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

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Office Hours

Course Information

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N/A

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Course

BIOL-1108-007 Life Science Lab I (lab for non-science majors)

Prerequisites

Course Description

Hands on, collaborative and interactive laboratory experiments in cell biology and genetics. Recommended to be taken with BIOL 1308.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(1 sem hr; 2 lab)

Class Type

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Web Based Life Science I Lab Manual Biol 1108, Leslie Harman

This lab manual has a bright green cover.

Supplies

\ Life Science Lab kit for Leslie Harman (available in the Amarillo College Bookstore).

\ This lab kit contains items which would be difficult for the student to purchase or supplies that are needed in lim

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. Describe the metric system and demonstrate conversions within the International System and conversion of Standard English System measurements to SI.
2. Describe the difference between a hypothesis and a theory.
3. Describe the steps of the scientific method and how to generate hypotheses.
4. Describe the structure and function of the microscope, to include TEM and SEM.
5. Discuss the basic chemistry of living organisms, to include pH, buffers, and properties of water.
6. Describe the components and functions of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
7. Describe the characteristics of cellular membranes, to include active and passive transport mechanisms.
8. Explain enzymatic energetics, to include the laws of thermodynamics, endothermic, and exothermic reactions.
9. Describe the properties of the different photosynthetic pigments and the importance of each in the biochemical pathway.
10. Give a detailed analysis of the cell cycle, to include the stages of mitosis and meiosis.
11. Discuss the basic principles of Mendelian genetics, to include the laws of dominance, independent assortment, and segregation; and predict genetic outcome probabilities. 12. Describe the structure of DNA and how it is related to genetics.
13. Compare and contrast the process of DNA Fingerprinting and DNA profiling.
14. Discuss current issues and techniques in biotechnology, to include micropipetting, DNA extraction, and electrophoresis.

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

Grading Criteria

Two major examinations will be given during the semester. The average of these exams will count as 50% of the average. Lab exams will test the students knowledge and applications of the lab material. The remaining 50% will consist of lab reports counting as 20% and quizzes counting as 30%.

Quizzes will be given weekly. More than one quiz may be taken in summer classes.The lowest quiz grade will be dropped before averaging. The average of quizzes will count as 30% of the average.NO MAKEUP EXAMS WILL BE GIVEN. GRADING: Grades will not be curved. 89.5 - 1 = A 79.5 - 89.4 = B 69.5 - 79.4 = C 59.5 - 69.4 = D

NO MAKEUP EXAMS OR QUIZZES WILL BE GIVEN.

Attendance

Students may need to work on this class all days of the week (Su, M, Tu, W, Th, F, Sa).

Calendar

Each week you will be required to complete lab assignments and take quizzes over the labs. You will be responsible for preparing your own labs, performing your own labs, answering lab questions, reading additional information if necessary to understand concepts, and taking timed quizzes. It may take some students longer than two hours per week to complete labs.

Two major exams will be given. One will be given as a mid-term approximately half way through the semester. The second one will be given as a final exam.

See class calendar for outline.

Summer classes will be required to perform more than one lab per week.

Additional Information