Environmental & Applied Microbiology,
Bio 210M/ CRN 50691
Instructors: Drs. Silvio Favoreto & Laurie McConnico
Contact information:
Email Address: Silvio_favoreto@cuesta.edu & Laurie_mcconnico@cuesta.edu
Phone Number: N/A
Office Location/ Hours: We will not have office hours during summer, but are available by appointment with 24-48hrs notice.
Instructor Contact Expectations:
The best and fastest way to contact us is via Canvas conversations “inbox.” We will generally respond to your messages within 24 hours during weekdays only. During busy times of the semester, the response time may increase to 48 hours. On weekends, we will do our best to get back to you ASAP but we cannot guarantee an expeditious response.
Course Environment:
This hybrid course will be using a Web-based Learning Management System Canvas as the method to disseminate information. Canvas provides the framework for the course including PowerPoint presentations, student data files, the tools to receive and send course materials, and a grade book. Using the communication tools, you can e-mail, and can share materials and ideas with other course participants via the discussion forums and groups.
There will also be some in person lab meetings on campus in 2202. Please see the course schedule (mailed to you the 1st day of class) in your inbox/campus email.
This section will meet every day from May 25th - June 5th (with a volunteer opportunity for students on Monday, May 31st). THE LECTURE PORTION OF THIS CLASS WILL BE FULLY ONLINE; THE LABORATORY PORTION OF THIS CLASS WILL TAKE PLACE ON CAMPUS AND AT AN OFF-CAMPUS LOCATION. Students will participate in field work at the Morro Bay Estuary and complete lab work on campus as they help to investigate declines of the local eel grass population. You are required to be available for meetings May 25th thru June 5th.
****IF you have work conflicts, please reach out to see if your schedule can be accommodated-- we will try!****
Class opens / Accessing Canvas:
Prior to the Sunday classes start on 5/25/21, you will receive an email to your my.Cuesta.edu address providing you with a reminder that class will be starting and log in procedures for Canvas, the learning management system (LMS) used to deliver course content. You can access Canvas by logging into MyCuesta, then clicking on the Resources Tab, then clicking on Canvas in the Online Learning Channel, 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 you will be directed on where to get started. Be sure to read all the direction on the course home page.
If you are having difficulty logging into Canvas after 5/25/21 and need assistance please email me or technical support at this email address: support@my.cuesta.edu.
Online Learning:
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, although they may be much more convenient for many students. You should expect to spend at least as much time, if not more on this course as you would on a course that meets face to face. Since there is no lecture component, much of this time will be self-directed and there will be a substantial amount of reading, viewing, studying, and writing required. This course is completely online using Canvas; all coursework (discussions, assignments, quizzes) is submitted online. Please be prepared to spend 72 hours during the whole course, over 2 weeks time. Much of this work is done in person and not online.
IS an ONLINE CLASS FOR YOU?
- First, go to the Online Readiness Resources to take a "self-assessment”. There are many resources that were designed to help you understand the basis for an online class and 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 the online class and enroll in a traditional classroom section.)
Regular Effective Contact policy:
Regular and Effective Instructor Contact will be met through weekly instructor initiated threaded discussion forums; weekly announcements to students; timely and effective feedback on student assignments; email, phone or messaging to individuals; and virtual office hours.
Students should check their campus/canvas email daily to avoid missing key information and announcements. There will be DAILY synchronous zoom meetings in the afternoons. These zoom meetings will be recorded, but you should plan to attend at the times indicated in the syllabus. If you must miss class due to conflicts with work, please contact instructors prior to the start of the course to make arrangements.
Lab meetings will occur in-person on campus, using social distancing! The dates for these in person, face to face, meetings are 5/27-6/2. They will occur in the morning or afternoon depending on which group you are assigned to/ volunteer to attend. If you have a work or school schedule that must be accommodated, please email instructors today! We will try to work it out!
Course Description
BIO 210M - Environmental and Applied Microbiology
Presents an examination of microorganisms in the environment including: occurrence, abundance, and distribution; processes of microbial interaction with the environment; importance to human and animal health and practices of applied environmental microbiology.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Identify basic features of environmental microorganisms and their relationship with their hosts and surroundings.
- Recognize the importance and demonstrate precision in scientific documentation.
Text Book and Materials
- There is no required text for this course.
- Supplemental Materials necessary for the class:
- Technology tools outside the LMS:
Technical Support
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 or logging in, it may be because you are not using the correct url: https://cuesta.instructure.com/ or you are using your phone or using an unsupported browser.
Your learning environment is best accessed from a desktop or laptop computer, using Firefox or Chrome. This may solve your problem! Please review the browser requirements and minimum computer specifications.
Accommodations:
This course is designed using an accessible Learning Management System, 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, please contact the instructor as soon as possible so that you can receive appropriate accommodations in a timely manner. You should also contact DSPS (Disabled Student Programs & Services). at 805-546-3148.
College & Course Policies:
Academic Honesty Policy: In addition to my course policy, please note all students attending San Luis Obispo County Community College District at any district site and when representing Cuesta College in any off-campus activity, assume an obligation to conduct themselves in an acceptable manner compatible with the Student Code of conduct. Please review the Cuesta College Student Code of conductLinks to an external site..
Add / Drop Policy: The last day to add or drop this course without a “W” is June 25th, the last day to drop this course with a “W” is ~June 28th (see the Cuesta Calendar for exact dates). All students are responsible for dropping themselves if they do not plan to complete the course. Failure to drop yourself may result in being issued a grade at the end of the term. In addition to my policy, please review the Cuesta policy for drops.
Waitlist Policy: Please review Cuesta’s waitlist procedure and instructions.
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