Course Syllabus

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Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:
1. Apply the scientific method to investigating and evaluating biological phenomena.
2. Explain the application of the core concepts of biology to current issues.
3. Evaluate the scientific background of and debate on current biological issues.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of laboratory and field biology techniques, including microscopy.

Instructor Contact

Email and Phone

      • I respond to Canvas Inbox message or email (azoger@santarosa.edu) within 24 hours M-F, by Monday afternoon if sent between 5pm Friday and 5pm Sunday.
      • You may leave phone messages (707-527-4524) but I'm not as good at checking those as I am with email.

 

Office Hours::

      • Wednesday 11-12pm or 5-6pm 
      • Baker 1824
      • By appointment via Zoom:

 

What are office hours for?

Please come to office hours! I am happy to see you and talk with you. 

Ideas for things to discuss during office hours:

          • get help answering a study question, or another content question you have
          • go over a quiz after your first attempt to improve for the 2nd attempt
          • go over a graded exam
          • go over an assignment before you submit it, or discuss feedback on a graded assignment
          • get help navigating Canvas
          • get help finding an SRJC or community resource (like writing help, mental health care, food, equipment loans, etc.)
          • get help figuring out what to focus on to catch up, make a priority list and schedule, and set course goals together
          • chat and help me get to know you (great idea if you might ever want me to write a recommendation letter for you, which I love to do)
          • get advice or ask for help connecting with helpful people for your future academic or professional career
          • ask random biology questions I may or may not be able to help you with
          • work on an assignment quietly by yourself and ask me questions when they come up as you work
          • come with your study group and study, asking me questions when they come up

Emergency Information

In case of an emergency where you would usually call 911, at Santa Rosa JC you must instead dial 527-1000 (from a cell phone) or 1000 (from a campus phone)for an immediate police response. In the event of an emergency during class that requires evacuation of the building, please leave the class immediately, but calmly to make sure everyone got out of the building safely. During lecture, gather in Bech Parking Lot. During lab, gather on the lawn between Baker and Bech. Wait to receive further instructions. If you are a student with a disability who may need assistance in an evacuation, please see me during my office hours as soon as possible so we can discuss an evacuation plan.

Attendance Policy

Class participation is a key element of this course as we will have interactive exercises, group activities and class discussions. Therefore students will earn 30 points based on their attendance and participation in class and lab.  At the end of the semester, I will count up absences and late arrivals and if you have  4 or less, I will give you all of those points, regardless of the reason for the absence. If there are more than 4 late absences or late arrivals then there will be loss of points. If you have missed more than 4 classes, there is probably a serious issue and you should come to see me. Hopefully, we can figure out a way to support you so that you can overcome whatever obstacles are hindering you. 

 

Covid 19: FAQ

What if I feel sick?

Please don’t come to class if you are sick or if you have been exposed to someone who has Covid. Students and faculty may be high risk themselves or have family members who are, so please don’t risk exposing others. If you feel sick or know you’ve been exposed, please get tested for Covid ASAP. You can get a free test at Student Health Services. Please call them (527-4445) for an appointment.

What do I do if I test positive for Covid?

You need to quarantine for 5 days if you test positive for Covid. This means you cannot come on field trips or come to campus during this time, even if you feel better. If you are going to miss class for this reason, I need to have confirmation from your doctor or Student Health Services of when you’re cleared to come back to class. Please send me this information ASAP so we can make a plan for make-up work.

What will this mean for my status in the class?

You are responsible for all the material you will miss while on quarantine. The material on Canvas is set up so that you can follow along at home and attend the remote lecture sessions on Thursdays.

 

Grading Policy

Visit the “Grades” page in Canvas course navigation to keep track of your grades. I grade and post grades and comments on the online Canvas gradebook. I encourage you to keep a close eye on your grades and feedback.

Grades will be assigned as follows:

    • A: 90-100%; B 80-89%; C 70-79%; D 60-69%; F: 59% and below.
    • Grades are transferred directly from Canvas into the final grade system, so what shows in Canvas is accurate.
    • You can use the What If? grade function in Canvas to set specific goals on assignments - it will show you how your grade will change given an assignment grade you enter. Here is a link to learn about this tool: What If Grades in Canvas Links to an external site.

Turning in assignments

  • In this course, all assignments will be submitted through Canvas. I will not accept assignments through email, because I grade using the Canvas grading system. Each assignment will have a due date (listed in the course schedule) and a close date.
  • There will be a late penalty for all assignments. In the course, you will need to have done the reading and assignments before the class meeting in order for the in class work to make sense. 
  • Some assignments will require file uploads. The acceptable file formats are: pdf, jpg, jpeg, tiff, png, doc, docx, xls.
  • Never submit a .pages document, or a live document (like a google doc or google spreadsheet) - I cannot accept these, as I won't be able to view them through the Canvas grading tool.
  • Each assignment page will have directions and upload help links. Make sure to start your upload at least 30min before the close time. Submit a day in advance if you might need help from me.

Accommodations

Students with disabilities who need or may need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact Disability Resources (527-4278), disabilityinfo@santarosa.edu as soon as possible to better ensure such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion. You will need to provide the Authorization for Academic Accommodations (AAA letter) from the Disability Resources Department (DRD) to receive accommodations.

I want you to have what you need to succeed, so if you may be eligible, please seek all accommodations you are entitled to even if you have not done so in previous classes.

Additional resources for success

Course Summary:

Date Details Due