Structure

Structure

This marine biology course is designed to partially fufill the general education requirement in natural science. As such, it includes both virtual "lecture" and "laboratory" sections and requires approximately six (6) hours of online instruction per week. In addition, it includes approximately three (3) hours of weekly reading and writing "homework" assignments. Be sure to schedule regular hours for working on the course. Carefully read the syllabus and orientation for more course information and refer to the course calendar for due dates. Access the lessons from the course calendar or by clicking the lesson icon on the course home page.

Course Structure

The course consists of twelve (12) lessons divided among four (4) units. Unit One includes lessons one (1) through three (3). Unit Two includes lessons four (4) through six (6). Unit Three includes lessons seven (7) through nine (9). Unit Four includes lessons ten (10) through twelve (12). Check the calendar for the due dates for each unit.

Each lesson contains seven (7) sections:

Introduction
- A brief description of the lesson content.
Focusing Your Learning
- Lists of the official MCCD course competencies and objectives.
Reading Assignments
- Required readings from the textbook and coloring book.
Instruction
- Directions and links for a lecture and a laboratory exercise.
Assessing Your Learning
- Links to graded notes and laboratory quizzes.
Expressing Your Learning
- A link to a graded essay quiz.
Related Web Site
- A link for pursuing the lesson topic on the internet.

Schedule

The schedule contains all the due dates for the course. It also has links to all twelve lessons.

Reading

The reading assignments are important preparation for the lecture and laboratory exercises. They are listed by the two major topics covered in the lesson.

Instruction

The lecture exercise includes links for two (2) sets of online notes and a notes self test for the two major topics covered in the lesson.

The laboratory exercise includes links for four (4) laboratory activities and a laboratory self test for topics covered in the lesson.

Notebook

I recommend developing an e-notebook using your word processing program. Both lecture and laboratory exercises in all twelve lessons of the course include instructions for entering information and data into your e-notebook. The e-notebook entries are extremely valuable when completing the notes and laboratory quizzes!

Quizzes

The notes quiz covers the material from the lecture exercise.

The laboratory quiz covers material from the laboratory exercise.

The essay quiz covers material from the reading assignments and the lecture and laboratory exercises.

Communication

Communicating with your instructor is an important part of an internet course. Don't hesitate to ask questions about course content and logistics. Be sure to let your instructor know if you are having any difficulties or if you foresee missing any course deadlines.

Access the bulletin board and the mailbox from the course home page. Check the bulletin board frequently throughout the semester for course announcements. Communicate with your instructor using the mailbox.

Additional Information

Syllabus:
The Syllabus page contains information about course policies, requirements, grades, and grading. To access the Syllabus click the link at the bottom of this page, on the course menu, or on the course homepage.

Orientation:
The Orientation page contains information about communications, help, and logistics for the course. To access the Orientation page click the link on the course menu or course homepage.

Syllabus