BIOSCI-101 - Introductory Biology for Health Professionals - Juliana Lima

Introduction

I’m Professor Lima, and I’ll be your instructor for Biology 101: Introductory Biology for Health Professionals. My background is in biology, microbiology, immunology, and molecular genetics, and I enjoy helping students connect what they learn in class to human health and the world around them.

Biology 101 is designed to make biology approachable, relevant, and engaging. We’ll explore everything from cells, DNA, and genetics to microorganisms, evolution, and the human body, with an emphasis on understanding concepts rather than simply memorizing facts. The course combines the flexibility of asynchronous online lectures with hands-on, in-person laboratory experiences. If you stay engaged, keep up with the weekly work, and ask for help when you need it, I’ll be here to support you throughout the semester.

Course Description

Biology 101 is an introductory biology course designed for students pursuing health-related fields and other non-biology majors. The course explores the fundamental principles of life with an emphasis on connections to human health and biological function. Topics include the chemistry of life, biological macromolecules, cell structure and transport, metabolism, photosynthesis and cellular respiration, DNA, cell division, genetics and heredity, evolution, microorganisms, tissues and homeostasis, and the major human organ systems. Through online lecture activities and hands-on laboratory experiences, students will also develop skills in scientific inquiry, experimentation, data analysis, microscopy, and biological investigation.

What to Expect in this Course

Students can expect a combination of asynchronous online lecture work and weekly in-person laboratory activities. Each week, students should plan to complete assigned readings, lecture materials and videos, chapter assignments, online quizzes, and discussion activities in Canvas. Because the lecture portion is asynchronous, students have flexibility in when they complete their work, but they are responsible for keeping up with all posted deadlines.

Students will need regular access to a computer and reliable internet connection to access Canvas and complete online course activities. The syllabus does not require a webcam, microphone, or specific web browser. Canvas is accessed using a College of the Canyons student ID and password.

Course assessments include chapter assignments, online lecture quizzes, discussion activities, three online lecture exams, and one in-person lecture final exam. The laboratory portion includes hands-on experiments and activities, lab reports, weekly quizzes, a lab midterm, and a cumulative lab final practical. Students should expect to work collaboratively in lab while developing skills in microscopy, experimentation, data collection, and analysis

Types of Assessments

Students will be assessed through a variety of activities designed to measure both their understanding of biological concepts and their ability to apply those concepts. Assessments include online lecture exams, an in-person cumulative lecture final, online chapter quizzes, discussion boards, chapter review assignments, lab reports, weekly lab quizzes, hands-on laboratory activities and participation, a lab midterm, and a cumulative lab final practical.

Textbook Information

This course uses a Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) / Open Educational Resource (OER) textbook, so no textbook purchase is required.

Textbook: Concepts of Biology, 2nd Edition
Publisher: OpenStax, Rice University
Cost: FREE

The textbook can be read online or downloaded for free through OpenStax.

The BioSci 101 Lab Manual will also be available through Canvas for students to download and print.

Other Relevant Course Information

Because this is a hybrid course, success depends on staying engaged with both the online lecture and the in-person laboratory. Students should check Canvas regularly, keep up with weekly lecture materials and deadlines, and read each lab exercise before coming to class. Attendance and active participation in lab are especially important because many activities involve hands-on experiments, data collection, and group work that cannot be replicated outside of class.

Students should also attend the first in-person lab meeting and complete the Introductory Discussion by the posted deadline to remain enrolled. Most importantly, if you have questions or begin falling behind, please reach out early. I am happy to help and want to support you throughout the semester.

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: 08/24/2026 Sub#: 2097 Sub ID: 219361