Life Science I (for non-science majors) 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-1308-002 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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Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

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\ TEXTBOOKS:     Biology: Concepts and Investigations. 2^nd Edition, Hoefnagels, 2009

Supplies

\ SUPPLIES:   Computer access with high-speed internet connection.  Pens, pencils, calculator, notebook, highlighter

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.

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\ 1. Explain the basic principles of evolution.

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\ 2. Describe the difference between a hypothesis and a theory.

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\ 3. Describe and utilize the scientific method.

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\ 4. Describe the biological organizational levels from chemical aspects through the biosphere.

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\ 5. Discuss the characteristics of living organisms.

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\ 6. Discuss basic chemistry and how it applies to living systems.

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\ 7. Describe the components and functions of plant and animal cells.

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\ 8. Explain structure and function of enzymes.

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\ 9. Discuss the process of cellular respiration, fermentation, and photosynthesis.

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\ 10. Describe DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis and the relationship between them.

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\ 11. Give a detailed analysis of the cell cycle, to include all phases of mitosis as well as cell cycle regulation.

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\ 12. Describe the process of meiosis and explain how it functions in genetics.

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\ 13. Discuss the basic principles of Mendelian genetics and heredity.

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\ 14. Discuss current biotechnology techniques and the benefits to man.

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\ 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

\ 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, 371- 5436, as soon as possible.  You must have a completed Accommodation form before any special accommodation will be provided.

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\ COMMUNICATION: Important class information and updates will be posted in AC Online (Angel

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\ LMS) or announced during class times.

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\ GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE:

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\ 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.

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\ 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

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\ 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!!)

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\ 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.

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

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\ 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 Criteria

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

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\ 89.5 - 100 = A      

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\ 79.5 - 89.4 = B

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\ 69.5 - 79.4 = C

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\ 59.5 - 69.4 = D

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\ Below 59.5 = F

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\ 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.

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\ REQUIRED EXAMINATION:  A minimum of 4 lecture exams, and a comprehensive final exam.

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\ EXAMS:  80% of the total grade for the semester.

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\ Lecture material will be combined into four (4) exams. Approx. 60 questions scantron (multiple choice, fill in the blank, and short answer). The majority of exam material will come from the lecture notes and assignments, but some material can come from the text book and other assigned material.  The Mini Essay Book (Scantron) form will be used for all exams. One major exam grade will be dropped. (See Final Exam Option)

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\ If you MISS or COME IN LATE to an exam for any reason, a grade of zero will be assigned for that exam.   NO MAKE-UPS for any reason on any EXAM.

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\ QUIZZES, ONLINE, AND ADDITIONAL ASSIGNMENTS: 20% of the total grade for the semester.

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\ There will be quizzes and additional assignments made during the semester. Most assignments will be online. In class quizzes will be unannounced and will range from 5-30 questions.  These will be given at the beginning, at the end of lecture class, or online. The quizzes will be fill-in-the-blank, multiple choice, labeling, and/or short answer. Assignments and online quizzes will be made one week prior to the due date.  If you miss a class, check with your instructor for missed work. The lowest grade from this category will be DROPPED.

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\  FINAL EXAM: Comprehensive. It will cover everything from the beginning of the semester and some material will come from previous exams and the rest comes from the text or other notes. 100 questions.  (regular scantron form).

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\ FINAL EXAM OPTION:  If you take all four (4) lecture exams and you are satisfied with your grade prior to the final exam, you can elect to use your final exam grade as the drop grade INSTEAD of one of the lecture exams. (Remember NO MAKE - UPS on exams).

Attendance

\ ATTENDANCE:  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

\ IMPORTANT DATES: 

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\             Jan 17                        Classes begin

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\             Mar 12-17                  Spring Break

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\             April 6                        Easter Holiday

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\             April 15                      Honors Convocation

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\             April 19                      Last Day to Withdraw

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\             May 7-10                    Final Exams

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\             May 11                       Graduation

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