While it is not necessary, I suggest that you read the information on this page before taking the Start Quiz!
You are about to start the work for a class that is different from anything you have had before.
How do I know that? Because students have told me so...
If you wish, scroll down to the BOTTOM of the page and read some student comments. (Just below the YouTube cartoon with polar bears.) Then come back up here and continue reading.
Point to return to if you scrolled down to read student comments.
When you read this you have most likely submitted the Student Contract Quiz. But before you can start working with class assignments you should do a couple of things first:
1.You must familiarize yourself with the learning tools of the class. What are the learning tools? Simplified you have four tools (three are online):
i. Textbook If you have not obtained the textbook yet you must do so. You will not be able to pass all the "open book" quizzes you must do without a textbook. When you have the textbook, sit down and flip through it to get an idea of the content. Don't read anything, or at least don't read very much. Just familiarize yourself with the book. (Scroll down for the textbook information.)
ii. The Environmental Biology Class Hub -- a web site on the STC regular server with reading assignments, and class information including the SYLLABUS.
The page background on the Environmental Biology Hub is a green lush temperate rain forest. On the page you have buttons with links to instructions and reading assignments, AND the Syllabus. At a time convenient to you -- convenience is what online (or blended) classes are for, sit down and click at the various links to get an idea of the organization of the hub and some of the content on the pages. Just as with the textbook don't read anything at first, or at least don't read very much. Just familiarize yourself with the Environmental Biology Hub.
You might want to locate the Syllabus -- especially the Grading Criteria and the Semester Calendar -- click on the yellow link with the text "Syllabus".
I recommend that you put the hub page among your browser "favorites" or "bookmarks" because you will use this page throughout the semester.
Did you get lost? Remember the "light olive green" green link with the text Environmental Biology -- it is on most class web pages. If you get lost in the click on that link to take you back to the hub page.
iii. Blackboard Plaza -- a course shell on the STC Blackboard server where you will submit assignments and may obtain some specific assignment information. The Help Desk/Student Collaboration is located here. You will not have access to Blackboard Plaza until you have submitted the Student Contract Quiz.
The first quiz you must take, when you have access to Blackboard Plaza, is the "Start Quiz" located in the "Start Here!" folder on Blackboard Plaza. As soon as you have passed the Start Quiz with the required grade all the assignment folders will become available.
iv. The Town Hall -- an extra course shell on the STC Blackboard server set up by the Blackboard people after about 3 weeks of the semester, where all students in all classes taught by Dr. Nilsson will participate in the same bulletin boards -- where we will debate "evolution" and closely related topics in the assignment called the Town Hall Meeting.
Again, the Town Hall course shell is pending the set-up by the Blackboard people, and may not be visible the first day of the semester. So don't worry if you don't see it the first few days.
2. For some assignments you must take a few "key quizzes" before they will open up. Blackboard is a learning tool that can be programmed to turn on and off various assignments or assignment folders. As you progress through the semester some links on Blackboard will become visible (and clickable), some will disappear. Some folder links will always be visible, but the content inside may not be available at first. Before you will be able to use some of these you must open them with a "key". A "key quiz" is that key. Sometimes, instead of a separate "key quiz", another quiz functions as a "key" -- for example you cannot take Chapter Quiz 2 until you first have passed Chapter Quiz 1. If this sounds complicated, don't worry, you will get the hang of it soon -- after you have spent some time familiarizing yourself with the cyber classroom pages. During regular fall and spring semesters there are no due dates the first 14 days. (During summer semester III it is usually a week...)
It is going to take you a while to get used to the class tools. Take the time you need! (But you MUST take the time! That is part of the class philosophy.) THEREFORE there are no assignments due the first 14 days, or so, of the semester -- it is for you to navigate and read instructions. (But you MUST take the time!) As has already been stated, the first part of the semester is a learning period to help you understand the course. Make sure you use the first two weeks wisely!!!
It is a "class assignment" to figure out how the class works -- and you must DO IT YOURSELF by reading online instructions -- especially the GRADING CRITERIA and the SEMESTER CALENDAR, and visiting the Help Desk/Student Collaboration for some help, and using your noggin (critical thinking?)
Some semesters there are three kinds of classes using these pages (each class has its own separate but identical Blackboard course shell).
1. Face-to-face web-enhanced classes -- meet on a regular bassis in the classroom -- including "office hours" scheduled in conjunction with each of the class meetings. The classes use the Environmental Biology Hub to obtain information, and Blackboard for class communication assignments. (This is a requirement by the Texas Board of Higher education.)
2. Hybrid (Blended) classes -- meet a slightly less number of times in the classroom -- including "office hours" scheduled in conjunction with each of the class meetings. But during weeks when class only meets online, "office hours" are only online (on Blackboard). The classes use the Environmental Biology Hub to obtain information, and Blackboard for class assignments. ALL class assignments are submitted via Blackboard, except for some lab assignments.
3. Online classes -- are completely online. There are no class meetings. Everything in the class is conducted online -- including "office hours". The classes use the Environmental Biology Hub to obtain information, and Blackboard for class assignments. ALL class assignments are submitted via Blackboard.
Textbook information. Perhaps most important is to get the textbook for the class. All students must purchase their own copy of this textbook. Without this textbook you will not be able to complete the course. Principles of Environmental Science: Inquiry and Applications,
Cunningham and Cunningham. There are older editions of the textbook available, which if you already own a copy probably will work fine. But if you don't have an old copy, I recommend that you get the most recent edition because you will use it for "open book" quizzes, and some information may change between textbook editions. Click on the link for further details (the link will open up in a separate window):
In conclusion, there are three main online parts to this class:
1. Your Regular Blackboard Course Shell -- containing the Blackboard Plaza with all assignments. To access Blackboard you need the password assigned to you by STC.
2. An Extra Blackboard Course Shell called The Town Hall with students from ALL biology classes taught by Dr. Nilsson -- for the Town Hall meeting. To access Blackboard you need the password assigned to you by STC.
3. A non-Blackboard Internet site -- containing the Environmental Biology Hub, located on the STC server (the first two are located on the Blackboard server) -- containing items, such as regular web pages, that cannot be located on Blackboard. To access this part you do NOT need a password.
If all this is overwhelming and confusing (all new things usually are), don't worry, as already stated you will soon get the hang of it -- as long as you take what you have to do for this class seriously, and do your best. As one of the students said in one of the postings below: "At first I was overwhelmed by all the links and the assignments, but soon learned how to navigate through the website and manage my time effectively." The first thing you should do is getting used to all class pages. You do this by navigating the web pages mentioned until the organization starts feeling familiar to you. BUT YOU MUST SPEND TIME DOING THAT WITH CARE! That is what is meant with the words "do your best".
Again, during regular semesters there are no assignment deadlines the first 14 days. Use the time to become familiar with the course. (Actually, most assignments are due at the end of the semester. There are just a few exceptions, see the Semester Calendar.)
That is it for this page! If you have heard "rumors" about this class, I can assure you that they are ALL TRUE. Again, welcome to class! Let's have an interesting semester! Now I suggest that you look around or if you haven't already take the Start Quiz, go to Blackboard Plaza and do so.
You should probably also read the student comments below.
Dr. Nilsson
Student Comments:
I take great pride when I get e-mail or bulletin board messages from students complimenting this class and my teaching method. I try to collect messages that I take to my heart -- I might have missed a few, but below is a list of messages with from dedicated students. (Thank you, if you are an old student and recognize your message!)
After graduation I was looking forward to the start of my college career, but like many I decided to start off locally and was extremely disappointed in my experience at UTB. It was a repeat of high school.
When I transferred to STC my expectations were, quite honestly, less that hopeful but I unenthusiastically enrolled at this community college because of the tuition costs. My first semester proved my assumption to be true, as well as this semester but with the exception of this class.
The first day I navigated the class web pages and read the requirements I thought, "Holy moley!" but this class proved to be what I was yearning for educationally for so many years. I had somewhat lost hope for an intellectual, thought provoking class but this class was the defibrillator that saved my hope for a quality learning experience. It truly made the semester a productive one.
(Student, Biol. 2306.V01, Spring 2009.) B&W
As this class draws to a close, I just had to say I'm really going to miss it! This has been such a great opportunity for me to challenge myself after all the classes I have had where professors drive me mad "babying" the students. I really did not expect to have had this class be as engaging as it was. I remember being slightly overwhelmed when I first read the syllabus and grading criteria, but as soon as I got the hang of it all I have to say it was so much fun! Even my husband loved to read the postings and watch the videos! We looked forward to reading your replies (especially for some of the ridiculous postings!) I appreciate the opportunity to speak my mind about real world topics and debate with others. Eugene and jacqueline with a little j...I have so enjoyed reading your postings as well! Dr. Nilsson, you are one in a million...you are truly a breath of fresh air!
(Student, Biol. 2306.V02, Spring 2009.)
Did I learn this semester? I would think it would not say much of me as a student and be an insult to my professor if I hadn't. The opportunity for learning was embedded in every assignment, whether or not it was unearthed was solely up to the student. This has been my favorite class in the history of my learning! I have been exposed to various aspects of the world we live in and venture to say that I have grown as a student. This class is so unique! I appreciated being able to speak my mind about various topics and more so appreciated that Dr. Nilsson was such an interactive professor. This class helped reinforce the fact that we never stop learning and as students we must be prepared to put in the effort we need to reflect the grade we desire. (Student, Biol. 2306.V02, Spring 2009.)
Another aspect I enjoyed from this class was the discussions on the town hall bulletin board. One of the discussions I really liked and feel that I have learned a great deal from, is the Adam and Eve discussion. Being able to participate in this discussion and to give my opinion about the topic was a learning experience. I now know what evolution is and where we originated from. This is not because I was convinced; it is because I learned through the discussions that Dr. Nilsson will post as replies to some of the postings by other students. I just want to thank Dr. Nilsson for the teaching techniques he used as he conducted this class and all that I learned from him. He has helped me to be more knowledgeable about evolution and in turn prepared me to be a good professional educator. I really believe that if there were more dedicated instructors like Dr. Nilsson every one who was to take this class will definitely learn and make a difference in any field of study that they chose to follow. (Student, Biol. 2306.V03, Spring 2009)
This is by far the hardest, yet easiest class I have ever had in my life! I have to admit I hated science so much. I could never keep up with the loads of information that is given to one at a time. This class is so different, though. Dr. Nilsson, I have to say you really know how actually teach a class. Notice that I say teach, which means that most of your students actually learn something, not necessarily involving science. That is great because on most of my classes, I have never learned a thing. I like the way you divide things for us to keep up with and leave it in our hands to actually learn. After all, that is why we come to college, to learn. Thank you for opening up the door to so much new knowledge to me. (Student, Biol. 2306.V04, Spring 2009.)
In the education part of this course I have realized that I have been able to be more open-minded and see what is really true. I have realized that evolution is what really is happening and isn't a fictional story. I have learned that some people are still very close-minded but, not me I have been able to show people that I have and will always have a very open-mind to many new things. If they are able to provide evidence why not believe it is a fact. I have learned that the ignorance of some people isn't going to change the way I think. I feel I am more educated because I have learned even more in this class then I has learned in any other class. I feel more educated and that I can show other people my way of thinking and that I will be able to make a change just like I have changed my way of thinking in this class. (Student, Biol. 2306.V04, spring semester 2009)
This semester has changed me in many ways. First of all I have learned how to take class more seriously and to take care of my education. It is extremely valuable and no one can take it from me. I have experienced a professor who actually is here to inspire and educate, which I have benefited greatly from. In this class I have learned that there is actually a world out there and is filled with real events. The discussions gave me courage to speak out in what I really thought and not worry about how self conscious I was. I have gained some confidence in myself on expressing my thoughts and opinions. I said what I had to say in our class discussions and it felt really good. It was refreshing that other students agreed with me and liked what I had to say. I believe I have grown from this class experience and I am grateful for professors like Dr. Nilsson and students like those who have participated in this class. (Student, Biol. 2306.V05, Spring 2009.)
Well to finalize my thoughts, I had never before had a class so challenging in many ways than this class. Not even my math classes were that challenging. This class had me on my toes always reading the postings (after I found my way through the different web pages) always trying to catch up with schedule and the rest of the class. I would definitely recommend this professor to anyone that is willing to learn. I really liked your strategies, and since I am going for teaching, I feel that this is an excellent way to get students to learn the material. (Student, Biol. 2306.PY2, Spring 2009.)
Since the net is up, let's discuss. At the beginning of the semester evolution was a forgotten topic in my brain. Throughout these months I have learned tremendously. Thanks to the evolution quiz that I had to take 5 times before I payed attention, I can now tell anyone that dinosaurs went extinct about 65 billion years and that humans never lived at the same time as them. With all of the facts that were presented to me, I can now admit that I am an ape descendant, and if anyone questions me I feel confident enough to explain all of the evidence (facts) or to have a debate. If even leaders of the catholic religion accept evolution, how can some students taking this course remain so uneducated and close-minded and still argue about it? This is surprising! It really means that our education from middle school and high school is very poor, and that so many years of sunday school were really informational for them. It also shows how uneducated some people want to remain. I find it ironic, or maybe not at all, that the students who argue the most against evolution are the same students that have the hardest time spelling, and they can't seem to learn to use a spell check. The only good part is that they can't say they were not exposed to the truth. I loved learning about the horse. Although I had some information about evolution I never knew that their toes evolved. One more thing, I have to say that the unique way Dr. Nilsson answers questions or doubts is very detailed and perhaps the best way I have seen to make us learn and really think about what we are writing and asking. What I am really trying to say is that he doesn't answer the question he makes you think! Perhaps this is the only way an educator can get students to think on their own. (Student, Biol. 2306.?, Spring 2009)
I learned more than what I thought. I remember reading from Dr. Nilsson's instructions that this class is the most important class of our academic life. Honestly, I started thinking about it, and as the semester was going by, I continued supporting his thoughts. At this point I can say that I will never forget this class, because this class provided me with important knowledge of what should be in top of our priorities' list and that is to take care of our environment. (Student, Biol. 2306.V60, Summer III, 2009.)
I have to say that I'm glad this was the last course I had to take before graduation. I can honestly say that this class is my favorite class. I had never felt so engaged in any other class like I have with this one. It's the only class I've ever taken online and it's been the most challenging. It's taken me seven years to obtain my bachelor's degree and this class is the only class that I'll never forget. Dr. Nilsson, THANK YOU for such a wonderful experience. (Student, Biol. 2306.V61, Summer III 2009.)
At first I was overwhelmed by all the links and the assignments, but soon learned how to navigate through the website and manage my time effectively. I learned a great deal of information about our environment, how to read instructions, and the geography of our world. A great accomplishment for me was learning where continents, oceans, countries, and states were located on the map because it seemed almost impossible for me at the beginning of the semester. Everything is possible as long as we work hard and never stop reaching for our dreams. Thanks Dr. Nilsson for a great semester of learning! (Student, Biol. 2306.V61, Summer III, 2009.)
I learned so much this semester. The most useful information came from the town hall discussions where I learned to be open-minded and accepting of evolution theories. My geography skills also became stronger thanks to the drills. Finally, procrastination is a disease that can be overcome. This class kept me on task at all times, especially after missing my first important deadline (midterm discussions). I knew I had to redeem myself so I worked hard until the end. I might not get the A that I desired, but I already know I have gained a lot of knowledge from this course. (Student, Biol. 2306.GY2, Fall semester, 2009.) [The student EARNED an A -- INSTRUCTORS COMMENT.]
Honestly, I didn't even know this was an online class till the first day of class. I had help from my husband and adviser when I registered this semester. It was many many things; interesting, agonizing, fulfilling, rewarding, stressing, but overall rewarding. I was in a lot of self denial before this class. Now though I can't hide that all of it scares and concerns me. I have gained the knowledge to help myself, my community, and even the Earth, which I'm proud of. I know I gained so many facts that are worth value. Now we can teach it to our offspring and students. I would definatly recommend this class to all students. (Student, Biol. 2306.PY1, Fall semester, 2009.)
I love the way this class is imparted by Dr. Nilsson. I have to admit that I get very annoyed with professors that feed students information and that repeat everything a million times! All that goes through my mind is: "I'm not in elementary anymore!" Professors like Dr. Nilsson are the ones that I will always remember because they make me work, think, and learn, not just memorize. Classes like these prepare students for the "real world". I realize that I won't be held by the hand all my life, I have learned to be responsible for my own decisions, I have become a problem solver (thank you critical thinking) and I know that if there is anyone I can count on to get things done, it's myself. Having the opportunity to learn from professors like Dr. Nilsson is one of the most rewarding experiences I have had during my college endeavor. (Student, Biol. 2306.PY2, Fall semester, 2009.)
To sum it up in one word, wow! The endless hours I spent on this darn computer not to mention the sleepless nights due to a heated discussion that kept me up are all worth it now. This class has been the most challenging and yes the most time consuming of all my classes this semester. I can honestly say that I'm going to miss it a little. I just want to thank my classmates for letting me see things in their perspective and I want to thank my professor for having the patience with us. It's been quite a learning experience but I'm still here and yes even a little smarter too! (Student, Biol. 2306.V01, Fall semester, 2009.)
I know that grades are suppose to reflect what you have learned. Unfortunately a lot of people like me go blank when it comes to taking a test, even if I know the material, but one thing I am sure of I will never forget this class and the way it would make me think about any assignment I would do. No matter what grade I end up with it was great to feel throughout the whole semester like an A student, doing the assignments and using my brain absorbing little things that normally by me would have been looked over. (Student, Biol. 2306.V01, Fall semester, 2009.)
I can't believe the end of the semester is here. I will admit, I will miss this challenging course, and I hope to come across more professors such as Dr. Nilsson. This course has opened up my mind on things I had never really thought before. Not a day goes by that I don't come across a familiar topic that I have read about in this class; topics such as global warming, animal cruelty, genetics, to evolution. The evolution part of this class was awesome. I learned so much, and now evolution makes more sense to me. I am not saying I have learned it all, because this is only the beginning for me. This class has raised a lot of concerns and unanswered questions on my part. I will continue to seek and search for information. I thank you Dr. Nilsson, for educating me, opening up my mind, and helping me learn how to use my brain a little more, and for providing us all with interesting and useful information. Most of all, I have learned what I am capable of doing on my own! My goal is to educate myself more, in order to better educate others. Thanks to all for making this class interesting. (Student, Biol. 2306.V01, Fall semester, 2009.)
At the beginning of the semester I was very lost and panic with the amount of work load I saw, but once I got myself organized and read everything, I came to realize that everything was self explanatory. As long as you read your deadlines and instructions, everything would be fine. Once I got myself organized, I was able to perform my duties that at times, I would post more than the required in which helped me in the long run. It was all about reading carefully and time management.
It is so true what Dr. Nilsson said in the beginning of the semester, he does not give us a grade, we earn it. I have learned that those of us that submitted our assignments on time and as per instructions, we are taking education seriously. I really enjoyed that everything had a deadline and needed to be completed according to his instructions because when we actually become teachers that is something we will have to be dealing with all the time.
I really enjoyed this class since it helped me be more open mind to what is really happening around us. Like how they tell my daughter in school, "Make it a great day or not, the choice is your". If you pass this class, you chose to make each day a great day and it has now paid us with the grade we earned. I hope everyone else also enjoyed the class like I did. :) (Student, Biol. 2306.V02, Fall semester, 2009.)
This was an interesting class I will tell you that! It was a challenge for my this semester! when I first started your class and opened your web page for the first time, I will tell you that I was overwhelmed and wanted to cry, but I stuck through it and tried my best. It was a new thing for me because I had never taken an online class and when I took yours I didn't know what to do. The project was very interesting to me this semester because it was a new experience for me. It was an activity that I had never done and I can tell you Dr. that It felt so good to give back to the community and I also wanted to thankyou, for what you do because there should be more teachers like you that give to animals in need. When I did this project I felt so good with my self that I have done it a couple of more times and will continue to give back to those animals. I do want to thankyou for everything and for giving me a challenge this year. (Student, Biol. 2306.V03, Fall semester, 2009.)
I have to be honest the first day I opened the page for this class I tought what is this teacher thinking this is alot of work how am i gona get thru this..hmm well know im at the end of the class and I have to say its not as hard as i tought it would be we just have to learn to do our work turn it in on time and participate on everything.I never had,had a professor like you but know I wish there was more professor like you because like you have said this is college not highschool no more.KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK DR.NILSSON!! (Student, Biol. 2306.V03, Fall semester, 2009.)
This class has made me realize that obtaining A's should be a mere reflection of a student's effort and learning of the subject matter, instead of a reward for showing up to class or being "nice" to the student. This might get someone through high school, but college is not like that. We need to set ourselves goals that will enable us to become better, wiser, and critical thinkers. Dr. Nilsson by far did a tremendous job in providing us with the resources one needs to learn: self-responsibility, self-determination. He didn't baby us, and for that I will thank him always. This will help me to take responsibilities more seriously and give my education the importance it deservesŠafter all that's the way it works in the real world. I'm left without words to say, but simply let you know that I will miss your class. (Student, Biol. 2306.V03, Fall semester, 2009.)
I wanted to take some time to say Thank you! This class has been my favorite from over 25 years of college classes. I learned more about the environment and the desperate need for each and everyone to get involved instead of sitting on the sidelines and complaining about it. I can say without reservation that this has been the most thought provoking yet enjoyable class that I have had in 25 years. Thank You Dr. Nilsson. (Student, Biol. 2306.V01, Spring 2010.)
I am a Senior at UTPA with a major in Interdisciplinary studies and a minor in Spanish. My prospective graduation date from UTPA is Fall 2010. This is my first time taking an online course and I must admit I am very impressed by what I have seen so far in this course. At first I took this course to satisfy graduation requirements, but I have to say the professor sure makes a great first impression with his online course information. It looks like it's going to be a challenging course with a lot of educational rewards. . (Student, Biol. 2306.V61, Summer III 2010.)
The setup is different than other online classes I have taken at STC, it is a self pace with almost all activities open. I preferred this setup which gives enough room to make priority adjustments throughout the semester with other traditional or online classes. STC should consider this kind of setup for all online courses. Sooner or later the Rio Grande Valley will have a very strong non-traditional student population that will include primary and secondary education. It will be encouraging to see students working on their homework on electronic devices and submitting them on the spot.
An aspect that intrigued my thoughts was evolution. I had prior background on the subject as a result of previous awareness through PBS or personal research; nevertheless, Darwin is one of my favorite historical figures to study, who contributed and coined the idea of evolution theory, and will continue to study him by reading his works. Darwin's understanding on evolution continues to challenge anyone who is less informed on the full picture of biology.
Will you consider teaching a second course on this subject? It will be great to have an eight credit course on environmental science. I believe future students taking this class will; be informed, be academically challenged, and be culturally renewed of their own existence. (Student, Biol. 2306.V01, Fall semester 2010) B&W
This class has been one of two classes that I've taken online, and I have to say that this course was nothing compared to the biology online class that I had taken. Dr. Nilsson gets students to think outside the square and I think that doing so that's when we actually learn. The combination of case studies, geography drills, chapter quizzes, and class discussions were excellent formula for student involvement and learning. The semester project that I did for this class is an unforgettable one. I truly enjoyed going to the shelter, it was a rewarding experience. I had never gone to an animal shelter; as a matter of fact I didn't even know there was one in Edinburg. I have to say that even though I didn't participate as much as I would have liked to in the class discussions, the discussions were in fact my favorite part of this class. Thanks Dr. Nilsson for such an interesting class and a great way of teaching. (Student, Biol. 2306.V01, Fall semester 2010)
All in all, this class was great! It was challenging yet rewarding. This class kept me on my toes. There is no falling behind because then it is hard to catch up. Taking this class helped me view things differently and it also helped me learn different things. This class has also taught me to be open-minded. I wish all classes were like this. Thanks for a great semester Dr. Nilsson! (Student, Biol. 2306.V01, Fall semester 2010)
I can honestly and sadly say this is the first class that I've taken that forced me to do work at EARNING my grade. I had to actually be actively involved like doing the discussions, the chapter tests, the drills, case studies, etc. I think I got more out of the class because it wasn't in the class room and I had to rely on myself to watch the semester calendar for deadlines and directions. I had to push myself, on my own and that's how I believe it's supposed to be. All in all, I learned A LOT, I loved this class and since I wanted to retake Biology 1, I decided to take it with you because I think you're a great professor. I have already written a review in ratemyprofessors.com ...you can tell which one's mine. Anyways, I really hope everyone else feels as I do and appreciates your style of teaching, because they're not likely to come across it any time soon, at least not in the Valley. (Student, Biol. 2306.V01, Fall semester 2010)
I am glad I took this class it really helped me open my mind and look at the world in a different way. Thank you I not only learned but I was also teaching my daughter some of the information as well. The part we enjoyed was how we were related to chimps and we loved the videos. Thank you for pushing us to learn and open our minds I wish I would have had professor like you through my life. (Student, Biol. 2306.PY1, Fall semester 2010)
I could say that this is one of the hardest and challenging classes I've ever taken because it involves so many things and it's a lot of information that we need to learn. I really liked it because it covered so many important things that we all should be aware in order to better understand the concept of evolution, our environment, and life as well. I can honestly say that I've never seen professors like Dr. Nilsson because he is an excellent instructor and very organized and he really wants for us to learn. (Student, Biol. 2306.V02, Spring semester 2011)
I have to admit registering for this class was NOT on my top ten lists, BUT I HAD TO REGISTER BECAUSE IT IS A PREREQ. FOR MICROBIOLOGY, which I wanted to register with Mr. Wheat.:)......HOWEVER,,,taking this course is not what keeps me on my toes, because my major is in the medical field, so I already know most of the work that there is in BIOLOGY.....WHAT KEEPS ME ON MY TOES IS DR.NILSSON AND HES AGGRESIVE AND UNIQUE WAY OF MAKING US THINK AND DEBATE...I ACTUALLY HAVE FRIENDS AND FAMILY BESIDE ME, WAITING IN ATICEPATION WHILE IM LOGGING IN TO BIOLOGY COURSE TO READ WHAT DR. Nilsson has to written in regards to our beliefs... This course is JAW-DROPPING, Eye opening, and KNOWLEDGEABLE....... Dr.Nilsson makes us students and readers, get upset, mad and become researchers.... The reason why I say reseachers is because to reply to Dr.Nilsson, I need to be positive about the facts. I HAVE NEVER DEBATED AND QUESTIONED SO MUCH ON MY BELIEFS AND MY IQ, UNTIL THIS COURSE WITH DR.NILSSON. EVEN THOUGH I TOOK PHILOSOPHY)WHICH IS A DEBATE CLASS). Dr.Nilsson, thank you, for challenging my knowledge, and my intelligence, I CAN HONESTLY SAY DR.NILSSON, YOU MADE ME LOOK AT TEACHERS A WHOLE DIFFERENT WAY .... :) (Student, Biol. 1408.V63, Summer III semester 2011)
Technical notes: 1. Some of the links will open up as separate web pages. In order to do so you must (according to the Blackboard settings) have DESELECTED the pop-up blocker in your browser. 2. Unlike quizzes and assignments found on Blackboard, all instruction pages (including the syllabus) and reading assignments are located on The Environmental Biology Hub. 3. This page has been updated and modified for this semester. For this reason there may be some "bugs" in the text or the settings. If you think you have found such a "bug" please inform the instructor by posting a message in the Help Desk/Student Collaboration bulletin board.
Understand that it will take more than 30 minutes to figure out what to do in this class. If you have problems with the class you must FIRST read the online information. Then go to the Help Desk/Student Collaboration bulletin board. Class questions -- that is questions of interest to other students in class -- will NOT be addressed via e-mail! If you have technical problem with Blackboard (or computer related problems) call the Blackboard Help Desk telephone number 872 - 2598, and/or use the "Blackboard Help" tool -- link in the green fram on the Blackboard Designated Homepage for the class.).
You are about to start the work for a class that is different from anything you have had before.
Again, during regular semesters there are no assignment deadlines the first 14 days. Use the time to become familiar with the course. (Actually, most assignments are due at the end of the semester. There are just a few exceptions, see the Semester Calendar.)
Again, welcome to class! Let's have an interesting semester! Now I suggest that you look around or if you haven't already take the Start Quiz, go to Blackboard Plaza and do so.
The page background on the Environmental Biology Hub is a green lush temperate rain forest. On the page you have buttons with links to instructions and reading assignments, AND the Syllabus. At a time convenient to you -- convenience is what online (or blended) classes are for, sit down and click at the various links to get an idea of the organization of the hub and some of the content on the pages. Just as with the textbook don't read anything at first, or at least don't read very much. Just familiarize yourself with the Environmental Biology Hub.
After graduation I was looking forward to the start of my college career, but like many I decided to start off locally and was extremely disappointed in my experience at UTB. It was a repeat of high school.
When I transferred to STC my expectations were, quite honestly, less that hopeful but I unenthusiastically enrolled at this community college because of the tuition costs. My first semester proved my assumption to be true, as well as this semester but with the exception of this class.
The first day I navigated the class web pages and read the requirements I thought, "Holy moley!" but this class proved to be what I was yearning for educationally for so many years. 
Did I learn this semester? I would think it would not say much of me as a student and be an insult to my professor if I hadn't. The opportunity for learning was embedded in every assignment, whether or not it was unearthed was solely up to the student.