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Nicola J. R. Plowes, Ph.D.

Full Time Faculty - Life Sciences

Life Science

Life Science

Office: NU 6 - Room: 175

Notices

Fall 2022 Notices:

1) Bio 100 in person course will allow Flexible attendance for lectures (labs are required in person). Students are expected to be in person during week 1 lectures, and on exam days. For more information, please click on the Syllabus for Bio 100 Fall 2022 link (under construction).

2) Bio 182 is an online course. Students will need to be available during one of two posted times on Exam days. Exams will be remotely proctored over Google Meet, and students will need a microphone and camera. For more information, please click on the Syllabus for Bio 182 Fall 2022 link (under construction).

3) Bio 280 is an online course. Students will need to be available during one of two posted times on Exam days. Exams will be remotely proctored over Google Meet, and students will need a microphone and camera.For more information, please click on the Syllabus for Bio 280 Fall 2022 link (under construction).

Office Hours

MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFriday

Online

Online

Online

Online

Online

    By appointment

Please email to ensure availability, and to reserve a 15 min slot during office hours.

Classes Taught

Spring 2022

BIO100 Biology Concepts 4 Credits
Introductory course covering basic principles and concepts of biology. Methods of scientific inquiry and behavior of matter and energy in biological systems are explored. Prerequisites: None.
General Education Designations: Natural Sciences Quantitative [SQ] 
Section Location Delivery Dates Days Times Availability
29579
Live Online
Live Online
Lecture
01/18/2022 - 05/13/2022
TuTh
10:30 AM - 11:45 AM

Class Ended

Notes: Live Online classes have sessions that meet online on specific days and times. Attendance in these sessions will be at the discretion of the instructor, and additional work will be required on the student’s own time. Access to a computer or mobile device with Internet connection is required. Before enrolling in their first online class at MCC, students need to view the online orientation and complete the readiness survey on https://www.mesacc.edu/online/get-started for additional information.

Class 29579: Live Online lectures will be held on Tuesday and Thursdays from 10:30AM - 11:45am. Flexible attendance options will be available, please contact Dr. Plowes for more information.

All textbook and course materials available at no or low cost (<$40) - may include OER (Open Educational Resources).

Lab Notes: Students registering for class 29579 must also register for one of .
29582
Online Course
Online (On Your Time)
Lecture
01/18/2022 - 05/13/2022

Class Ended

Notes: This is an Online class that does not meet at specific class times. Students are required to have access to a computer or mobile device, and Internet access, unless otherwise specified. Before enrolling in their first online class at MCC, students need to view the online orientation and complete the readiness survey on https://www.mesacc.edu/online/get-started for additional information.

Class 29582 Students may contact instructor at: nicola.plowes@mesacc.edu

Lab Notes: Students registering for class 29582 must also register for .
29589
Online Course
Online (On Your Time)
Lecture
01/18/2022 - 05/13/2022

Class Ended

Notes: This is an Online class that does not meet at specific class times. Students are required to have access to a computer or mobile device, and Internet access, unless otherwise specified. Before enrolling in their first online class at MCC, students need to view the online orientation and complete the readiness survey on https://www.mesacc.edu/online/get-started for additional information.

Class 29589 Students may contact instructor at: nicola.plowes@mesacc.edu

Lab Notes: Students registering for class 29589 must also register for .
29580
Online Course
Online (On Your Time)
Lab
01/18/2022 - 05/13/2022

Class Ended

Notes: This is an Online class that does not meet at specific class times. Students are required to have access to a computer or mobile device, and Internet access, unless otherwise specified. Before enrolling in their first online class at MCC, students need to view the online orientation and complete the readiness survey on https://www.mesacc.edu/online/get-started for additional information.

Class 29580 Students may contact instructor at: katy.hansen@mesacc.edu

Lecture Notes: Students registering for class 29580 must also register for .
29581
Online Course
Online (On Your Time)
Lab
01/18/2022 - 05/13/2022

Class Ended

Notes: This is an Online class that does not meet at specific class times. Students are required to have access to a computer or mobile device, and Internet access, unless otherwise specified. Before enrolling in their first online class at MCC, students need to view the online orientation and complete the readiness survey on https://www.mesacc.edu/online/get-started for additional information.

Lecture Notes: Students registering for class 29581 must also register for .
29583
Online Course
Online (On Your Time)
Lab
01/18/2022 - 05/13/2022

Class Ended

Notes: This is an Online class that does not meet at specific class times. Students are required to have access to a computer or mobile device, and Internet access, unless otherwise specified. Before enrolling in their first online class at MCC, students need to view the online orientation and complete the readiness survey on https://www.mesacc.edu/online/get-started for additional information.

Class 29583 Students may contact instructor at: nicola.plowes@mesacc.edu

Lecture Notes: Students registering for class 29583 must also register for .
29590
Online Course
Online (On Your Time)
Lab
01/18/2022 - 05/13/2022

Class Ended

Notes: This is an Online class that does not meet at specific class times. Students are required to have access to a computer or mobile device, and Internet access, unless otherwise specified. Before enrolling in their first online class at MCC, students need to view the online orientation and complete the readiness survey on https://www.mesacc.edu/online/get-started for additional information.

Class 29590 Students may contact instructor at: nicola.plowes@mesacc.edu

Lecture Notes: Students registering for class 29590 must also register for .

Summer 2022

BIO182 General Biology (Majors) II 4 Credits
The study and principles of structure and function of living things at cellular, organismic, and higher levels of organization. A detailed exploration of the mechanisms of evolution, biological diversity, biology of organisms, and ecology.
Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in BIO181 or BIO181XT.
General Education Designations: Natural Sciences General [SG] 
Section Location Delivery Dates Days Times Availability
16260
Online Course
Online (On Your Time)
Lecture
05/31/2022 - 07/21/2022

Closed

Notes: This is an Online class that does not meet at specific class times. Students are required to have access to a computer or mobile device, and Internet access, unless otherwise specified. Before enrolling in their first online class at MCC, students need to view the online orientation and complete the readiness survey on https://www.mesacc.edu/online/get-started for additional information.

Class 16260 Students may contact instructor at: nicola.plowes@mesacc.edu

Lab Notes: Students registering for class 16260 must also register for one of .
16261
Online Course
Online (On Your Time)
Lab
05/31/2022 - 07/21/2022

Closed

Notes: This is an Online class that does not meet at specific class times. Students are required to have access to a computer or mobile device, and Internet access, unless otherwise specified. Before enrolling in their first online class at MCC, students need to view the online orientation and complete the readiness survey on https://www.mesacc.edu/online/get-started for additional information.

Class 16261 Students may contact instructor at: nicola.plowes@mesacc.edu

Lecture Notes: Students registering for class 16261 must also register for .
16315
Online Course
Online (On Your Time)
Lab
05/31/2022 - 07/21/2022

Closed

Notes: This is an Online class that does not meet at specific class times. Students are required to have access to a computer or mobile device, and Internet access, unless otherwise specified. Before enrolling in their first online class at MCC, students need to view the online orientation and complete the readiness survey on https://www.mesacc.edu/online/get-started for additional information.

Class 16315 Students may contact instructor at: nicola.plowes@mesacc.edu

Lecture Notes: Students registering for class 16315 must also register for .

Fall 2022

BIO100 Biology Concepts 4 Credits
Introductory course covering basic principles and concepts of biology. Methods of scientific inquiry and behavior of matter and energy in biological systems are explored. Prerequisites: None.
It is highly encouraged that you attend the FREE MCC Biology Boot Camp that occurs prior to the beginning of the semester. Participants will review key skills necessary for success; participants will be better prepared for their course. Click here for more information and to register.
General Education Designations: Natural Sciences Quantitative [SQ] 
Section Location Delivery Dates Days Times Availability
28841
Dobson Campus
In Person
Lecture
08/22/2022 - 12/16/2022
MoWe
9:00 AM - 10:15 AM

Open

33 of 36
Seats Available

Notes: Class 28841 Students may contact instructor at: nicola.plowes@mesacc.edu

This class is a Zero-Textbook-Cost Course, also known as a "Z Class." You will have access to class materials online without having to purchase a textbook.

All textbook and course materials available at no or low cost (<$40) - may include OER (Open Educational Resources).

Lab Notes: Students registering for class 28841 must also register for one of .
28842
Dobson Campus
In Person
Lab
08/22/2022 - 12/16/2022
Mo
10:30 AM - 1:20 PM

Open

17 of 18
Seats Available

Notes: Class 28842 Students may contact instructor at: nicola.plowes@mesacc.edu

This class is a Zero-Textbook-Cost Course, also known as a "Z Class." You will have access to class materials online without having to purchase a textbook.

All textbook and course materials available at no or low cost (<$40) - may include OER (Open Educational Resources).

Lecture Notes: Students registering for class 28842 must also register for .
30329
Dobson Campus
In Person
Lab
08/24/2022 - 12/16/2022
We
10:30 AM - 1:20 PM

Open

16 of 18
Seats Available

Notes: Class 30329 Students may contact instructor at: nicola.plowes@mesacc.edu

This class is a Zero-Textbook-Cost Course, also known as a "Z Class." You will have access to class materials online without having to purchase a textbook.

All textbook and course materials available at no or low cost (<$40) - may include OER (Open Educational Resources).

Lecture Notes: Students registering for class 30329 must also register for .
BIO182 General Biology (Majors) II 4 Credits
The study and principles of structure and function of living things at cellular, organismic, and higher levels of organization. A detailed exploration of the mechanisms of evolution, biological diversity, biology of organisms, and ecology.
Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in BIO181 or BIO181XT.
General Education Designations: Natural Sciences General [SG] 
Section Location Delivery Dates Days Times Availability
28883
Online Course
Online (On Your Time)
Lecture
08/22/2022 - 12/16/2022

Open

38 of 48
Seats Available

Notes: This is an Online class that does not meet at specific class times. Students are required to have access to a computer or mobile device, and Internet access, unless otherwise specified. Before enrolling in their first online class at MCC, students need to view the online orientation and complete the readiness survey on https://www.mesacc.edu/online/get-started for additional information.

Class 28883 Attendance will be tracked by weekly sign-in to either online office hours or discussion groups. Students are required to have access to a computer or mobile device, Internet access, and web cam with microphone and speakers. Students may contact instructor nicola.plowes@mesacc.edu

All textbook and course materials available at no or low cost (<$40) - may include OER (Open Educational Resources).

Lab Notes: Students registering for class 28883 must also register for one of .
28884
Online Course
Online (On Your Time)
Lab
08/22/2022 - 12/16/2022

Open

17 of 24
Seats Available

Notes: This is an Online class that does not meet at specific class times. Students are required to have access to a computer or mobile device, and Internet access, unless otherwise specified. Before enrolling in their first online class at MCC, students need to view the online orientation and complete the readiness survey on https://www.mesacc.edu/online/get-started for additional information.

Class 28884 Students may contact instructor at: nicola.plowes@mesacc.edu

Lecture Notes: Students registering for class 28884 must also register for .
28885
Online Course
Online (On Your Time)
Lab
08/22/2022 - 12/16/2022

Open

21 of 24
Seats Available

Notes: This is an Online class that does not meet at specific class times. Students are required to have access to a computer or mobile device, and Internet access, unless otherwise specified. Before enrolling in their first online class at MCC, students need to view the online orientation and complete the readiness survey on https://www.mesacc.edu/online/get-started for additional information.

Class 28885 Students may contact instructor at: nicola.plowes@mesacc.edu

Lecture Notes: Students registering for class 28885 must also register for .
BIO280 Animal Behavior 3 Credits
A study of the genetics, physiology, ecology, and evolutionary history of animal behavior.
Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in BIO100, or BIO105, or BIO181, or equivalent, or permission of instructor.
Section Location Delivery Dates Days Times Availability
30330
Online Course
Online (On Your Time)
Lecture
08/22/2022 - 12/16/2022

Open

23 of 24
Seats Available

Notes: This is an Online class that does not meet at specific class times. Students are required to have access to a computer or mobile device, and Internet access, unless otherwise specified. Before enrolling in their first online class at MCC, students need to view the online orientation and complete the readiness survey on https://www.mesacc.edu/online/get-started for additional information.

Attendance will be tracked by weekly sign-in to either online office hours or discussion groups. Students are required to have access to a computer or mobile device, Internet access, and web cam with microphone and speakers. Students may contact instructor at nicola.plowes@mesacc.edu

All textbook and course materials available at no or low cost (<$40) - may include OER (Open Educational Resources).

Degrees & Awards

BS Biology (Ecology, Evolution, Conservation) (UT Austin 1999)

PhD Entomology (UCONN 2008)

Post-doctoral studies at ASU SOLS (2008-2013)

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