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

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Course

BIOL-1408-001 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

(4 sem hrs; 3 lec, 2 lab)

Class Type

Online Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

Biology: Concepts and Investigations. 2nd Edition 2012. Hoefnagels.

Supplies

\ Computer access with reliable internet capabilities,  Free down loads such as Shockwave, Acrobat Reader, Adobe QuickTime, PowerPoint Viewer, etc.

Student Performance

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\ 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.
\ 1. 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

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 Mathematics, Sciences, and Engineering Chairperson, 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.

FINAL GRADE CHANGES:The final grade turned into the registrar office will not be changed unless approved by full time Biology Faculty Committee. Request must be in writing.

TEST RULES: Do nothing which would appear to involve cheating.  Failure to abide by the test rule will result in a grade of zero.  If you believe that an exam or assignment has been graded incorrectly, please email a written explanation which must include: 1) the number of the question you wish to have reconsidered, 2) the question, and 3) a detailed explanation of the mistake and documentation for the correct answer. (include page number)
QUIZ - You will get two attempts on lecture quizzes and one attempt on laboratory quizzes.  The best score will be recorded.  If a problem occurs during a quiz ( example: loss of internet connection, computer lock up, or you simply forgot to submit it) you will have only one attempt.  If the instructor decides to resets the quiz, you will have only one attempt.  You will get only one reset on a quiz or exam per semester for any reason. Also you must finish within the allotted time frame.  Failure to comply with this rule will result in a decreased score (10 points /min over) on the quiz.
EXAMS - You will get only one attempt. If a problem occurs during an exam contact your instructor immediately.  The instructor will reset only one exam due to a technical problem or any other reason.  After the one reset any other problems will result in a zero on that assessment and it will be your drop.  If your computer or connection is weak. please use a reliable computer or connection.  Also you must finish within the allotted time frame.  Failure to comply with this rule will result in a decreased score (10 points /min over) on the exam.

WAITING UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE: If you wait until the last minute to complete assignment, quizzes, or exams, you are guaranteeing you will have computer problems.  Completing  assignments in advance will assure technology working as planned.

CHANGING YOUR DEFAULT EMAIL ADDRESS: If you want to recieve responses to your emails from the instructor, then you must follow the instructions in the introduction to the course to change your default email address.  The defaut in your acmail account.  The instructor will respond to your emails but if you have not changed your default email then you will miss the response.  You will then send a nasty email to the instructor that this is the third time I have tried to email you and have not gotten a respone, but if you check your email you will see the instructor has responded to all three eamils.

Grading Criteria

EVALUATION : Exams will count for 80% and Quizzes and Homework will count 20%of the course grade.

GRADING: Grades will not be curved and NO extra credit.
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: 80% of the total grade for the semester.
Four exams, 50 questions (multiple choice, fill in the blank, and short answer). The exam material will come from the lecture outlines, textbook readings, lab assignments, lab readings, web readings, and other assignments.  One exam grade will be dropped (See Final Exam Option). If you MISS the due date and time for an exam for any reason, a grade of zero will be assigned for that exam and that will be your drop for the semester. NO MAKE-UPS or extra time will be given for any reason on any EXAM. 
Most Exams will be due by 11:55 PM on Tuesdays. (except Exam 3 & 4)

FINAL EXAM: part of the exam category
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 textbook, labs, websites or other notes.  100 questions. 

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).

QUIZZES AND ADDITIONAL ASSIGNMENTS: 20% of the total grade for the semester.
There will be quizzes and additional assignments made weekly during the semester. The quizzes will be fill-in-the-blank, multiple choice, labeling, and/or short answer.  The lowest grade from this category will also be dropped.
If you MISS the DUE DATE and TIME for any quiz or assignment, a grade of zero will be assigned for that quiz or assignment and that will be your drop for the semester.
NO MAKE-UPS or extra time will be given for any reason on any quiz or assignment, so Please DO NOT ASK.  IMPORTANT!! Most quizzes and exams will be due by 11:55 PM on Tuesdays.

LAB DOCUMENTATION: Part of the Quiz Category.
You will have to submit photo documentation of several labs.  The instructor will post what items must be in the pictures to get credit for the lab.  See the lab documentation dropboxes. 

COURSE CALENDAR:
Check the course calendar daily for due dates and any modifications to due dates.  

Attendance

\ ATTENDANCE: Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement, therefore it is the responsibility of the student to attend each class and complete all online sessions.

Calendar

Additional Information

EMAIL: The instructor will check email Monday - Thursday by 5:00 PM.  Emails after 5:00PM  will be checked the following day.  The instructor will try to respond within 24 hours, except on Fridays and week ends. Remember instructors have other responsibilities.  Be patient.

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