Information for Biology Students

This page contains general information useful for Biology students.

• Because most courses include online components, students are expected to have access to adequate technology, which include:
  • A Macintosh, iOS or PC (Windows) device with audio and video capability
  • A reliable Internet connection - High speed broadband access is highly recommended for the optimal learning experience.
    • Minimum bandwidth: 0.6 Mbps (up/down); recommended: 1.5 Mbps (up/down).
    • Check your Internet bandwidth using Speedtest.
  • Software needs:
    • Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) or equivalent. You can get a free subscription to Microsoft Office 365
    • Internet browser
    • pdf reader
    • Some courses may have specific software needs
  • Student Guide to Getting Started with VIU Technology
  • System check for VIULearn
• Please make sure to check your email regularly because this is the main mode of communication from the university, VIU Registration and your instructors. We recommend that you check email at least once each day while taking courses and every few days outside of school time
• Many instructors use VIULearn Announcements to communicate course information, which you can receive via email. However, it’s important that you set up VIULearn to send you notification emails. See instructions below.

Setting Up VIULearn Email Notifications

1. Log in to VIULearn
2. Click on your name at the top right of the VIULearn header
3. Select Account Settings followed by the Email tab
4. Under Forwarding Options at the bottom of the page, check the box for “Forward incoming messages to an alternate email account” and make sure that the address in the "Forwarding Email Address" box is correct and current
5. Select the Forward and mark read in the Inbox folder option
6. Click the Save and Close button
7. Click on your name at the top right of the VIULearn header
8. Select Notifications
9. Under Instant Notifications, make sure to check the boxes for "Announcements - announcement updated” and “Announcements - new announcement available”
10. You can also check the boxes for any other items for which you would like to receive email notifications (e.g. “Assignments - assignment feedback released”, “Grades - grade item released”)
11. Click the Save button