Welcome to Environmental Biology: Bio 220 - Fall Welcome Letter: Robert Schroeter Portfolio

Welcome to Environmental Biology

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BIO 220 Environmental Biology - CRN 74059

Instructor: Dr. Robert Schroeter

Contact information

Email Address: Robert_schroeter@cuesta.edu

Office Location/ Hours: Tuesday 4:50-5:50 pm (via Zoom Meeting Room). I am also available by appointment with 24-48hrs notice.

Instructor Contact Expectations:

The best way to contact me is email. I will generally respond to your emails within 24 hours during weekdays only. During busy times of the semester, the response time may increase to 48 hours. On weekends, I will do my best to get back to you ASAP.

Course Environment:

This online course will be taught with a combination of synchronous (real-time) and asynchronous (at a time that is convenient for you) instruction. Synchronous lectures and discussion will take place each day of course instruction (Tuesday & Thursday), from 3:15-4:50pm.

Synchronous instruction will take place through scheduled online Zoom classroom meetings and discussion sessions. These synchronous lectures and discussions are required, and points will be deducted if you do not attend and participate in some way (more on this later). Exams will also be conducted synchronously. The Web-based Learning Management System, Canvas, will be the primary method to disseminate classroom information. Canvas will provide the framework for the course including PowerPoint presentations, the tools to receive and send course materials, a grade book, and discussion forums and groups. Office hours will also be in real-time. Some quizzes, readings, assignments and select lectures will be asynchronous (work at your pace). The schedule will be made available by the beginning of class.

Class opens / Accessing Canvas:

The first day of instruction for this class is Tuesday 9/1/20. 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.

You must log into ZOOM for real-time Environmental Biology lectures and discussions on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 3:15 – 4:50pm. For more personal one-one-one help, visit me during my weekly virtual office hours (Zoom meeting room) to be held each Tuesday from 4:50 to 5:50pm or by appointment.

Before class begins, I will send you invitations to join both the lecture and the office hours via email and place announcements on CANVAS. You will need to register for a ZOOM account. To register for a ZOOM account, go to: https://zoom.us/freesignup/Links to an external site. and use your Cuesta College email address to get your account. You may need to use the ZOOM Meeting Guide if you are new to ZOOM. You will need a webcam to connect visually.

If you are not familiar with logging into canvas, please refer to the Canvas Quick Reference Guide-Links to an external site.Links to an external site. 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 8/28/20 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 easy or easier than regular in person instruction, although they may be 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. A portion of this course will be self-directed and there will be a substantial amount of reading, viewing, studying, and writing required. All coursework (assignments, group discussions, quizzes and exams) will be submitted online with exams, lectures and some discussions conducted synchronously (real time). Please be prepared to spend an additional 8 - 10 hours per week on coursework outside of the regular scheduled class hours 3:15-4:50.

IS an ONLINE CLASS FOR YOU?

First, go to the Online Readiness Resources-Links to an external site.Links to an external site. 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 synchronous instruction; 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 frequently and complete all required assignments for a given exam section, prior to each exam. As previously stated, students MUST COMPLETE EXAMS during the regularly scheduled class times and all exams are scheduled during a 3:15-4:50pm time window.

Exam Schedule – All Exams Begin promptly at 3:15pm.

Exam 1: Sept. 29^th @ 3:15pm

Exam 2: Oct 22^nd @ 3:15pm

Exam 3: Nov 10^th @ 3:15pm

Exam 4: Dec 10^th @ 3:15pm

FINAL Exam: Dec. 17^th @ 3:15pm

Course Description

Environmental Biology 220

Presents a study of basic biological principles and their use in understanding environmental issues, including human population growth, biological conservation, pollution, climate change and the use of natural resources. Advisory: Eligibility ENGL 201A. Transfer: CSU; UC (formerly Bio 20).

Student Learning Outcomes

Understand the scientific method.
Analyze environmental issues using scientific methodology.
Construct, read, and interpret scientific tables and graphs.
Discuss interaction of species diversity, ecological stability, & human & environmental health.
Discuss the impact of human population on natural ecosystems and processes.
Discuss how photosynthesis & respiration are involved in food webs & nutrient cycling.
Evaluate and compare conflicting explanations of environmental issues
Evaluate and compare conflicting solutions to environmental issues.

Textbook and Materials

REQUIRED TEXT: Miller, G.T., and S.E. Spoolman. 2015. Sustaining the Earth. 11th Ed. (ISBN-13: 978-1-285-76949-3). An E-version of this text is available. Check the Cuesta College Bookstore Website and Search for Fall 2020 Term Section#74059 or follow this link Cuesta College Bookstore Search PageLinks to an external site.
The following links may also be useful for this course-Links to an external site:

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.instr]ucture.com/Links to an external site. or you are using your phone or 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 specificationsLinks to an external site.

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)Links to an external site. at 805-546-3148

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES WHO ARE REQUESTING ACCOMMODATIONS SHOULD USE THE FOLLOWING CUESTA PROCEDURE:

1. Contact the DSPS officeLinks to an external site. Building N3000, Room N3024
Fall/Spring hours: M-F 8 a.m.-12 noon, 1-5 p.m, (805) 591-6215, (805) 591-6216 TDD dspsinfo@cuesta.edu
2. Present documentation of disability for review by a disabilities specialist
3. Discuss options for support through DSPS
4. Present a signed DSPS authorization for accommodation to your instructor

College & Course Policies:

Academic Honesty Policy: This course is designed to expand YOUR knowledge on important subject matter that affects you, this planet, and everyone on it. Thus, I have a very strict policy on cheating - I will not tolerate any form of it. So, what is cheating?

Sharing answers with another student to complete assignments or exams
Submitting someone else’s files or internet text as your own
Submitting your assignments or another student’s files from a previous semester
Helping someone or receiving help on an exam
Getting someone else to take your exam
Searching the internet during a quiz or exam to obtain answers

If I find out you are cheating, you will receive a zero for your work or test score and you may be given an “F” for the course. If you work on any assignments in study groups, turn in your own work, in your own words. No cut-and-paste and or plagiarism will be tolerated.

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 - Links to an external site.Links to an external site.

Add / Drop Policy: [Identify your course-specific add/drop policy] In addition to my policy, please review the Cuesta policy for drops

Waitlist Policy: [Identify your course-specific waitlist procedures]. In addition to my course specific procedures, please review Cuesta’s waitlist procedure and instructionsLinks to an external site.:

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[{:section_type=>"rich_text", :content=>"<div id=\"page_content\" class=\"ui-sortable\">\n<div id=\"page_section_0\" class=\"section \">\n<div class=\"section_content\">\nBIO 220 Environmental Biology - CRN 74059\nInstructor: Dr. Robert Schroeter\n<h2>Contact information</h2>\nEmail Address: Robert_schroeter@cuesta.edu\nOffice Location/ Hours: Tuesday 4:50-5:50 pm (via Zoom Meeting Room). I am also available by appointment with 24-48hrs notice.\nInstructor Contact Expectations: \nThe best way to contact me is email.  I will generally respond to your emails within 24 hours during weekdays only.  During busy times of the semester, the response time may increase to 48 hours.  On weekends, I will do my best to get back to you ASAP. \nCourse Environment:\nThis online course will be taught with a combination of synchronous (real-time) and asynchronous (at a time that is convenient for you) instruction. Synchronous lectures and discussion will take place each day of course instruction (Tuesday &amp; Thursday), from 3:15-4:50pm.\nSynchronous instruction will take place through scheduled online Zoom classroom meetings and discussion sessions. These synchronous lectures and discussions are required, and points will be deducted if you do not attend and participate in some way (more on this later). Exams will also be conducted synchronously.  The Web-based Learning Management System, Canvas, will be the primary method to disseminate classroom information.  Canvas will provide the framework for the course including PowerPoint presentations, the tools to receive and send course materials, a grade book, and discussion forums and groups. Office hours will also be in real-time. Some quizzes, readings, assignments and select lectures will be asynchronous (work at your pace). The schedule will be made available by the beginning of class.\nClass opens / Accessing Canvas:\nThe first day of instruction for this class is Tuesday 9/1/20. 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 (<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.\nYou must log into ZOOM for real-time Environmental Biology lectures and discussions on Tuesdays &amp; Thursdays from 3:15 – 4:50pm. For more personal one-one-one help, visit me during my weekly virtual office hours (Zoom meeting room) to be held each Tuesday from 4:50 to 5:50pm or by appointment.\nBefore class begins, I will send you invitations to join both the lecture and the office hours via email and place announcements on CANVAS. You will need to register for a ZOOM account. To register for a ZOOM account, go to: <a class=\"external\" href=\"https://zoom.us/freesignup/\" target=\"_blank\">https://zoom.us/freesignup/Links to an external site.</a> and use your Cuesta College email address to get your account. You may need to use the ZOOM Meeting Guide if you are new to ZOOM. You will need a webcam to connect visually.\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-Links to an external site.Links to an external site.</a> 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.  \nIf you are having difficulty logging into Canvas after 8/28/20 and need assistance please email me or technical support at this email address: <a href=\"mailto:support@my.cuesta.edu\">support@my.cuesta.edu</a>. \nOnline Learning:  \nIf 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 easy or easier than regular in person instruction, although they may be 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. A portion of this course will be self-directed and there will be a substantial amount of reading, viewing, studying, and writing required. All coursework (assignments, group discussions, quizzes and exams) will be submitted online with exams, lectures and some discussions conducted synchronously (real time).  Please be prepared to spend an additional 8 - 10 hours per week on coursework outside of the regular scheduled class hours 3:15-4:50.\nIS an ONLINE CLASS FOR YOU? \n<ul>\n<li>First, go to the <a class=\"external\" href=\"https://www.cuesta.edu/academics/distance/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">Online Readiness Resources-Links to an external site.Links to an external site.</a> 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.)</li>\n</ul>\n<h2>Regular Effective Contact policy:</h2>\nRegular and Effective Instructor Contact will be met through weekly synchronous instruction; 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.\nStudents should check their campus/canvas email daily to avoid missing key information and announcements. Students should login frequently and complete all required assignments for a given exam section, prior to each exam. As previously stated, students MUST COMPLETE EXAMS during the regularly scheduled class times and all exams are scheduled during a 3:15-4:50pm time window.\nExam Schedule – All Exams Begin promptly at 3:15pm.\nExam 1: Sept. 29th @ 3:15pm\nExam 2: Oct 22nd @ 3:15pm\nExam 3: Nov 10th @ 3:15pm\nExam 4: Dec 10th @ 3:15pm\nFINAL Exam: Dec. 17th @ 3:15pm\n<h2>Course Description</h2>\nEnvironmental Biology 220\nPresents a study of basic biological principles and their use in understanding environmental issues, including human population growth, biological conservation, pollution, climate change and the use of natural resources. Advisory: Eligibility ENGL 201A. Transfer: CSU; UC (formerly Bio 20).\n<h2>Student Learning Outcomes</h2>\n<ol>\n<li>Understand the scientific method.</li>\n<li>Analyze environmental issues using scientific methodology.</li>\n<li>Construct, read, and interpret scientific tables and graphs.</li>\n<li>Discuss interaction of species diversity, ecological stability, &amp; human &amp; environmental health.</li>\n<li>Discuss the impact of human population on natural ecosystems and processes.</li>\n<li>Discuss how photosynthesis &amp; respiration are involved in food webs &amp; nutrient cycling.</li>\n<li>Evaluate and compare conflicting explanations of environmental issues</li>\n<li>Evaluate and compare conflicting solutions to environmental issues.</li>\n</ol>\n<h2>Textbook and Materials</h2>\n<ul>\n<li>REQUIRED TEXT: Miller, G.T., and S.E. Spoolman. 2015. Sustaining the Earth. 11th Ed. (ISBN-13: 978-1-285-76949-3). An E-version of this text is available. Check the Cuesta College Bookstore Website and Search for Fall 2020 Term Section#74059 or follow this link <a class=\"external\" href=\"https://cuesta.bncollege.com/shop/cuesta/page/find-textbooks\" target=\"_blank\">Cuesta College Bookstore Search PageLinks to an external site.</a></li>\n<li>The following links may also be useful for this course-Links to an external site:</li>\n</ul>\n<ul>\n<li><a class=\"external\" href=\"https://zoom.us/freesignup/\" target=\"_blank\">ConferZoomLinks to an external site.</a></li>\n<li><a class=\"external\" href=\"https://get.adobe.com/reader/\" target=\"_blank\">Adobe readerLinks to an external site.</a></li>\n<li><a class=\"external\" href=\"https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/education/products/office\" target=\"_blank\">Microsoft Office for Free (including word and powerpoint)Links to an external site.</a></li>\n</ul>\n<h2>Technical Support</h2>\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 or logging in, it may be because you are not using the correct url: <a class=\"external\" href=\"https://cuesta.instr%5Ducture.com/\" target=\"_blank\">https://cuesta.instr]ucture.com/Links to an external site.</a> or you are using your phone or an unsupported browser.\nYour learning environment is best accessed from a desktop or laptop computer, using Firefox or 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 specificationsLinks to an external site.</a> \n<h2>Accommodations:</h2>\nThis 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 <a class=\"external\" href=\"http://www.cuesta.edu/student/studentservices/dsps/index.html\" target=\"_blank\">DSPS (Disabled Student Programs &amp; Services)Links to an external site.</a> at 805-546-3148 \nSTUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES WHO ARE REQUESTING ACCOMMODATIONS SHOULD USE THE FOLLOWING CUESTA PROCEDURE:\n1. Contact the <a class=\"external\" href=\"http://academic.cuesta.edu/acasupp/dsps\" target=\"_blank\">DSPS officeLinks to an external site.</a> Building N3000, Room N3024 Fall/Spring hours: M-F 8 a.m.-12 noon, 1-5 p.m, (805) 591-6215, (805) 591-6216 TDD dspsinfo@cuesta.edu 2. Present documentation of disability for review by a disabilities specialist 3. Discuss options for support through DSPS 4. Present a signed DSPS authorization for accommodation to your instructor\n<h2>College &amp; Course Policies:</h2>\nAcademic Honesty Policy: This course is designed to expand YOUR knowledge on important subject matter that affects you, this planet, and everyone on it. Thus, I have a very strict policy on cheating - I will not tolerate any form of it. So, what is cheating? \n<ul>\n<li>Sharing answers with another student to complete assignments or exams</li>\n<li>Submitting someone else’s files or internet text as your own</li>\n<li>Submitting your assignments or another student’s files from a previous semester</li>\n<li>Helping someone or receiving help on an exam</li>\n<li>Getting someone else to take your exam</li>\n<li>Searching the internet during a quiz or exam to obtain answers</li>\n</ul>\nIf I find out you are cheating, you will receive a zero for your work or test score and you may be given an “F” for the course. If you work on any assignments in study groups, turn in your own work, in your own words. No cut-and-paste and or plagiarism will be tolerated. \nIn 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 <a class=\"external\" href=\"https://www.cuesta.edu/about/documents/vpss-docs/StudentConducttrifold-brochure_2017.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Cuesta College Student Code of conduct - Links to an external site.Links to an external site.</a>\nAdd / Drop Policy: [Identify your course-specific add/drop policy] In addition to my policy, please review the Cuesta policy for drops\n<ul>\n<li><a class=\"external\" href=\"https://www.cuesta.edu/student/studentservices/admrreg/arpolicies/addcourse.html\" target=\"_blank\">Add PolicyLinks to an external site.</a></li>\n<li><a class=\"external\" href=\"https://www.cuesta.edu/student/studentservices/admrreg/arpolicies/dropcourse.html\" target=\"_blank\">Drop PolicyLinks to an external site.</a></li>\n</ul>\nWaitlist Policy: [Identify your course-specific waitlist procedures]. In addition to my course specific procedures, please review <a class=\"external\" href=\"http://www.cuesta.edu/student/studentservices/admrreg/arpolicies/Waitlist.html\" target=\"_blank\">Cuesta’s waitlist procedure and instructionsLinks to an external site.</a>:  \n</div>\n</div>\n</div>"}]

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Bio 220 - Fall Welcome Letter

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Robert Schroeter Portfolio