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WebCT Bio 145 Introduction

  Introduction


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 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 two (2) units. Unit One includes lessons one (1) through six (6) ending with an in person midterm exam. Unit Two includes lessons seven (7) through twelve (12) ending with an in person final exam.

Each lesson contains seven (7) sections:

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

  Calendar


The calendar contains all the due dates for the course. You can click on any of the calendar dates for more details about the items posted on it. 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

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

  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 instruction exercises.

  Exams

An in person midterm exam and an in person final exam are required for this course. The calendar lists specific due dates for taking the exams. The exams may be taken early but cannot be taken late without special permission from the instructor. The syllabus contains more information about where and how to take the exams.

Each exam will consist of seventy five (75) multiple choice questions worth two (2) points each and two (2) essays worth twenty five (25) points each. These questions will be drawn from the online quizzes embedded in the lessons.

  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.

 

Syllabus