manual, developed by COC faculty. A physical copy is required and can be purchased from the campus bookstore.

Other Relevant Course Information

First week requirements: Students must attend the first lab session to secure their place in the course. Any student who does not attend will be dropped.

Attendance policy: Students who miss more than 10% of scheduled class meetings for any reason may be dropped by the instructor at any point before the course is 75% complete.

Adding the course: Students wishing to add after the semester has started should email peter.johnson@canyons.edu with their name and student ID number. Add codes are granted based on available seats and timely communication.

Accommodations: Students who require academic accommodations should connect with COC's Disabled Students Program & Services (DSPS) as early in the semester as possible. Please share your official accommodation letter with me by the end of the second week so we can put the appropriate support in place without delay.

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: 06/02/2026 Sub#: 2051 Sub ID: 215952