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?
- Textbook: Human Genetics (fiftth edition) by Ricki
Lewis. You do not need the case workbook. Buy online from FC Bookstore. Also
search http://www.campusi.com, www.alibris.com, www.swapbooks.com,
www.bigwords.com, www.textbookx.com, www.ecampus.com to
comparison shop on the internet.
- Computer Skills: able to send and receive email, access
the internet with
several windows opened at the same time,
open software programs, save files, cut and paste text
- Computer Equipment: computer (Mac or PC), modem, internet
account (from Earthlink, GTE, PacBell, etc.), internet browser
(Internet Explorer, Netscape Navigator or Safari), email account,
any word processing software that has spell-check (Word, Wordperfect).
- Computer Software for some
links (available for
free) : Adobe Acrobat, Real Audio/Video player, Shockwave,
Quicktime
- Remember: All of the computer
labs and library on the Fullerton College campus are also available
for your use at no additional cost. [Top]
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.
- Write an email letter (addressed
to Admissions but send to me), including your full name, FC student
ID#, birthdate, mailing address, telephone, email. I will
submit the letter (which substitutes as your signature) and signed
Add slip to Admissions office for you. I will then
contact you by email, so that you can pay for the course
within 72 hours.
- To doublecheck your official enrollment status (and grades
later), go to the Fullerton College WebStar
system.
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.