SUPPLIES
REQUIRED HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE
To enroll in BIO 100 online, you should own your own computer with a CD-ROM drive, have a modem, an Internet service provider, and know how to send email messages. Your browser should be Internet Explorer version 5.5 or higher or Netscape Communicator 7.0 or higher. You can download it for free from the Internet by going to this URL: Browser Tuneup . Although there is some technical support for this course, it is a course in biology, not a computer course.
The following equipment is required and supported by the MCC Distance Learning program:
Operating System: Windows 95 or higher or Mac 7.6 or higher. This computer must be fast enough to handle the graphics of the Internet.
Printer -- need if you intend to print out assignments, lectures etc. as needed from the Internet.
Web Browser, e-mail, and News reader: Interet Explorer version 5.5 or higher or Netscape Communicator 7.0 or higher.
14400 baud modem or better. 14400 will work with the course, but delivery of information over the Internet will be slow.
Internet Provider - MCC offers a student Internet Provider account through US West. For more information, contact http://www.dist.maricopa.edu/network/uswest. Most Internet providers will work, such as Goodnet, Primenet, etc. However, students using AOL as their Internet provider may experience some trouble. The browser for AOL is their own (proprietary) and does not understand a number of commands. If you have AOL and cannot access course materials, close the window when the AOL browser is open, do not disconnect, and open another browser that you have already downloaded to your computer. You can download the "regular" Netscape for free from the Internet by going to this URL: http://www.netscape.com
REQUIRED BOOKS AND LAB SUPPLIES
Your textbook and lab manual are important in any biology course, but especially so in an online course. You will need both the text and lab manual (and lab kit) to get started on the course so purchase them as soon as you register for the course.
In addition to the textbook and lab manual you will need to purchase the lab kit from the Mesa Community College bookstore (phone 480-461-7225). The kit will cost you $50.00 (plus any postage and shipping fees you incur) but $45.00 is refundable when you return the supplies at the end of the semester. If you live outside the greater Phoenix area and cannot come to the MCC bookstore to purchase the lab kit, call the bookstore (phone 480-461-7225) and ask to speak to the manager. He will make arrangements to mail the kit to you for a nominal shipping fee.
TEXTBOOK
You must purchase the textbook entitled Biology: The Unity and Diversity of Life, 10th edition, by C. Starr and R. Taggart. You will need the CD-ROM (version 3.0 or later) that comes with the book. It is published by Wadsworth Publishing Company.
There are several ways you may order the book by phone and use your charge card:
1. You may purchase it from the Mesa Community College bookstore, phone 480-461-7225 or Follett's online.If you are willing to spend some time on the phone, you may be able to track down a used copy of this text at a local college or university bookstore in your area. Be sure it has the CD-ROM still in the book.2. You may order the book directly from the publisher by calling 1-800-487-5510.
3. You may order it from Amazon, an online bookstore. Click on this link to take you their homepage: Amazon
4. You may order it from Bigwords. Click on this link to take you to their homepage: BIGWORDS
5. You can order it from Varsity Books.
LABORATORY MANUAL
You must purchase the lab manual entitled Investigating Life Online, second edition by P.Johnson. It is available from the Mesa Community College Bookstore. The bookstore's phone number is 480-461-7225.