BIOL 20 - Contemporary Human Biology
Instructor: Amy Chovnick
Email Instructor
Course Description
Human organism, with emphasis on origin and evolutionary legacy, relationship with the environment, and ethical implications of biological discoveries in science.
To take this class, you must have daily access to a computer with an Internet connection, an email account, and experience using a web browser. You will also need to update your email address in CLASS-Web when you register.
Check the college catalog for CSU/UC transferability and to see if this course meets AA/AS degree requirements.
This class begins Jan 22 and ends May 30.
On-Campus Meetings
There is no orientation for this course.
How This Class Operates
The class is divided into 9 modules. They will become available according to the timeline given in the course schedule. This is not a self-paced course. Each module lists the goals for your studies during that time period and the various activities, as well as instructions on what assignments and quizzes you are to submit by their respective dates.
As with other classes, attendence in this online course is mandatory. If you have not logged on for two consecutive weeks, you may be dropped from the course.
You will use the email function within Blackboard Messages as your main, private communication tool with the instructor. This is where the instructor will send messages and feedback to you and where you should post questions or submit papers.
Textbook: Human Biology by Cecie Starr 6th Edition
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Read and critically analyze primary and secondary sources of
scientific information. - Write college-level essays.
- Discuss and debate ethical issues on the topic of human biology.
Class Activities
Writing Assignments:
There will be 9 writing assignments for the course, one for each module. They are designed to reinforce select concepts covered in the textbook. You will be asked a series of questions based upon reading material from suggested web sites and your own internet research.
We will also use the Discussion Board to debate controversial subjects and provide a forum for the healthy exchange of ideas related to the written assignments.
Quizzes and Tests:
9 Quizzes
1 Midterm
1 Final
Class Projects
For select modules, students will be assigned to small groups for collaborative learning projects.
How Students Are Graded
Point Distribution:
Written Assignments/Discussions: 200 pts.
Quizzes: 200 pts.
Midterm: 100 pts.
Final: 100 pts.
Grades are assigned as follows:
90% = A (540 points or more)
80% = B (480 - 539 points)
70% = C (420 - 479 points)
60% = D (360 - 419 points)
<60% = F (less than 360 points)
Succeeding in an Online Course
Students who succeed in online courses tend to be independent, self-motivated learners with good computer skills. If you are a procrastinator who relies heavily on the instructor for motivation, can't use a computer too well, have taken less than 21 units of college credit in your lifetime, and/or have a grade-point-average under 2.0, you should probably consider enrolling in a face-to-face course instead.
Also, don't enroll in this class if you believe the myth that learning online requires less effort than learning face-to-face. This course covers the same content and has similar activities as the face-to-face version of the course; only the method of delivery changes.
LPC offers a tutorial called "Succeeding in an online course" that will not only tell you if you are a good fit for online learning, but it also offers many strategies -- among other pertinent information -- that will help you succeed online. Please complete the tutorial.
Blackboard
This course will use the Blackboard course management system as its virtual classroom. To learn how to log in to Blackboard, go to the Blackboard Login Procedures page. Once you enroll, you will not be able to log in until the first day of class.