Welcome to Biology Concepts

Instructor Contact Information

Name: Nicola Plowes

Phone(s): 480.461.7504 (office phone, rarely there! faster to use email)
Email: nicola.plowes@mesacc.edu

Office Location: NU 174

About this Course

Biology Concepts is a course that will teach you real-life skills that will help you to live healthier and happier, and have a deeper appreciation of nature.

In order to make your course experience a positive one, we will spend the first couple of days getting acquainted with the Canvas environment and what is expected of you in this course to be successful.

YOUR SYLLABUS (I will provide links to this document in multiple locations as it is an important document!)

Structure of Course

This course is divided into 4 modules, each of which has lecture materials (including powerpoints, chapter readings and additional activities), quizzes, labs, and an end of module exam.

Work through the modules in sequence.

This is what the "average week" will look like:

1) read the section objectives

2) complete the chapter readings/activities/self testing/lecture videos

3) work on your lab for the week

4) prepare a single "cheat sheet" for each quiz

5) take your quiz (before Thursday midnight)

6) submit your lab assignment (before Thursday midnight)

7) complete your discussions (before Friday midnight)

8) prepare for, take exam (if it is an exam week)

You are encouraged to plan on approximately 6-12 hours per week between reading, learning and performing experiments. A certain degree of technological/computer knowledge is needed, and you should be comfortable reading at a higher level. If you have a full time job, a family, and/or a full course load- this will be hard. It is not impossible, but you definitely have to be a motivated student with excellent time management. If this sounds like it's too much for you, please email me ASAP, and we can try to move you into one of our face-to-face classes.

Do not wait until the due day to begin your labs. Why? If you email for help ahead of I have time to respond to the email, otherwise you might miss the deadline. "I forgot" is not a valid excuse!! You should plan ahead- and the syllabus (on following pages) outlines every assignment and due date for the whole semester.

Communication: unless you email me to ask a question, or for help, or to clarify a concept.... I will not know that you have a problem. Use all reasonable information sources (eText, Google, wikipedia) to try to answer your question first. Then inbox me. If you are having problems that are not specifically Biology content related, let me know- there are all sorts of resources at MCC that I can direct you to.

I want you to succeed. Help me help you!!!

Student Email & Canvas Inbox

Your instructor will send you communication in your Student Gmail Account or through the Canvas Inbox.

Student Email

Every student at MCC has a student email account assigned through Gmail (Google Mail). Your account is YOURMEID@maricopa.edu. In addition, you can receive messages in the Canvas Inbox. All of your Canvas messages will be sent initially to your Student Gmail Account. You can customize your Canvas Notification Settings to receive your messages to your preferred contact method (personal email, text message or social network). It is your responsibility to set up your email and notifications based on your preferences and check your messages EVERY DAY.

To receive all your messages properly follow these instructions:

Learn how to set-up your Student Gmail Account and forward it to a personal email if you prefer.

VIDEO: Communication

GUIDE: Canvas Notifications & Profile Guide

Adjust your settings!

We highly suggest updating your contact preferences in Canvas.

1) on this page look for "Account" (top left)

2) choose "Settings" --> "add contact method"

3) enter the email address that you use the most

4) add your cell number for Text reminders

5) Go back to "Account", select "Notifications": this dash board will allow you to choose which sorts of alerts, and how often to receive them. I recommend setting to "daily" or "instant", so that you can respond more quickly.

This way you will be less likely to miss out on updates, announcements, emergencies etc.

Netiquette

Netiquette refers to the rules of behavior while on the Internet. When interacting within the online course environment, please follow these guidelines:

Show professionalism and courtesy in all communications within the course.
No one else should be given access to the course or conferences without the instructor's permission.
Do not use the words or text from others without acknowledging the source.
Humor can easily be misinterpreted within the online environment, please be cautious with the use of humor and use symbols to help prevent misunderstandings. :-) :-(
Adhere to the same behavioral standards as you would in a face to face classroom and as is specified in the student handbook.
Do not type in all capital letters, for those of us using the Internet frequently, this can seem like you are 'yelling'.
Respect other people's time and contribute thoughtful comments and ideas to the discussions rather than simply making statements such as 'I agree'. These will result in fewer points.
Use correct spelling and grammar. Avoid the use of abbreviations and use spell check within your word processor or within the course to check the spelling of your communications.

Disagreement within the classroom does not equal disrespect. You are encouraged to have different points of view, opinions, and values. However, it is required that students monitor their language within discussions. Racist, sexist, or homophobic language will not be tolerated. Consult the Student Handbook for college policies regarding these types of behavior.