Due to the unprecedented circumstances of 2020, the Biology Department has made some changes to respond to the COVID-19 Pandemic and subsequent shift to online course delivery. The college is also facing a large budget cut due to the economic recession from so many business shutting down.
The hands-on lab component of this course is so extensive and important that we (and other colleges in the region) do not feel that we can successfully offer it as an online-only course. We will offer as many sections as we possibly can in subsequent semesters to help you get back on track with your plans.
Some courses will have fewer sections available than usual. Unfortunately when the college budget is reduced, we can't offer as many sections of all courses. Some faculty also decided to reduce the number of sections they teach so that we can take more time for each student in the courses we are offering. The online environment is time-intensive for both faculty and students!
All courses will be offered in what is called Emergency Remote Teaching (ERT) format. This means that although courses may have specific days, time and rooms listed in the schedule (or WEB), there will be no on-campus meetings. This is not exactly the same as a 100% online course you may have taken in past semesters.
Instructors may require you to be "present" in the online Canvas container or Zoom meetings during those days and times for some or all class meetings (for live lecture or Q&A sessions) or to work in small groups. This work is called synchronous (at the same time). Instructors may have you do some or all of the work on your own schedule or by individual appointment (watching recorded lectures, working on assignments, contributing to discussions). This work is called asynchronous (not at the same time). Since it might help you to know ahead of time what each instructor plans to do, we have compiled that information below (scroll down). If the instructor will do some of each type, both are listed, indicating that some days you will need to meet for at least part of the time as scheduled but perhaps not all days. Contact individual instructors for more detailed information.
| Course | Instructor(s) | Lecture | Lab |
| 105 | Dudley | Asynch | Asynch |
| 110 | Golden | Synch/Asynch | Asynch |
| 120 |
Gekakis |
Asynch | Asynch |
| 120 |
Perchez |
Synch | Asynch |
| 120 |
Waayers, Janiyani |
Synch | Synch |
| 140 | Shearer | Synch/Asynch | Synch/Asynch |
| 141 | Holden | Synch/Asynch | Synch/Asynch |
| 141L | Holden | Synch/Asynch | Synch/Asynch |
| 144 | Alagia | Synch/Asynch | Synch/Asynch |
| 145 | Alagia | Synch/Asynch | Synch/Asynch |
| 215 | Webb | Synch/Asynch | Synch/Asynch |
| 230 | Miller | Synch/Asynch | Synch/Asynch |
| 240 | Miller/Ripley | Synch/Asynch | Synch/Asynch |
You have the bad luck to be trying to go to college during an every-100-years global disaster. Whether you prefer online delivery of your courses or not, the Biology Department is committed to keeping you on track towards your educational goals. The bookstore will be open and selling textbooks but we will also be using more free online resources rather than traditional textbooks and lab manuals. There will be tutoring available for most courses via Net Tutor (24/7) and virtual visits with peer tutors in the Tutoring Center. Unfortunately, campus computer labs will not be open for student use. However, Grossmont College may be able to help you pay for your technology needs. Pay attention to emails from the college inviting you to apply.
Special considerations for Biology Department courses in the online format include access to a laptop or desktop computer with internet connection and a full Windows or Mac operating system for some class work. Specialized software required for some Biology classes DOES NOT work on phones, tablets, Chromebooks or similar devices designed primarily for internet browsing and social media.
We additionally recommend that students have access to a:
Requirements may vary depending on course and instructor. Information will be provided in course syllabi and Canvas containers.
8800 Grossmont College Drive
El Cajon, California 92020
619-644-7000
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