Integrated Biology Syllabus for 2011-2012
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Instructor Information

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disAbility Services (Student Service Center room 119, phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.

Statement for Mental Health and Advocacy & Resource Center:

As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

Amarillo College Tutoring for Success Policy:

Administrative Drop Policy

N/A

Student Withdrawal Procedures

N/A

Privacy Statement

The Amarillo College Privacy Policy is found at https://www.actx.edu/-amarillo-college-privacy-notice , and applies to all Amarillo College students.  If you have questions about this privacy statement or you believe that your personal information has been released without your consent, send email to humanresources@actx.edu .

Course

BIOL-2374-001 Integrated Biology

Prerequisites

Course Description

Preparation for elementary and middle school teachers of science to supplement science knowledge and increase confidence levels of science instruction. Hands-on activities and survey of topics in biology which will include structure and systems, energy transformations, change over time, interactions and scientific world view.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 2 lec, 4 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

 

TEXTBOOKS: None.

Supplies

Required materials: Calculator, notebook, pens, colored pencils, highlighters

Student Performance

PURPOSE AND GOALS OF THE COURSE: By the end of the semester the student will have satisfactorily completed all learning objectives with a minimum of 60% competency level based on the completion of all assignments.

PERFORMANCE AND LEARNING OBJECTIVES: (MINIMUM COMPETENCIES)

These may be altered based on the TEKS need assessment

1. Describe the biological organizational levels from chemical aspects through the biosphere.

2. Describe the scientific method and its uses.

3. Describe the components and functions of both plant and animal cells.

4. Explain organismal, physical, chemical, and enzymatic energetics.

5. Give a detailed analysis of the cell cycle and its relation to mitosis and meiosis.

6. Describe the principles of inheritance.

7. Discuss the principle and history of evolution.

8. Explain all the similarities and dissimilarities of the different kingdoms.

9. Discuss plant structure, growth, and reproduction.

10. List and explain the relationships among the organ systems of animals.

11. Others indicated by the TEKS needs assessment

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

TELEPHONES/PAGERS: It is the policy of the Biology Department that cell phones and pagers must be turned off or in the silent mode in the classroom and the computer lab. If a student gets a phone call during class he/she will NOT answer it during class time unless prior approval of the instructor. Please be considerate of others. No cell phones are to be on or visibly present during assessment times (exams) I would ask you to show common courtesy for your fellow students and your instructor and either turn off phones, or place on “silent” mode during class. If you have a pressing need, please excuse yourself quietly and take care of it. No cells phones out in sight or on at all, when exam forms are present in class. Be aware of the following consequence if your phone rings and violates the cell phone policy when in class. Classroom Cell Phone Policy that Builds Community (read this!!)

CHEATING: Do not give any indication of cheating. This involves talking during exams, use of notes, cell phones, texting, and the like. Suspected cheating on any assessment will result in a zero for the grade and possible expulsion (removal) from the class.

FOOD/DRINK:

You may bring food and drink into lecture, just please nothing noisy or distracting. Make sure any drinks have lids or caps.

Grading Criteria

EXAMS: 45% of the total grade for the semester. Three or four exams consisting of approximately 60 questions (m/c, fib, labeling and/or short answer). The mini blue book scantron form or AC Online (Angel LMS format) will be used for these exams.

PRESENTATION and/or CLASS PROJECTS: 10% of the total grade for the semester.

These will be assigned during the semester. The grading criteria will be outlined in the assignment rubric.

ATTENDANCE and PARTICIPATION: 5% of the total grade for the semester.

You will be required to attend each lecture and laboratory period in its entirety and you must participate in all class activities. Failure to meet these requirements will decrease your score in this category by 4 points per incidence.

FINAL EXAM: 20% of the total grade for the semester. Comprehensive. It will cover all the material for the semester. Approx. 100 questions scantron (multiple choice, fill in the blank, and short answer). The mini blue book scantron form or delivery through AC Online (Angel LMS) will be used for this exam.

LECTURE and LABORATORY QUIZZES, HOMEWORK: 20% of the total grade for the semester. There will be approx.10-12 quizzes and/or homework assignments. Quizzes will be 5 to 20 questions each. They will be m/c, FIB, or labeling. These will be given at either the beginning or the end of lecture or laboratory. One quiz grade OR one homework grade will be dropped. If you MISS or COME IN LATE or LEAVE EARLY to any quiz for any reason, a grade of zero will be assigned for that quiz and that will be your drop for the semester. If you MISS the DUE DATE and TIME for any homework assignment, a grade of zero will be assigned for that homework and that will be your drop for the semester. NO MAKE-UPS will be given for any reason on any exam, quiz, or homework assignment, so Please DO NOT ASK.

Attendance

ATTENDANCE POLICY: There is much information to be covered during the semester; therefore, the student should be prepared to attend class regularly and keep up with the assignments. If you stop attending class and do not officially drop the course, you will receive an “F” for the course. A grade of “W” will be given for student-initiated drops or withdrawals on or before the scheduled drop date. There will be no MAKE UPS on assignments, quizzes, or exams past the posted deadline, so please do not ask.

Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement. Therefore, it is the student’s responsibility to attend class.

Calendar

Additional Information

COMMUNICATION: Important class information and updates will be posted in AC Online (Angel LMS) or announced during class times.

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE: If a student is having a problem with the course policies or the instructor, he or she should first try and resolve any such problems with the instructor.  If the problem is not resolved, the student may proceed to the Department of Mathematics, Sciences, and Engineering Chair (Dr. Wetzel), the Dean of Instruction, and the college President, IN THAT ORDER.

SAFETY: The student will be expected to follow the safety rules and to notify the instructor immediately if any accident occurs. While the risk is minimized as much as possible, there is the potential for contact with electrical appliances, heating elements, sharp instruments, chemicals, and organic materials, some of which may be biohazards. Any student deemed to be jeopardizing the safety of others will be asked to leave. MSDS sheets will be kept in a notebook on the desk in SCI 114. AC Police 371-5163

WEATHER CLOSING POLICY:

If Amarillo College campuses are closed because of inclement weather, an official announcement will be made through all local television stations and KGNC radio. The message will also be posted on the college website and the College’s main telephone number (806) 371 5000.

Morning closings will be announced by 6:30 a.m. The decision to close or change evening classes will be made by 3:00 p.m. If a decision to cancel classes or close a campus is made during the day, students will be notified through the media and website. If no announcement is made, the College is open as normally scheduled.

Please listen closely to weather announcements as one campus may be closed while others remain open.

GRADING: Grades are not curved. There may be the possibility of an extra credit opportunity for the equivalent of a quiz grade.

89.5 - 100 = A

79.5 - 89.4 = B

69.5 - 79.4 = C

59.5 - 69.4 = D

Below 59.5 = F

BIOLOGY STUDY CENTER: Hours will be posted in each class room.

SCIENCES COMPUTER LAB: Library 2nd Floor Learning Commons Hours will be posted in each class room.

IMPORTANT DATES:

August 22        Classes begin

Sept 5              Labor Day Holiday                  (No School!)  

Sept 12            9/11 Event on Campus

Nov 8              Register for Spring 2011

Nov 16             Last Day to Withdraw

Nov 24- 27      Thanksgiving Holiday             (No School!)

Dec 5-9           Final Exams

I reserve the right to amend this syllabus at anytime during the semester