Bio 109 Online: Genetics and Biotechnology in Society
Fullerton College Instructor: Jo Wu, Ph.D.

 

Bio 109: Frequently Asked Questions

What will be covered in this course?

Catalog Description: This introductory survey course will cover the basic concepts of heredity and current advances in biotechnology - such as cloning, recombinant DNA technology, DNA fingerprinting and gene therapy. This course will emphasize the applications, social consequences and ethical implications of biotechnology in medicine and agriculture. 
Dr. Wu is more than willing to discuss and facilitate learning of any particular topics that interest you. [Top]

How does this online course work?

All the information for this course will be posted onto a password-protected web site specific to this class (on the WebCT server). You will access the lecture notes, tutorials, quizzes and forums with your internet browser. There are more web assignments (thus more reading), more open-book testing, much more writing (instead of speaking up in class) and no speeches in the online section. You will need to interact with the instructor and classmates via electronic mail and discussion groups. 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. Instructor will attempt to answer all student questions via email and chat sessions, but will also schedule face-to-face meetings on campus twice a semester. [Top]

What personal attributes are needed for online courses?

Personal Qualities: Self-motivation, good organizational skills (to meet deadlines), ablity to read carefully and fairly quickly, willingness to share your viewpoint about controversial topics (can be anonmously), lots of study time, do not rely on face-to-face interaction with instructor and other students, and most important -- do not procrastinate!

Since Distance Learning courses are not designed for everyone, take these short surveys to help you decide how well these courses fit into your circumstances, lifestyle and study habits.

What equipment and supplies are needed for this online course?

How are lectures, exams, quizzes, and grades delivered?

The lecture notes, tutorials links, discussion topics, quizzes, and grades will be posted on the internet on the WebCT server. You will be able to study at your convenience, work ahead or catch up (as needed). You are responsible for keeping up with the course materials and deadlines.
You can choose to take the online quizzes and exams at your convenience during the allocated periods. [Top]

How much study time is really needed ?

Obviously this depends on your science background knowledge, how quickly you read, comprehend, learn new material, and what grade you desire. According to college guidelines, a 3-unit course should equal 6 study hours per week (during regular semester). That translates to 30 hours per week during the summer session. [Top]

How is the summer session different from the fall and winter sessions?

Summer semesters seem more intense because of the fast pace! You will not have to worry about forgetting deadlines because there probably is a deadline everyday! You cannot afford to fall behind since there is only 2.5 weeks between the two exams. Be sure to read the advice from past summer students. [Top]

What advice do other past students give about taking online courses?

Advice from Dr. Wu's past students about online Bio 109 course.

How do I enroll for this online course?

If you are a NEW student, you will need to read and submit the registration information from the Admissions and Records Office, especially Fullerton College application form. If the class is already filled or "closed" officially, follow the instructions on the Bio 109 Syllabus.

What is the companion laboratory course? [Top]

The companion laboratory course has not been offered in recent years. Contact the instructor Dr. Cal Young via email at cyoung@fullcoll.edu

How can the instructor be contacted?

The best way to contact me is by email <jwu@fullcoll.edu> which I check daily. But I am willing to meet for help sessions on campus -- just email or post on course site to arrange. You may also call and leave a message on my answering machine (714-992-7095), which I only check when on campus (Mondays-Thursdays).
 
You must read the class syllabus, follow instructions, and contact me by using the email within the WebCT course server during the first two days of the course. [Top]

What is WebCT? [Top]

All online classes at Fullerton College use a courseware program known as WebCT. Think of WebCT as your classroom for the course. WebCT provides tools for you and your instructor to operate and manage the course in the easiest manner possible. All online courses at Fullerton College are hosted by the California Virtual Campus (CVC). 

The FC Distance Learning Office has put together videos to help you explore the WebCT tools.

If you are a FIRST-TIME USER of WebCT, you may want to review the WebCT orientation at http://cvc2.org/webct/orientation1.htm and http://cvc2.org/webct/orientation2.htm

To gain access to the WebCT, you need a WEBCT ID and a PASSWORD. If you have already registered for the course, then your username and password are already set up.  

Where can I Access my WebCT course(s)? WebCT can be accessed from any computer that has Internet access. You have access to WebCT in any of the open computer labs on campus. Information regarding campus lab locations and hours of operation for the open labs can be found at: http://fcnet.fullcoll.edu/labs.htm.