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Life Science I (for non-science majors) Syllabus for 2011-2012
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Instructor Information

Instructor

Dale McCurdy (Curriculum Vitae)

E-Mail

Phone

Phone number not available

Office Location

Office Hours

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-1308-005 Life Science I (for non-science majors)

Prerequisites

Course Description

An overview of biological concepts and how they relate to the individual, the community and the world. Emphasis is placed on cell biology, genetics and evolution.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

Hybrid

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

\ Biology: Concepts and Investigations. 2nd ed. Hoefnagels, 2012

Supplies

Pen, pencil, composition notebook, highlighter, colored pencils, 3 Scantron Mini Essay Books (Form No. 886-E) Students are expected to have access to a computer with Internet access.

 

Student Performance

STUDENT PERFORMANCE, COMPETENCIES AND OBJECTIVES: After studying the material presented in this course of study, the student will be able to do the following as evaluated by the faculty in the department.

  1. Explain the basic principles of evolution.
  2. Describe the difference between a hypothesis and a theory.
  3. Describe and utilize the scientific method.
  4. Describe the biological organizational levels from chemical aspects through the biosphere.
  5. Discuss the characteristics of living organisms.
  6. Discuss basic chemistry and how its applies to living systems.
  7. Describe the components and functions of plant and animal cells.
  8. Explain structure and function of enzymes.
  9. Discuss the process of cellular respiration, fermentation, and photosynthesis.
  10. Describe DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis and the relationship between them.
  11. Give a detailed analysis of the cell cycle, to include all phases of mitosis as well as cell cycle regulation.
  12. Describe the process of meiosis and explain how it functions in genetics.
  13. Discuss the basic principles of Mendelian genetics and heredity.
  14. Discuss current biotechnology techniques and the benefits to man.
  15. Discuss other current issues in biology.

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

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 Biological Sciences Chairperson, the Division of Sciences and Engineering Chairperson, the Associate Vice President of Instruction, Vice President of Academic Affairs, and the College President, IN THAT ORDER.

WITHDRAW: A grade of "W" will be given for drops or withdraws on or before the published official withdraw date.  You may not drop or withdraw after that date.

 TELEPHONES/PAGERS: Please have phones off or place on “silent” mode during class. Please do not text or take calls during class. If an urgent message or call is received and needs immediate reply, please quietly leave the classroom to respond.

FOOD/DRINK:  Please do not bring food into the classroom. Drinks brought into the classroom must have a secure lid.
 

Grading Criteria

GRADING: .
89.5 - 100 = A
79.5 - 89.4 = B
69.5 - 79.4 = C
59.5 - 69.4 = D
00.0 - 59.4 = F

EXAMS: 60%Three (3) exams will be administered.  Exams will consist of questions in multiple choice, matching, and short answer format.  Questions will come from materials discussed in class, online assignments, and reading assignments. Students will use the Scantron mini-essay book (Form No. 886-E) for exams. Alternate assessment methods may be used at the instructor's discretion. Exams cannot be made up. 

CLASS ACTIVITIES (In-class and Online): 20%Weekly in-class and online assignments will be conducted in class and/or posted in AC Online (Angel LMS). In-class and online activities cannot be made up.  Late arrivals or early departure may result in lower grades for class activities.

INDIVIDUAL AND TEAM PROJECTS:20% One (1) individual project and one (1) team project will be administered. Details will be discussed in class and/or posted in AC Online (Angel LMS).  Late projects are not accepted.

FINAL EXAM: Team presentation, included in individual and team projects category. Date posted on course calendar.

The instructor reserves the right to make exceptions to late and make-up policy. If an exception is granted, maximum points may be limited (example: 70% maximum grade).
 

Attendance

Students are expected to be on time and attend all classes. Students should check AC Online (Angel LMS) weekly for class assignments and announcements. In-class activities cannot be made up.  Late arrivals or early departure may result in lower grades for class activities.

Calendar

  

Date Day Module Chapters BIOL1308 Topics
22-Aug Mon I   Introduction Part I
24-Aug Wed     Introduction Part II
29-Aug Mon     Module I Online 
31-Aug Wed II 1 Module I Class 
5-Sep Mon     Labor Day No Class
7-Sep Wed   2 Module II Class 
12-Sep Mon     Module II Online 
14-Sep Wed     Modules I-II Review
19-Sep Mon   1-2 Module I-II Assessment
21-Sep Wed III   Review Module I-II, Intro Module III-IV
26-Sep Mon   3 Module III Online 
28-Sep Wed     Project Discussion
3-Oct Mon   3 Module III Class 
5-Oct Wed IV 4 Module III Class 
10-Oct Mon     Online Day
12-Oct Wed   4 Module III Class
17-Oct Mon   5,6 Module IV Class
19-Oct Wed     Review Modules III-IV
24-Oct Mon   3-6 Module III-IV Assessment
26-Oct Wed     Review Grades, Learning Team, Intro Ch 7
31-Oct Mon   7 Module V Online
2-Nov Wed   7 Module V Class
7-Nov Mon   7 Module V Class
9-Nov Wed   7/8 Movdule V Class
14-Nov Mon   8 Module VI Class
16-Nov Wed   8/9 Module VI Class
21-Nov Mon   10 Module VI Class
23-Nov Wed     Group Presentation Work Time
28-Nov Mon   7-10 Module V-VI Review
30-Nov Wed     Module V-VI Assessment
5-Dec Mon     Finals Week No Class
7-Dec Wed     9:00-11:00 Final (Team Presentations)

Additional Information

The instructor reserves the right to amend the course syllabus during the semester.

Syllabus Created on:

11/30/-1 12:00 AM

Last Edited on:

11/30/-1 12:00 AM