Marine Biology, Bio 222/ CRN 50058
Instructor: Dr. Laurie McConnico
Contact information
Email Address: Laurie_mcconnico@cuesta.edu
Phone Number: N/A
Office Location/ Hours: I will not have office hours during summer, but am available by appointment with 24-48hrs notice. Please make an appointment by messaging in the Canvas Inbox.
Contacting before start of class: If you have a question prior to the start of class, please email me using the address above.
Instructor Contact Expectations Once Class Begins:
The best and fastest way to contact me is using the Canvas “Inbox” within the LMS. I will generally respond to your messages within 24-48hours during weekdays only. During busy times of the semester, the response time may increase to 48-72 hours. On weekends, I will do my best to get back to you ASAP but I cannot guarantee an expeditious response.
Course Environment:
This online course will be using a Web-based Learning Management System Canvas as the method to disseminate information. Our course is 100% asynchronous, with no in person meetings. 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 communicate using e-mail, and you can share materials and ideas with other course participants via the discussion forums and groups.
Class opens / Accessing Canvas:
This course will begin on June 3 and end on July 12, 2024. It is a 6-week summer course covering 18 weeks of content.
Prior to the Monday classes start on 6/3/24, 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 6/3/24 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. There are no face-to-face meetings. This course will require a serious time commitment as it covers 18 weeks of content in just 6 weeks time! Please be prepared to spend 20-25 hours per week on learning the material. That said, the homework load is fairly light. There are chapter smart books, a few discussions, 4 exams and a small group discussion project.
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.
Students should login sufficiently frequent to complete all required modules and smart books prior to each exam. While working on modules is independent, all students MUST COMPLETE EXAMS by the last day they are scheduled, before 1159pm. All exams are open for weeks at a time. Students may work ahead at their own pace, but weekly benchmarks must be met to stay on track.
To be successful in this course, students need to be self motivated and on top of all deadlines. This course requires students to work at their own pace to meet target deadlines.
Course Description
Marine Biology 222
Emphasizes marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and ecology. Provides an overview of marine biology and includes an introduction to oceanography. Focuses on comparative studies of marine plants and animals, research, human impacts, and the conservation of the marine environment. Transfer: CSU; UC.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Summarize the scientific method and apply relevant terminology and concepts, including scientific theories.
- Recognize, contrast, and explain characteristics of and impacts to marine organisms and ecosystems.
Text Book and Materials
- Marine Biology, by Castro and Huber, with connect, 12th edition (ISBN: 2818440003745). ). Students should adopt the e-book (~$62.50) as part of the 1st day ready program. See these details inside the Canvas Course once the Bio 222 begins. DO NOT BUY a text until you enter the canvas course. You will purchase the text inside the course and it will be billed to your school account.
- 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 conduct.
Add / Drop Policy: The last day to add or drop this course without a “W” is ~June 9th, the last day to drop this course with a “W” is ~June 26th (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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