BIO206 Welcome Letter: BIO 206 Welcome Letter: Christopher J. Machado

BIO206 Welcome Letter

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General Human Physiology (Bio 206)

Spring 2021 (CRNs 30377 and 33191)

(Please note: This is NOT my full syllabus. This page only provides the minimum details about my sections of BIO 206. A full syllabus or Course Handbook will be 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 also 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!

Office hours: I will launch our lecture Conferences on Canvas at least 30 minutes before each lecture to serve as virtual office hours. You are welcome to log in during those pre-lecture sessions for help.

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

Human physiology is the study of how molecules, cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems function individually and together to maintain homeostasis. Therefore, we will examine human physiology at ALL of these levels. That is probably one of the main reasons this class is so challenging!

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to build logical frameworks that show how the systems and cells of the body function
Students will be able to explain the mechanisms that regulate cell and organ function
Students will be able to propose logical solutions to problems related to the function and malfunction of the human body
Students will be able to explain how the functions of different organ systems are integrated

REQUIRED Textbook and Other Materials

Silverthorn, D.U. (2019). Human Physiology: An Integrated Approach, 8^th Edition. Pearson: Boston (with or without Mastering A&P online code).
- You are responsible for purchasing this textbook BEFORE the first day of Spring Semester (January 19, 2021)
- Many students ask if they can use an older edition of this textbook. That is a VERY BAD idea. There is different and updated information in the 8^th edition and all my Figure and Table references during lecture are based on the 8^th edition. All page number references are also based on the 8^th edition. So, trying to use an older edition is definitely NOT recommended.

Access to McGraw-Hill Connect suite of Virtual Labs
- The McGraw-Hill Connect website will host most of our virtual lab activities for the upcoming semester. Your access to the Connect website will cost $62.50 (as of 10/26/20) and that cost will be automatically billed to your student account on February 1^st, 2021.
- There is nothing you need to do to receive this resource. It is automatic.

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.
- A smartphone capable of taking digital pictures AND emailing those pictures to your personal or Cuesta email address.
- You must 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 lectures, labs, and exams will occur during specific class times. That means you MUST be available and online during the following days and times:

- CRN 33191
  - Lectures on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:00 - 3:50 PM
  - Lab sessions on Mondays from 4:00 - 6:50 PM
- CRN 30377
  - Lectures on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00 - 3:50 PM
  - Lab sessions on Tuesdays from 4:00 - 6:50 PM

If your schedule does not permit participation according to one of these two schedules, DO NOT sign up for my sections of BIO 206. There are three other sections of BIO 206 offered during Spring 2021 by Dr. Maliszewski. Her participation requirements may be different and mesh better with your personal schedule.

This online course will use a Web-based Learning Management System known as “Canvas”. This online platform provides a robust framework for disseminating all course material (through lecture conferences and lab introduction videos), delivering all course assignments (homework quizzes, lab quizzes, and exams), providing students with other helpful study tools (lecture slide handouts, worksheets, supplemental videos, exam preparation guides, etc.), and a central avenue for sending and receiving emails to/from students.

When class opens and accessing our website on Canvas

Prior to the start of Spring Semester classes on January 19^th2021, registered students will receive an email to their my.Cuesta.edu address providing them with information about how to access our course website on Canvas, where to find the Course Handbook (syllabus) and schedule, as well as when our first virtual lecture will occur and how to access it. PLEASE read your CUESTA email daily during the week before classes begin AND throughout the Spring semester.

You can access Canvas by logging into the CUESTA COLLEGE HOME PAGELinks to an external site. 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 the course website becomes available, click on the BIO 206 tile on your Dashboard. Don't expect this course website to be published until a few days before the semester begins. 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 19, 2021 and need assistance please email Dr. Machado (christopher_machaado@cuesta.edu) 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 5 Unit course, be prepared to spend at least 4 hours per week participating in online lectures, 3 hours per week working on lab activities, and an additional 10-15 hours per week completing coursework, which does not include studying for exams.

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 exams and virtual lecture sessions according to the scheduled mentioned above under Course Environment.

Regular and Effective Instructor Contact will be met through weekly instructor-initiated virtual lectures, 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

It is unlikely that I will be able to over-enroll this class beyond the maximum class size of 30 students. If you place yourself on the wait list, you MUST check your Cuesta email EVERY DAY just in case you are offered a seat in the class. These notifications only last for 24 hours before they expire.

For more information, please review Cuesta’s waitlist procedure and instructions.

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[{:section_type=>"rich_text", :content=>"<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">General Human Physiology (Bio 206)</h2>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Spring 2021 (CRNs 30377 and 33191)</h2>\n (Please note: This is NOT my full syllabus.  This page only provides the minimum details about my sections of BIO 206.  A full syllabus or Course Handbook will be available on our course website on Canvas) \n<h2>\nInstructor: Chris Machado, PhD</h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>My last name is pronounced \"Ma-shadow\"</li>\n<li>I prefer masculine pronouns (he/him/his)</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n</ul>\n \n<h2>Contact information</h2>\nEmail address: <a href=\"mailto:christopher_machado@cuesta.edu\">christopher_machado@cuesta.edu</a>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>You are also 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!\n</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n</ul>\nOffice hours: I will launch our lecture Conferences on Canvas at least 30 minutes before each lecture to serve as virtual office hours.  You are welcome to log in during those pre-lecture sessions for help.  \nOther 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.\n \n<h2>Course Description</h2>\nHuman physiology is the study of how molecules, cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems function individually and together to maintain homeostasis. Therefore, we will examine human physiology at ALL of these levels.  That is probably one of the main reasons this class is so challenging!\n \n<h2>Student Learning Outcomes</h2>\n<ol>\n<li>Students will be able to build logical frameworks that show how the systems and cells of the body function</li>\n<li>Students will be able to explain the mechanisms that regulate cell and organ function</li>\n<li>Students will be able to propose logical solutions to problems related to the function and malfunction of the human body</li>\n<li>Students will be able to explain how the functions of different organ systems are integrated</li>\n</ol>\n \n<h2>REQUIRED Textbook and Other Materials</h2>\n<ul>\n<li>\nSilverthorn, D.U. (2019). Human Physiology: An Integrated Approach, 8th Edition. Pearson: Boston (with or without Mastering A&amp;P online code).\n<ul>\n<li>\nYou are responsible for purchasing this textbook BEFORE the first day of Spring Semester (January 19, 2021) </li>\n<li>Many students ask if they can use an older edition of this textbook. That is a VERY BAD idea.  There is different and updated information in the 8th edition and all my Figure and Table references during lecture are based on the 8th edition.  All page number references are also based on the 8th edition.  So, trying to use an older edition is definitely NOT recommended.</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n</ul>\n \n<ul>\n<li>\nAccess to McGraw-Hill Connect suite of Virtual Labs\n<ul>\n<li>The McGraw-Hill Connect website will host most of our virtual lab activities for the upcoming semester.  Your access to the Connect website will cost $62.50 (as of 10/26/20) and that cost will be automatically billed to your student account on February 1st, 2021. </li>\n<li>There is nothing you need to do to receive this resource.  It is automatic.</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n</ul>\n \n<ul>\n<li>\nAdditional REQUIRED materials (if you do not have these resources, DO NOT take this course)\n<ul>\n<li>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)\n<ul>\n<li>You MUST go to the <a class=\"external\" href=\"https://proctorio.com/system-requirements\" target=\"_blank\">Proctorio Website.</a> and make sure that your computer satisfies the minimum computer and internet requirements. To check your internet upload and download speeds, go to <a class=\"external\" href=\"http://www.speedtest.net\" target=\"_blank\">www.speedtest.net</a>.  </li>\n<li>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.\n</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n<li>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.</li>\n<li>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.</li>\n<li>A smartphone capable of taking digital pictures AND emailing those pictures to your personal or Cuesta email address.</li>\n<li>You must have regular access to a printer.</li>\n<li>A desktop scanner or document scanning software on your smartphone (Recommended apps: Adobe Scan or CamScanner). Black and white or color scans are fine.</li>\n<li><a class=\"external\" href=\"https://get.adobe.com/reader/\" target=\"_blank\">Adobe reader software</a></li>\n<li><a class=\"external\" href=\"https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/education/products/office\" target=\"_blank\">Microsoft Office software (download for FREE, including Word and PowerPoint)</a></li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n</ul>\n \n<h2>Course environment</h2>\nThis course will be taught in a \"synchronous\" fashion, meaning that all lectures, labs, and exams will occur during specific class times.  That means you MUST be available and online during the following days and times:\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>CRN 33191\n<ul>\n<li>Lectures on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:00 - 3:50 PM</li>\n<li>Lab sessions on Mondays from 4:00 - 6:50 PM</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n<li>CRN 30377\n<ul>\n<li>Lectures on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00 - 3:50 PM</li>\n<li>Lab sessions on Tuesdays from 4:00 - 6:50 PM</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n</ul>\n</li>\n</ul>\nIf your schedule does not permit participation according to one of these two schedules, DO NOT sign up for my sections of BIO 206.  There are three other sections of BIO 206 offered during Spring 2021 by Dr. Maliszewski.  Her participation requirements may be different and mesh better with your personal schedule.\nThis online course will use a Web-based Learning Management System known as “Canvas”.  This online platform provides a robust framework for disseminating all course material (through lecture conferences and lab introduction videos), delivering all course assignments (homework quizzes, lab quizzes, and exams), providing students with other helpful study tools (lecture slide handouts, worksheets, supplemental videos, exam preparation guides, etc.), and a central avenue for sending and receiving emails to/from students.\n \n<h2>When class opens and accessing our website on Canvas</h2>\nPrior to the start of Spring Semester classes on January 19th 2021, registered students will receive an email to their my.Cuesta.edu address providing them with information about how to access our course website on Canvas, where to find the Course Handbook (syllabus) and schedule, as well as when our first virtual lecture will occur and how to access it. PLEASE read your CUESTA email daily during the week before classes begin AND throughout the Spring semester. \nYou can access Canvas by logging into the <a class=\"external\" href=\"http://www.cuesta.edu\" target=\"_blank\">CUESTA COLLEGE HOME PAGELinks to an external site.</a> and then clicking on the Canvas button near the top left of the page or by typing the Canvas address (<a href=\"https://cuesta.instructure.com/\">https://cuesta.instructure.com/</a>) 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.\nIf you are not familiar with logging into Canvas, please refer to the <a class=\"external\" href=\"https://www.cuesta.edu/academics/documents/distance-docs/Canvas_Quick_Reference_Students.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Canvas Quick Reference Guide.</a> Once the course website becomes available, click on the BIO 206 tile on your Dashboard. Don't expect this course website to be published until a few days before the semester begins. Once the course website becomes available, be sure to read ALL the instructions on our course home page to get oriented.  \nIf you are having difficulty logging into Canvas after January 19, 2021 and need assistance please email Dr. Machado (<a href=\"mailto:christopher_machaado@cuesta.edu\">christopher_machaado@cuesta.edu</a>) or technical support at this email address: <a href=\"mailto:support@my.cuesta.edu\">support@my.cuesta.edu</a>. \n \n<h2>Online Learning</h2>\nThis 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 5 Unit course, be prepared to spend at least 4 hours per week participating in online lectures, 3 hours per week working on lab activities, and an additional 10-15 hours per week completing coursework, which does not include studying for exams.\n \n<h2>Is an ONLINE CLASS RIGHT FOR YOU?  </h2>\nGreat 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 <a class=\"external\" href=\"https://www.cuesta.edu/academics/distance/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Online Education.</a> 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.\n \n<h2>Regular Effective Contact policy</h2>\nStudents are required to log-in for exams and virtual lecture sessions according to the scheduled mentioned above under Course Environment.\nRegular and Effective Instructor Contact will be met through weekly instructor-initiated virtual lectures, 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.\n \n<h2>Technical Support</h2>\nYour learning environment is best accessed from a desktop or laptop computer using Google Chrome.  This may solve your problem!  Please review the <a class=\"external\" href=\"http://www.cuesta.edu/student/aboutacad/distance/faqs_technical.html\" target=\"_blank\">browser requirements and minimum computer specifications for using Canvas</a>.\nCuesta students are encouraged to direct all technical support inquiries to  <a href=\"mailto:support@my.cuesta.edu\">support@my.cuesta.edu</a>. 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.\nIf you are having difficulty viewing the course website or logging in, it may be because you are not using the correct URL (<a href=\"https://cuesta.instructure.com/\">https://cuesta.instructure.com/</a>), you are using your smartphone (very bad idea) or using an unsupported browser (always use Google Chrome!).\n \n<h2>Accommodations</h2>\nThis 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 <a class=\"external\" href=\"http://www.cuesta.edu/student/studentservices/dsps/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">DSPS (Disabled Student Programs &amp; Services)</a> 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. \n \n<h2>College &amp; Course Policies</h2>\nAcademic 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 <a class=\"external\" href=\"https://www.cuesta.edu/about/documents/vpss-docs/StudentConducttrifold-brochure_2017.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Cuesta College Student Code of conduct.</a>  \n \n<h2>Add / Drop Policy</h2>\nPlease review the Cuesta policy for adds and drops:\n<ul>\n<li><a class=\"external\" href=\"https://www.cuesta.edu/student/studentservices/admrreg/arpolicies/addcourse.html\" target=\"_blank\">Add Policy</a></li>\n<li><a class=\"external\" href=\"https://www.cuesta.edu/student/studentservices/admrreg/arpolicies/dropcourse.html\" target=\"_blank\">Drop Policy</a></li>\n</ul>\n \n<h2>Waitlist Policy</h2>\nIt is unlikely that I will be able to over-enroll this class beyond the maximum class size of 30 students.  If you place yourself on the wait list, you MUST check your Cuesta email EVERY DAY just in case you are offered a seat in the class.  These notifications only last for 24 hours before they expire.\nFor more information, please review <a class=\"external\" href=\"http://www.cuesta.edu/student/studentservices/admrreg/arpolicies/Waitlist.html\" target=\"_blank\">Cuesta’s waitlist procedure and instructions. </a>"}]

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