Francesca De Martini, Ph.D.

Residential Faculty - Biology

Life and Environmental Sciences

Life and Environmental Sciences

Office: NU 6 - Room: 186

Spring 2026 BIO 181

BIO 181 Online classes:

1) You MUST purchase the lab kit from Home Science Tools https://www.homesciencetools.com/product/mcc-hybrid-bio-181-kit/

2) You won't need to purchase any textbooks. This is the book that we will be using for free!!

3) Students will need access to a computer (laptop, PC, Mac, iPad, or Chromobook) with a webcam, and a reliable internet access. 

 Let me know if you have any questions: [email protected]

BIO 181 In person M and W classes:

  1. You won't need to purchase any textbooks. This is the book that we will be using for free!!
  2. The Lab manual: BIO 181 General Biology for Majors I Lab Manual is available in our bookstore. Click here to find it

BIO 181 In person T and Thu classes:

You won't need to purchase anything for this class, the only thing you will need is a lab notebook. Here is an example.

 

 Let me know if you have any questions: [email protected]

Office Hours

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
 
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
12:30 PM - 1:25 PM
 
 
Online
Online
 
Online
 
By appointment
By appointment
 
By appointment

Please check your Canvas class for more information on locations of the office hours.

 

 

Classes Taught

Fall 2026

ABS283 Bioinformatics and Scientific Computing 3 Credits

Introduction to bioinformatics, including history, concepts, major genetic databases, access tools and programming software. Methodologies to extract meaning from biological sequences using sequence analysis, data visualization and statistics.

Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in [(BIO156 or BIO181) and (MAT114, or MAT115, or MAT12+, OR an appropriate district placement for MAT15+ or higher)], or permission of Instructor or Department/Division Chair.
General Education Designations: Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Application [CS]
Section Location Delivery Dates Days Times Availability
32119
Dobson Campus

LS 101
In-Person
Lecture/Lab
08/24/2026 – 12/18/2026
MoWe
8:30 AM – 10:10 AM

Class Started

Notes: Zero-Textbook-Cost Class: The total cost of required online instructional materials for this "Z Class" is $0.

Open Educational Resources (OER) are learning, teaching, and research materials in any format and medium that reside in the public domain or have an open license copyright that permits no-cost access, re-use, re-purpose, retention, redistribution, and adaptation by others.

Class 32119 Students get hands-on experience doing an original research assignment.
BIO181 General Biology (Majors) I 4 Credits

The study and principles of structure and function of organisms at the molecular and cellular levels. A detailed exploration of the chemistry of life, the cell, and genetics.

Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in RDG100, or RDG100LL, or higher, or eligibility for CRE101. One year of high school or one semester of college-level biology and chemistry is strongly recommended.
General Education Designations: Natural Sciences [NSI], Natural Sciences Quantitative [SQ]
Section Location Delivery Dates Days Times Availability
15471
Dobson Campus

LS 108
In-Person
Lecture
08/25/2026 – 12/18/2026
TuTh
10:30 AM – 11:45 AM

Class Started

Notes: Open Educational Resources (OER) are learning, teaching, and research materials in any format and medium that reside in the public domain or have an open license copyright that permits no-cost access, re-use, re-purpose, retention, redistribution, and adaptation by others.

Low-Textbook-Cost Class: The total cost of the required materials for this course is $40 or less.

Students get hands-on experience doing an original research assignment.

Lab Notes: Students registering for class 15471 must also register for one of .
15436
Online (On Your Time)
Lecture
08/24/2026 – 12/18/2026

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.

Open Educational Resources (OER) are learning, teaching, and research materials in any format and medium that reside in the public domain or have an open license copyright that permits no-cost access, re-use, re-purpose, retention, redistribution, and adaptation by others.

Low-Textbook-Cost Class: The total cost of the required materials for this course is $40 or less.

Class 15436 Exams will require the use of a lockdown browser and smartphones will not work with the online exams.
I-Pads can be used.

Class 15436 Lab kits are required. These can be purchased from Home Science Tools." ('Home Science Tools' hyperlink https://www.homesciencetools.com/product/mcc-hybrid-bio-181-kit/

Lab Notes: Students registering for class 15436 must also register for one of .
15472
Dobson Campus

LS 205
In-Person
Lab
08/25/2026 – 12/18/2026
Tu
7:30 AM – 10:20 AM

Class Started

Notes: Low-Textbook-Cost Class: The total cost of the required materials for this course is $40 or less.

Open Educational Resources (OER) are learning, teaching, and research materials in any format and medium that reside in the public domain or have an open license copyright that permits no-cost access, re-use, re-purpose, retention, redistribution, and adaptation by others.

Students get hands-on experience doing an original research assignment.

Lecture Notes: Students registering for class 15472 must also register for .
15473
Dobson Campus

LS 205
In-Person
Lab
08/27/2026 – 12/18/2026
Th
7:30 AM – 10:20 AM

Closed

Notes: Low-Textbook-Cost Class: The total cost of the required materials for this course is $40 or less.

Open Educational Resources (OER) are learning, teaching, and research materials in any format and medium that reside in the public domain or have an open license copyright that permits no-cost access, re-use, re-purpose, retention, redistribution, and adaptation by others.

Students get hands-on experience doing an original research assignment.

Lecture Notes: Students registering for class 15473 must also register for .
15437
Online (On Your Time)
Lab
08/24/2026 – 12/18/2026

Class Started

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.

Low-Textbook-Cost Class: The total cost of the required materials for this course is $40 or less.

Class 15437 Lab kits are required. These can be purchased from Home Science Tools." ('Home Science Tools' hyperlink https://www.homesciencetools.com/product/mcc-hybrid-bio-181-kit/

Open Educational Resources (OER) are learning, teaching, and research materials in any format and medium that reside in the public domain or have an open license copyright that permits no-cost access, re-use, re-purpose, retention, redistribution, and adaptation by others.

Lecture Notes: Students registering for class 15437 must also register for .
15438
Online (On Your Time)
Lab
08/24/2026 – 12/18/2026

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.

Low-Textbook-Cost Class: The total cost of the required materials for this course is $40 or less.

Class 15438 Lab kits are required. These can be purchased from Home Science Tools." ('Home Science Tools' hyperlink https://www.homesciencetools.com/product/mcc-hybrid-bio-181-kit/

Open Educational Resources (OER) are learning, teaching, and research materials in any format and medium that reside in the public domain or have an open license copyright that permits no-cost access, re-use, re-purpose, retention, redistribution, and adaptation by others.

Lecture Notes: Students registering for class 15438 must also register for .
BIO292UR BIO Undergraduate Research 1 Credits

Provides students with group and/or individualized undergraduate research opportunities under faculty supervision in order to maximize student development. Appropriate research facilities and equipment are made available for student use.

Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor, or Department or Division Chair.
Section Location Delivery Dates Days Times Availability
17756
Dobson Campus

LS 205
Independent Study
Lab
08/24/2026 – 12/18/2026
Fr
8:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Closed

Notes: Provides students with group and/or individualized undergraduate research opportunities under faculty supervision in order to maximize student development. Appropriate research facilities and equipment are made available for student use. Enrollment is ONLY by permission of the instructor.

Class 17756 Students get hands-on experience doing an original research assignment.

Spring 2027

BIO181 General Biology (Majors) I 4 Credits

The study and principles of structure and function of organisms at the molecular and cellular levels. A detailed exploration of the chemistry of life, the cell, and genetics.

Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in RDG100, or RDG100LL, or higher, or eligibility for CRE101. One year of high school or one semester of college-level biology and chemistry is strongly recommended.
General Education Designations: Natural Sciences [NSI], Natural Sciences Quantitative [SQ]
Section Location Delivery Dates Days Times Availability
10362
Dobson Campus

LS 108
In-Person
Lecture
01/19/2027 – 05/14/2027
TuTh
1:30 PM – 2:45 PM

Open

2 of 24
Seats Available

Notes: Low-Textbook-Cost Class: The total cost of the required materials for this course is $40 or less.

Open Educational Resources (OER) are learning, teaching, and research materials in any format and medium that reside in the public domain or have an open license copyright that permits no-cost access, re-use, re-purpose, retention, redistribution, and adaptation by others.

Students get hands-on experience doing an original research assignment.

Lab Notes: Students registering for class 10362 must also register for .
10343
Dobson Campus

LS 108
In-Person
Lecture
01/20/2027 – 05/14/2027
MoWe
10:30 AM – 11:45 AM

Open

26 of 48
Seats Available

Notes: Low-Textbook-Cost Class: The total cost of the required materials for this course is $40 or less.

Open Educational Resources (OER) are learning, teaching, and research materials in any format and medium that reside in the public domain or have an open license copyright that permits no-cost access, re-use, re-purpose, retention, redistribution, and adaptation by others.

Students get hands-on experience doing an original research assignment.

Lab Notes: Students registering for class 10343 must also register for one of .
11509
Online (On Your Time)
Lecture
01/19/2027 – 05/14/2027

Open

32 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.

Low-Textbook-Cost Class: The total cost of the required materials for this course is $40 or less.

Open Educational Resources (OER) are learning, teaching, and research materials in any format and medium that reside in the public domain or have an open license copyright that permits no-cost access, re-use, re-purpose, retention, redistribution, and adaptation by others.

A lab kit must be purchased from Home Science Tools https:/ www.homesciencetools.com/product/mcc-hybrid-bio-181-kit/. Exams will require the use of a lockdown browser and smartphones will not work with the online exams. I-Pads can be used.

Students are required to have access to a computer or mobile device with a microphone, speakers, a camera, and reliable internet access.

Lab Notes: Students registering for class 11509 must also register for one of .
10363
Dobson Campus

LS 209
In-Person
Lab
01/19/2027 – 05/14/2027
Tu
10:30 AM – 1:20 PM

Open

2 of 24
Seats Available

Notes: Low-Textbook-Cost Class: The total cost of the required materials for this course is $40 or less.

Open Educational Resources (OER) are learning, teaching, and research materials in any format and medium that reside in the public domain or have an open license copyright that permits no-cost access, re-use, re-purpose, retention, redistribution, and adaptation by others.

Students get hands-on experience doing an original research assignment.

Lecture Notes: Students registering for class 10363 must also register for .
10345
Dobson Campus

LS 205
In-Person
Lab
01/20/2027 – 05/14/2027
We
7:30 AM – 10:20 AM

Open

15 of 24
Seats Available

Notes: Low-Textbook-Cost Class: The total cost of the required materials for this course is $40 or less.

Open Educational Resources (OER) are learning, teaching, and research materials in any format and medium that reside in the public domain or have an open license copyright that permits no-cost access, re-use, re-purpose, retention, redistribution, and adaptation by others.

Students get hands-on experience doing an original research assignment.

Lecture Notes: Students registering for class 10345 must also register for .
11502
Online (On Your Time)
Lab
01/19/2027 – 05/14/2027

Open

11 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.

Low-Textbook-Cost Class: The total cost of the required materials for this course is $40 or less.

Open Educational Resources (OER) are learning, teaching, and research materials in any format and medium that reside in the public domain or have an open license copyright that permits no-cost access, re-use, re-purpose, retention, redistribution, and adaptation by others.

Class 11502 A lab kit must be purchased from Home Science Tools https://www.homesciencetools.com/product/mcc-hybrid-bio-181-kit/

Lecture Notes: Students registering for class 11502 must also register for .
11510
Online (On Your Time)
Lab
01/19/2027 – 05/14/2027

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.

Open Educational Resources (OER) are learning, teaching, and research materials in any format and medium that reside in the public domain or have an open license copyright that permits no-cost access, re-use, re-purpose, retention, redistribution, and adaptation by others.

Low-Textbook-Cost Class: The total cost of the required materials for this course is $40 or less.

A lab kit must be purchased from Home Science Tools https:/ www.homesciencetools.com/product/mcc-hybrid-bio-181-kit/

Lecture Notes: Students registering for class 11510 must also register for .
BIO292UR Biology Undergraduate Research 1 Credits

Provides students with group and/or individualized undergraduate research opportunities under faculty supervision in order to maximize student development. Appropriate research facilities and equipment are made available for student use.

Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor, or Department or Division Chair.
Section Location Delivery Dates Days Times Availability
12388
Dobson Campus

LS 205
In-Person
Lab
01/22/2027 – 05/14/2027
Fr
9:00 AM – 11:50 AM

Closed

Notes: Class 12388 Provides students with group and/or individualized undergraduate research opportunities under faculty supervision in order to maximize student development. Appropriate research facilities and equipment are made available for student use.
Enrollment is ONLY by permission of the instructor.

Students get hands-on experience doing an original research assignment.
BIO298AC Special Projects 3 Credits

Organized and tailored around the interests and needs of the individual student. Structured to provide an atmosphere of individualized research and study paralleled by professional expertise and guidance. Professional-type facilities and equipment available for student use. Allows the best aspects of independent study and individualized learning to be combined to maximize student development.

Prerequisites: Permission of Program Director or Instructor.
Section Location Delivery Dates Days Times Availability
30659
Dobson Campus

LS 205
In-Person
Lab
01/22/2027 – 05/14/2027
Fr
9:00 AM – 11:50 AM

Closed

Spring Flex Start 2027

BIO181 General Biology (Majors) I 4 Credits

The study and principles of structure and function of organisms at the molecular and cellular levels. A detailed exploration of the chemistry of life, the cell, and genetics.

Prerequisites: A grade of C or better in RDG100, or RDG100LL, or higher, or eligibility for CRE101. One year of high school or one semester of college-level biology and chemistry is strongly recommended.
General Education Designations: Natural Sciences [NSI], Natural Sciences Quantitative [SQ]
Section Location Delivery Dates Days Times Availability
10344
Dobson Campus

LS 205
In-Person
Lab
01/25/2027 – 05/14/2027
Mo
7:30 AM – 10:20 AM

Open

11 of 24
Seats Available

Notes: Low-Textbook-Cost Class: The total cost of the required materials for this course is $40 or less.

Open Educational Resources (OER) are learning, teaching, and research materials in any format and medium that reside in the public domain or have an open license copyright that permits no-cost access, re-use, re-purpose, retention, redistribution, and adaptation by others.

Students get hands-on experience doing an original research assignment.

Lecture Notes: Students registering for class 10344 must also register for .

Degrees & Awards

Degrees:

Post-doctoral studies (Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 2019)

Ph.D. Environmental Life Sciences (Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 2016)

Master in Sciences and Bio-Monitoring Technologies (University of Studies of Genova, Italy, 2006)

B.S. Biology (University of Studies Milano-Bicocca, Italy, 2004)

 

 

 

 

 

 

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