BIOSCI-101 - Intro Biology for Healt Profes - Vijaya Shukla

Introduction

Greetings students! My name is Dr. Vijaya Shukla, and as your instructor I wouldd like to welcome you to the course Biosci 101 - Human Biology & Health.

This is a fast-paced, 8-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. In this course, we will be exploring a vast array of fundamental concepts, focusing on general biology and essential health topics including cellular and molecular biology, genetics & heredity, biotechnology, evolution, animal diversity, human organ systems etc.

Here is how our class will operate to ensure your success:

Lecture (100% Online): Asynchronous, allowing you to work on your own schedule within our weekly deadlines.

Lab (On-Campus): Face-to-face during our regularly scheduled on-campus time.

This should be an exciting term with lots to learn! I post regular Announcements on Canvas regarding exams, assignments, and critical updates. Please ensure your Canvas notifications are turned on so you never miss these "need-to-know" items. Welcome to the class!

Course Description

BioSci 101: Introduction to Human Biology (4 Units, UC,CSU)

Explores the structural and functional principles of human biology, including scientific inquiry, cellular chemistry, genetics, biotechnology, evolution, and a comprehensive overview of human anatomy, physiology, and contemporary health issues.

What to Expect in this Course

Because this is an accelerated hybrid course, it moves at a fast pace. You should expect to commit 12 to 16 hours per week to successfully manage the coursework, review materials, and study. Because our course timeline is compressed, all assignments must be completed and submitted by their designated due dates. We move too quickly to pause, so extensions will generally not be granted. Staying current with your weekly work is essential to prevent falling behind.

Hybrid Course Requirement: Regular access to a reliable computer and a stable internet connection is mandatory to access our course shell, watch online video lectures, and complete your weekly assignments.

Online Lectures: The lecture portion is delivered online asynchronously via Canvas. This offers excellent flexibility, but requires self-discipline. You are expected to log into Canvas multiple times a week to watch videos, complete readings, and stay on top of regular assignments.

On-Campus Labs: We meet face to face each week for labs to cover critical hands on experiments.

Attendance & Drop Policy: First face to face lab meeting is mandatory or you maybe dropped from the course. 

The 10% Absence Rule: Per college policy missing more than 10% or two classes (either lecture or lab) may result in being dropped from the class. Unavoidable emergencies must be documented. 

Required Technology: A reliable computer (Windows, Mac or Chromebook) and Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox is required for daily coursework. For online lecture exams, you must download and use Respondus Lock Down Browser. 

Types of Assessments

Your grade is based on a mix of lecture and lab work. Lecture assessments include at least 2 exams, a comprehensive final exam, regular quizzes, short written answers, essays, and discussions. These online exams and quizzes require Google Chrome and Respondus proctoring software. Lab assessments include weekly quizzes at the start of class, pre-lab worksheets completed in advance, active in-person participation, post-lab assignments, a Lab Midterm, and a cumulative Lab Final Practical.

Opportunities for extra credit will also be offered during the course to help you boost your grade.

Textbook Information

This course is completely Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC)! All reading and lab materials are free.

Textbook: Biology 2e by OpenStax, Rice University. This is a free OER (Open Educational Resource) textbook. You can view it directly online or download a digital copy for free at: OpenStax Biology 2e.

Lab Manual: You do not need to purchase lab manual, a online pdf version is provided on our Canvas course shell.

Other Relevant Course Information

Open Communication is the Key to Success! I am here to support you throughout the semester. Please do not wait until the last minute. If you have questions regarding instructions, assignments, grades, or personal difficulties, reach out to me immediately so I can guide you toward success! If you are on waitlist you must show up in class and discuss with me in person. 

You can contact me via Canvas messaging at vijaya.shukla@canyons.edu. Please always include your course section number. I respond within 24 hours during the week. If you want to meet during office hours, please send me an email at least 24 hours in advance so I can schedule dedicated time for your visit.

Important Other Class Policies to Remember:

Assignments are accepted up to one week late with a 10% penalty per day. However, every student is granted one "no questions asked" Life Happens Pass to submit a single late assignment for full credit. Note: This pass cannot be used for Exams.

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: 06/10/2026 Sub#: 2052 Sub ID: 216328