New Page

Drag to rearrange sections
Rich Text Content

Human Biology Lab (Bio 212L)

Spring 2021 (CRN 33192)

 (Please note: This is NOT my full syllabus.  This page only provided the minimum details about my section of BIO 212L.  A full syllabus is available on our course website on Canvas) 

Instructor: Chris Machado, PhD

    • My last name is pronounced "Ma-shadow"
    • I prefer masculine pronouns (he/him/his)

 

Contact information

Email address: christopher_machado@cuesta.edu

    • You are welcome to email me at the address above at ANY time to get help.  You can expect a response within 12 hours, even on weekends.  Proactive students do MUCH better in this CHALLENGING CLASS than students that hide in the shadows!

Other ways to discuss course material: I am also available for video chats via Skype (chris.machado.13), but please email first to set up an appointment time for these video chat sessions.

 

Course Description

This course accompanies Human Biology (BIO 212), a general education course for non-biology majors and pre-health related fields (i.e., paramedic, EMT, etc.). This lab course introduces students to the biology of the human species and is designed to create awareness and understanding of human body functions, the human’s place in nature, and the mechanics of human heredity. This course will also allow you to experience a biomedical laboratory setting and receive experience in the practice of science through participation in virtual experiments, demonstrations, and discussions. General topics include:

    • The scientific method
    • An introduction to molecular and cellular biology
    • Use of a light microscope and preparation of slides
    • An introduction to human anatomy and physiology
    • Elements of human genetics and heredity
    • Environmental adaptations
    • Pathological conditions

 

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Describe the scientific method and use it to evaluate experimental design and results
  2. Solve problems and work comfortably in the metric system
  3. Operate and use laboratory equipment, including microscopes, glassware, and reagents, correctly and safely
  4. Conduct standard laboratory tests and interpret microscope slides related to the structure and function of all major human organ systems 

 

REQUIRED Materials

    • All lab simulations will be provided through the McGraw-Hill Connect online platform.  
      • You will have automatic access to the McGraw-Hill Connect suite of virtual lab simulations on the first day of class.  You don't need to do anything to enable your access before the first day of class.  The cost for this access ($62.50 as of 10/26/2020) will be automatically billed to your student account on February 1st, 2021.

 

  • Additional REQUIRED materials (if you do not have these resources, DO NOT take this course)
    • A computer (desktop or laptop) produced in the last 3 years and that satisfies the minimum hardware requirements for the Proctorio exam proctoring software used in this class (free through Cuesta College)
      • You MUST go to the Proctorio Website. and make sure that your computer satisfies the minimum computer and internet requirements. To check your internet upload and download speeds, go to www.speedtest.net.  
      • If your computer and internet connection do not satisfy these minimum requirements, DO NOT take this course. You will not be able to complete the online exams reliably.  Your instructor is not responsible for technical difficulties due to substandard computer and internet hardware on your side of the fence.
    • Your computer MUST also have a functioning webcam and microphone, either built-in or added as a peripheral device. These are also required for the Proctorio exam proctoring software.
    • Google Chrome browser must be installed on your computer to take all exams and to support the Proctorio exam proctoring software. If you already have Google Chrome on your computer, make sure it is the most up-to-date version before starting this course.
    • You must also have regular access to a printer.
    • A desktop scanner or document scanning software on your smartphone (Recommended apps: Adobe Scan or CamScanner). Black and white or color scans are fine.
    • Adobe reader software
    • Microsoft Office software (download for FREE, including Word and PowerPoint).

 

Course environment

This course will be taught in a "synchronous" fashion, meaning that all labs and quizzes will occur during specific class times.  That means you MUST be available and online on Fridays from 9:00 - 11:50 AM starting on January 22nd, 2021 and continuing until May 14th, 2021.  If your schedule does not permit this sort of participation, DO NOT sign up for my section of BIO 212L.  There is one additional instructor teaching this class during Spring 2021.  The participation requirements in that section may be different and mesh better with your personal schedule.

This online course will use a Web-based Learning Management System known as “Canvas” as the method to disseminate lab information. Canvas provides the robust framework for disseminating all course materials and assessments (lab quizzes), as well as a central avenue for sending and receiving emails to/from students.  We will also use the McGraw-Hill Connect online platform for all virtual lab simulations.

 

When class opens and accessing our website on Canvas

Prior to the start of this class on January 22nd 2021, you will receive an email to your my.cuesta.edu address providing you with information about how to access our course website on Canvas, where to find the course syllabus and schedule, as well as how to access our first virtual lab session on January 22nd, 2021 at 9 AM.  PLEASE read your CUESTA email daily during the week before classes begin AND throughout the Fall semester.

You can access Canvas by logging into the CUESTA COLLEGE HOME PAGE. and then clicking on the Canvas button near the top left of the page or by typing the Canvas address (https://cuesta.instructure.com/) into your browser address bar. Do NOT bookmark/favorite the Canvas site after your login or you will get an error message next time you try to log in. You must access the Canvas log-in directly.

If you are not familiar with logging into Canvas, please refer to the Canvas Quick Reference Guide. Once logged into Canvas, click on the BIO 212L tile on your Dashboard. Don't expect this course website to be published until a few days before the course begins on January 22nd, 2021.  Once the course website becomes available, be sure to read ALL the instructions on our course home page to get oriented.  

If you are having difficulty logging into Canvas after January 20th, 2021 and need assistance please email Dr. Machado at the email address above or technical support at this email address: support@my.cuesta.edu

 

Online Learning

This course is completely online using Canvas; all assignments and quizzes are submitted online. There are no face-to-face meetings.  If you have never taken an online class or this is your first experience with Canvas, please be patient with yourself.  Online classes are NOT inherently easier than in-person courses, although they may be much more convenient for many students. Since this is a 1 Unit course, you should expect to spend at least 3 hours per week completing weekly lab assignments.  This time estimate does not include studying for biweekly lab quizzes.  You must be extremely responsible and schedule regular times in your weekly schedule to complete assignments and study for these quizzes.    

 

Is an ONLINE CLASS RIGHT FOR YOU? 

Great question, [insert your name here]!  I'm glad to see you are thinking pragmatically!  Well, you should first go to the Cuesta College website that gives details about Online Education. and complete the Online Readiness Tutorials that you find on that page. These tutorials will review the MANY resources that were designed to help you understand the skills necessary for success. If the tutorials DO NOT describe you, then taking this class online is NOT for you and I strongly suggest that you drop this online class and enroll in a traditional classroom section when they become available again in the future!  Ever heard the saying that a round peg does not fit into a square hole?  Well, if you do not fit the parameters and requirements of an online course, you are setting yourself up for a lot of frustration, just like trying to force a round peg into a square hole.

 

Regular Effective Contact policy

Students are required to log-in for quizzes and virtual lab sessions on Fridays from 9:00 AM - 11:50 AM.

Regular and Effective Instructor Contact will be met through weekly virtual lab sessions, weekly announcements to students about any changes to the course or helpful study tips, timely and effective feedback on student assignments, and answering student questions by email or through one-on-one virtual conferencing via Skype.

 

Technical Support

Your learning environment is best accessed from a desktop or laptop computer using Google Chrome.  This may solve your problem!  Please review the browser requirements and minimum computer specifications for using Canvas.

Cuesta students are encouraged to direct all technical support inquiries to  support@my.cuesta.edu. If you are having issues with Canvas, you should contact the Canvas Support Hotline at (877) 921-7680, or click on the help button on the Canvas Navigation to report a problem.

If you are having difficulty viewing the course website or logging in, it may be because you are not using the correct URL (https://cuesta.instructure.com/), you are using your smartphone (very bad idea) or using an unsupported browser (always use Google Chrome!).

 

Accommodations

This course is delivered using an accessible Learning Management System called Canvas and course materials have been created with ADA compliance in mind.  If you have a disability and might need accommodations in this class, such as extended time on exams or other resources, you should first contact DSPS (Disabled Student Programs & Services) through their website or call them at 805-546-3148. The DSPS will send an official email to your instructor with a list of all your accommodations during the first week of the course.  You must also contact your instructor before or during the first week of Spring semester to discuss your specific accommodations and how they will be implemented. 

 

College & Course Policies

Academic Honesty Policy: Your professor will provide plenty of insight into course policies on academic honesty in his course syllabus posted on our BIO 212 Canvas website.  In addition, please note that all students attending San Luis Obispo County Community College District at any site and when representing Cuesta College in any off-campus activity assumes an obligation to conduct themselves in an acceptable manner compatible with the Student Code of conduct. Please review the Cuesta College Student Code of conduct.  

 

Add / Drop Policy

Please review the Cuesta policy for adds and drops:

 

Waitlist Policy

Please review Cuesta’s waitlist procedure and instructions. 

rich_text    
Drag to rearrange sections
Rich Text Content
rich_text    

Page Comments

No Comments

Add a New Comment:

You must be logged in to make comments on this page.