Please Read Carefully:
This course is being offered using Blackboard Vista as the Learning Management System. If you have never used Blackboard vista before, please visit the orientation site.  http://www.ccconline.org/support/vista

You will access your CCA Blackboard Vista course at http://online.ccaurora.edu

Note:  You will not be able to access your course until the start date, June 2^nd.

New this semester: A support desk is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist you with setting up your computer and solving problems. http://www.ccaurora.edu/students/helpdesk/

SCIENCE OF BIOLOGY

BIO 105-176 (Online)

4 Credit Hours

(June 2 to Aug 9)

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Examine the basis of biology in the modern world and surveys the current knowledge and conceptual framework of the discipline.  Explores biology as a science, the process of gaining new knowledge, and the impact of biological science on society.  Includes laboratory experiences.  Designed for non-science majors.

COURSE WEBSITE:

http://online.ccaurora.edu

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION:

Name

Jennifer Harrell

Phone

303-340-7260

E-mail

Jennifer.harrell@ccaurora.edu

Fax

N/A

Mailbox Location

LC 903

Other

REQUIRED COMPUTER SKILLS:

·        Send/receive mail

·        Download files (word documents and pdf files) to your computer and then open them. 

·        Attach word documents and send them.

·        Basic word processing skills 

·        Experience with the Blackboard Vista tool or having read the orientation guide at http://www.ccconline.org/support/vista

REQUIRED TEXT BOOK(S):

Audesirk, T, Audesirk G, & Byers, B. 2009. Life On Earth (5th Edition).  Prentice Hall, Pearson Education, Inc., NJ

Note: there are some custom editions out there that do not contain all the chapters we will be covering.  Make sure the book you buy contains the physiology chapters and the ecosystem chapters.  It is your responsibility to have the necessary course materials.

REQUIRED MATERIALS:

Some lab materials will need to be purchased throughout the semester.  These will be listed at the beginning of each lab.

REQUIRED HARDWARE/ SOFTWARE:

·        Supported Web-browser

·        Supported version of Java

·        To confirm your software is supported, run the Browser Check at http://online.ccaurora.edu

HOW TO GET STARTED:

Before the first day of class please go through the Vista Student Orientation Site.  On the first day of class I will have you go over the course syllabus, which will cover my class policies and an outline of when assignments are due.  On the first day we will also have a sample learning module to go through to ensure that everyone understands how to use the system..

ORIENTATION SESSION/FIRST MEETING:

There will be an assignment given on the first day of class, but not a formal orientation session.  I recommend completing this assignment on the first day.  There will also be additional assignments given and due that first week.

OTHER INFORMATION:

This course will include a laboratory segment.  You will be given lab protocols and will be expected to purchase lab materials and complete the labs on your own.  I do keep cost in mind when planning labs and will give detailed instructions on how to complete labs.

Please keep in mind that you are enrolling for a science course with a lab.  Science courses online are often more challenging than science courses in the classroom.  Make sure you have enough time during the week to adequately complete assignments and study the material.