Life Science I (for non-science majors) Syllabus for 2011-2012
Return to Syllabus List

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-1308-005 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

\N

Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 3 lec)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

 Hoefnagels, Marielle.  2012.  Biology: Concepts and Investigations.  2^nded.  McGraw-Hill inc. New York.

Porter D. and Hines, T.  2003.  Life Science 1: Lab Manual. B & C Publishing, Amarillo, TX. 

Supplies

You will need your Text book, lab notes, general class supplies and a willingness to learn. 

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

 

CLASS CONDUCT

Class disruptions will not be tolerated.  Disruptions include talking during lecture/lab, texting, harassment, or any other action deemed disruptive by the instructor.  If you disturb class you will be asked to leave.  If disruptions continue, other disciplinary actions may be taken by the instructor.

 

SCHOLASTIC DISHONESTY (cheating)

Cheating will not be tolerated.  If you are caught cheating you will receive a zero for the exam and will be prosecuted further to the extent of the student handbook and could include but not limited to expulsion from the class.

 

CAMPUS POLICE

For help, call the campus police at 371-5163

 

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

If a student is having a problem with the course policies or with the instructor, he or she should first try and resolve many such problems with the instructor.  If the problem is not resolved, the student may proceed to the Sciences Department Chairperson (Dr. Kathy Wetzel), the Division of Sciences and Engineering Chairperson (Mr. Jack Stanley), the Associate Vice President for instruction (Dr. Lowery Hart), or the college President (Dr. Matney), In that order.

 

FOOD AND DRINK

You may bring drinks into class however; if you spill something please clean up after yourself.  No drinks or food are allowed during lab.

 

CELL PHONES AND PAGERS

Cell phones and pagers are not prohibited, however please be considerate of others.  Please keep all cell phones and pagers on silent or vibrate mode.  If it is essential that you answer the call please step outside the classroom to complete the call.  Phones will be turned off before an exam or quiz.  Absolutely no calls shall be taken during a quiz or exam.  This will result in a grade of zero on that quiz or exam.  All phones/books/bags/purses/exc. will be placed at the front of the room on examination days and can be picked back up after the testing time is over. 

Grading Criteria

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.

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

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

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)

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.

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

There will be quizzes and additional assignments made during the semester.  These will be both online and inclass assignments.  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.  If you miss a class, check with your instructor for missed work. The lowest grade from this category will be DROPPED.

 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).

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).

 

MISSING AN EXAMINATION

If you know you are going to not be able to attend class on an exam day, let me know ahead of time and a test will be placed in the testing center.  You will be allowed until the day of the exam to take the test.  You must be on time for class.  If you are late to an exam you only have until the allotted time to take the exam.  During quizzes, if you arrive after the quiz has been handed out you will not be allowed to take the quiz.

 

GRADING

            Grades will not be curved.

            90% to 100% = A

            80% -89% = B

            70%-79% = C

            60%-69% = D

            Below 60% = F

            Points will be rounded at a .5 level.  Grades below .5 are not elevated. 

Attendance

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

 

A grade of W will be given for a student initiated drop or withdrawal on or before April 19, 2012.

After that date a student may not drop the class without the permission from the Biology Department.  The student must petition the biology department for this to occur. 

Calendar

Additional Information

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

If you have a health condition such as asthma or diabetes please inform me of your condition and any actions that should be taken in the case of an emergency.  For example if you have an epinephrine or glycogen shoot that must be administered.

COMPUTER LAB

The computer lab is located in the CAI lab on the second floor of the library.  Lab hours are monday through Thursday, 8:00ap to 8:50 p.m.:Friday, 8:00 a. m. to 4:50 p.m.; Sunday, 2:00 p.m. to 5:50 p.m.  When using the computer lab, please be sure that you log in and out at the entrance of the lab

BIOLOGY STUDY CENTER

The biology study center is located in room 109 of the sciences building.  Check office door for hours.

DISCLAIMER

The course will adhere to the content of this syllabus.  In the event of unforeseen circumstances the instructor may change the syllabus.  The student s will be notified if changes are made.