Whats the layout of this course?

This course has 8 units.

1.

The scientific method

2.

Macromolecules

3.

The cell

4.

Genetics

5.

DNA structure and function

6.

Evolution

7.

Metabolism

8.

Ecology

All items for each week are due Wednesday at 5:00 PM PT of the indicated
week.
The due date for the first activity, the syllabus quiz, is earlier because you cant
start unit 1 until youvescored 100% on the syllabus quiz. (Dont worry its not a
difficult quiz). But, you must complete this before the due date or you cant get
to unit 1 and may be dropped from the class.
No late work will be accepted unless there are serious and compelling
circumstances. You should contact me prior to the due date to discuss a potential
extension. The granting of due date extensions is solely at the discretion of the
instructor and will generally require documentation.
The units are all available at the start of the semester; so you can work a bit
ahead of schedule to allow for life challenges later. I recommend that you do not
procrastinate. If you are prone to procrastination, the recommended due date
is Sunday at Midnight. That gives you 3 extra days to get help with anything
that is challenging.
Due dates are posted at the end of the syllabus and the beginning of each unit.
Note: Links disappear when the due date has passed.

 Each unit is 2 weeks long and, other than the first unit, follow exactly the same
organization.
You should complete the units in order. That, is dont do the quiz
unless youve completed the text and activity assignments. Dont do the
discussion unless youve completed the worksheet
Course Homepage
The course homepage will be the ***Start Here*** Module for the first few days of
the semester.
You can move on to other modules by clicking "course content" on the menu.
After that it will be the Announcements page.
This module will show new announcements and other information
Click on "course content" to complete assignments after reading any new
announcements.
All times are in Pacific Time (PT)

Whats the layout of each unit?

The first unit is slightly different because of the
course background that we need to begin the
semester.
Units 2 8 will all be organized in exactly the
same format.
All this information will also be in the
syllabus in an easy to print pdf format

Unit layout for unit 1

You are working your way through the first portion of this unit. (And youre almost
done!!!)
If you continue to read through this learning module like you are currently doing it
will explain what you will need to do. You will read the syllabus and take a quiz.
(25 pts)
all the information you are currently reading will be in the syllabus in an easy to
print pdf file. You will want to have this handy when takingthe quiz!
The syllabus quiz is due during the first week of class.
Then you will move on to unit 1: The scientific method.
Week 1
Complete the study skills assignment (5 pts)
Complete an online activity (25 pts)
Week 2
Conduct an experiment of your own (25 pts)
Post to this units discussion (15 pts)
Respond to 2 other student postings (5 pts).

Unit layout for units 2 8

Each learning unit begins with some necessary introductory information
schedule for the unit
learning objectives and review questions for the unit. Be sure you can answer all
the review questions for the test
where to get help
list of web links for additional information. Use these as a way to help you
understand concepts that you are having a difficult time with. They may cover the
information in a different way than we do in class which can be helpful. However,
be aware that they may cover the information in more or less detail than you
need.
Introduction to the topic written by the instructor. This outlines my vision of the
essential information you will be learning in the unit
Next, information for Week A: Biology Background is provided
Study Skills Assignment (5 pts)
This is a brief assignment that will help you build the study skills needed for
the class.
Activity (25 pts)
Complete an activity. This activity may be an online activity or one that you
will need to complete in real life.
Complete the quiz (25 pts)
To prepare for the quiz
Read the intro I've posted on Blackboard.
Be sure you can answer all of the questions from the Review Sheet on
Blackboard.
Review the information from the study skills assignment and the activity
for the unit.
Be sure to look over any comments I've made on your work.
Remember to ask me questions if anything is unclear.
The quizzes are timed and fairly difficult, so be sure to study!
You only have 1 attempt for the quiz, so make sure you set aside a time free
of distractions and potential computer problems.
The quiz be due at the end of the unit to give you time to study.

 Next, information for Week B: Current events is provide

Worksheet (25 pts)
We will expand on the basic information covered in Week A.
You will read about a current event and complete a worksheet.
Discussion. (20 pts)
You will post your answer to a question based on the readings and reply to
other student posts.
You will be graded on the quality of your posting
You will be expected to follow rules of common courtesy when posting to
these discussions. We will be discussing sensitive topics, and you will be
expected to reply politely to other students. A failure to follow the following
rules will result in points deducted from your grade:
Do not make personal attacks against colleagues
Focus on the information not the person
Argue clearly WHY do you agree or disagree
Stick to the point
Be polite