The Bio 109 course grade is based on the following
5 Exams (out of 5)	100 pt each x 5	= 500 pt
Best 25 Quizzes (out of 35)	10 pt each x 25	= 250 pt
Best 16 Puzzles (out of 16)	5 pt each x 16	= 80 pt
Choose 4 Activities	20 pt each x 4	= 80 pt
(Optional Extra Credit Activity)	20 pt each x 1	= 20 pt

 

REQUIRED TEXTBOOK:

Human Genetics: Concepts and Applications, EIGHTH edition by Ricki Lewis. ISBN # 0077221273 (or¬Ý ISBN-13 9780077221270). You need to read the textbook and take your own notes. You can purchase the ebook (cheaper, easier to search topics) or the traditional paper version (don't have to read the computer).

 

ASSIGNMENTS:

TEXTBOOK READINGS are absolutely required. Linked web tutorials are also recommended.

 

CROSSWORD PUZZLES. Students have really liked crossword puzzles to review vocabulary and prepare for quizzes. After you have filled in a puzzle, go to the associated Puzzle quiz. You will be given 10 minutes to correctly type the answers of 10 randomly-chosen puzzle clues. Spelling counts!! There is only one attempt allowed for each puzzle.

 

QUIZZES. There will be LOTS of quizzes that you can take, but only the top twenty-five scores will count. Yes, this sounds like way too many quizzes -- but the quizzes really help you to learn the course in small portions! You can use the lecture notes, textbook, and internet (but NO other person, past exams or quizzes) to find answers to the quiz questions. A multiple-choice quiz usually has ten questions that covers one or two lecture topics. You are allowed two attempts for each quiz topic, with the higher score recorded. Correct answers to the quiz questions will NOT be released, as you should be able to find most of the answers in the notes, book, or web links. You should review quizzes to study for exams.

 

EXAMS. Exams have multiple-choice and written questions. Only one attempt of each exam is allowed, with 120 minute time-limit during a specified time-period. Any changes to the exam schedule will be announced via email. If you are not able to complete the exam times on the course calendar, please contact me during the first week of school.

ACTIVITIES. You will choose various activities -- research diseases, current news articles, hands-on DNA extraction in your kitchen, tour of Forensics lab at OC Sheriff's department, etc. If you are interested in attending the Friday morning, Nov 20 Forensics tour, let me know ASAP. I will be hosting hands-on labs for DNA extraction and gel electrophoresis on Saturday October 22 and two weekdays (TBA).

 

 

WHY TAKE ONLINE COURSE???

• ADVANTAGES of the online course: You will be able to work at your own pace and during any hour at your convenience - but you are responsible for meeting all course deadlines. You will need to interact with the instructor and classmates via electronic mail and discussion forums (bulletin boards). Instructor will attempt to answer all student questions via email and weekly chat sessions.  

• DISADVANTAGES of the online course: Although I may send you reminder emails about the course, this course requires much independence, self-motivation, responsibility and time-management skills! YOU need to remember to check emails, read the textbook, do activities, take quizzes and exams, and plan your schedule.
  
• Do not miss the deadlines!! This is the biggest problem for online students. Points are awarded for assignments that are submitted by the deadline (Pacific Time). Do not procrastinate!! Genetics is definitely NOT a course that you can procrastinate and wait until the last day to cram all the readings for 5 chapters and expect to do well on the exam.
  

HOW TO ADD THE COURSE???

You will need to apply for Admissions to get a FC student ID number, then register for the course online after your assigned registration date, and pay for the course within 72 hours of registration. If the class is "Closed or Already Filled" when you register, then write me email <jowu109@cox.net> to get an "ADD AUTHORIZATION CODE" or to be placed on the waiting list.