Welcome to Biology 238, Human Anatomy and Physiology II

Welcome to Biology 238, Human Anatomy and Physiology II

I am Susan Schauer, the instructor for this course, and I’m looking forward to a challenging and rewarding semester with you. This is the second course in a 2-semester sequence for health science majors. This letter provides important information to get you started in this online course, so please read it carefully.

1. Please read the attachment concerning ordering your textbook, regardless of whether you have ordered it already or not. This class requires you to use the publisher’s website, and the access to this site can be purchased with a new book, or separately if you borrow a book or buy a used book. You need access to this website (MasteringA&P) - and the textbook - from the first day of class, so please don’t put off purchasing your book and access code! (Also note: if you buy a textbook from a vendor other than the campus bookstore, you will NOT be able to sell your book back to the campus bookstore.)

2. Please read the attached course syllabus and schedule. This is a contract between you and me, and I expect you to know the contents of our contract before the course begins. I’ll take this opportunity to note that this is a challenging and time-consuming course, and you should plan to spend at least 10-12 hours per week working on it, just as you would for a traditional 3 credit course. Your biggest challenge may be in budgeting your time effectively and maintaining the self discipline to keep up with the work. Please be aware that failure to do this is the biggest reason for students to drop this course.

3. To register in MasteringA&P, see the attached MasteringA&P Access document. You will need the access code from your textbook, or purchased directly from the publisher (see ordering textbook attachment), to enter the site. If you bought access to MasteringA&P last semester, you can use the same login name and password. Follow the instructions on this document to gain access to our classroom. You can access this publisher’s site as soon as you have the access code, and I encourage you to do so. There are tutorials on how to use the site, a list of free software you may need to download (go to the Support tab on the login page), and best of all, you can start looking through the Study Area of the site to see course content and interactive learning activities, which are all based on your textbook. This site has its own Help and Support functions - it is separate from Blackboard Learn (BbLearn).

4. This class is presented on BbLearn, and most of the course materials I provide to you will be available on the BbLearn website. Unfortunately, UNM policy prevents you from accessing this site until the first day of classes. You can login to BbLearn here: https://learn.unm.edu/ using your UNM NetID and password. After you login, you will see a list of online, hybrid and WebEnhanced courses in which you are currently enrolled. Click on the one you want to see.

Ø I strongly recommend that you visit our BbLearn classroom on the first day of classes and begin to get oriented and get to work on the material.

5. If you are new to online learning, or the BbLearn environment, you should see tutorials here: http://ondemand.blackboard.com/students.htm . Please view these materials before the beginning of the semester if this is your first time using BbLearn. You can also consult it at any time during the semester if you have questions.

6. Any time you need technical help during the semester, go to one of these sources:

Ø Click on the word “Support” at the upper right of the BbLearn screen, in the gray bar – it takes you to: https://learn.unm.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_21_1 .

Ø Call the IT help desk at 505-277-0857 M-F 8-5, or email them at .

Ø Go to StudentInfo at http://StudentInfo.unm.edu. Include the word BbLearn in your key words, or use the Ask a Question tab.

Ø Ask me for help, using messaging in our BbLearn classroom, or if that isn't available, use: .

Please do not delay getting help when you need it!

7. Whether or not you are new to online learning, you can find a wealth of helpful information, guidance and tutorials at http://losalamos.unm.edu/academics/online-learning/students/index.html. Our Student Guide to Online Learning is required reading for my online students, so please read it here: http://losalamos.unm.edu/academics/online-learning/students/online-learning-student-guide-blackboard.pdf.

Making the above preparations will ensure a smooth start to the semester. Again, welcome, and I look forward to working with you this semester!

Susan Schauer

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